Defense rests in Samantha Woll murder trial

Closing statements expected July 9

DETROIT – After nearly a month of testimony and dozens of witnesses, the defense for the man accused of murdering Samantha Woll rested its case.

---> Samantha Woll’s alleged killer on trial: Watch all witness testimony here

Woll was stabbed to death at her Lafayette Park condo last October. Jackson-Bolanos was arrested a month later.

He’s now on trial for first-degree murder, home invasion and lying to a peace officer.

After Jackson-Bolanos ended his testimony Monday, July 8, the defense rested its case.

The prosecution has argued that Jackson-Bolanos lies often and he was the only person they know was at the scene of the crime that morning.

Jackson-Bolanos admits he was in the parking lot of Woll’s townhome -- security video and cellphone data put him at the scene -- but he insists he didn’t kill her. He said he was stealing items from vehicles in the neighborhood when he saw her body, checked her pulse and fled from the scene.

Closing statements are expected to take place Tuesday, July 9.


About the Authors

Local 4 Defender Shawn Ley is an Emmy award-winning journalist who has been with Local 4 News for more than a decade.

Dane Kelly is a digital producer who has been covering various Michigan news stories since 2017.

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