Judge dismisses murder case

The murder case against Michael Jackson-Bolanos, accused of killing Detroit synagogue leader Samantha Woll, collapsed after a judge dismissed the remaining charges, citing 'double jeopardy.' Judge Margaret Van Houten ruled it unconstitutional to retry Jackson-Bolanos after a jury acquitted him of first-degree premeditated murder and could not reach a unanimous verdict on felony murder. Woll, 40, was found dead outside her home in October, sparking speculation about a potential antisemitic motive, although police found no evidence linking the attack to such a motive. Jackson-Bolanos received an 18-month prison sentence for lying to police during the investigation, which was his only conviction in the case. Prosecutors plan to appeal the dismissal of the murder and home invasion charges. The case has attracted significant public interest, especially given its timing amidst heightened tensions related to the Israel-Hamas conflict.