Preliminary Hearing Reveals Evidence Linking Suspect to Samantha Woll's Murder

Cellphone Data, Surveillance Footage, and Blood Evidence Presented; Defense Argues Lack of Physical Evidence

Michael Jackson-Bolanos, 28, is accused of fatally stabbing Samantha Woll, a Jewish leader and Democratic activist, eight times in the face and neck during an Oct. 21 home invasion in Detroit's Lafayette Park neighborhood.
Cellphone data, surveillance footage, and blood evidence link Jackson-Bolanos to the crime, according to investigators' testimony in a preliminary hearing.
Jackson-Bolanos was near Woll’s home shortly before she was found dead, authorities said, citing cellphone tower data. The system also showed her front door had been left open.
Jackson-Bolanos' attorney, Brian Brown, maintains his client's innocence and argues that there is no DNA, fingerprint or other physical evidence placing Jackson-Bolanos inside Woll’s home.
The preliminary hearing is set to continue on Jan. 23, with at least four more people expected to testify.