Officials rule Haitian asylum seeker's death a homicide
AP News • • nation
Key Points:
- The Allegheny County Medical Examiner ruled the death of Haitian asylum seeker Daphy Michel a homicide due to hypothermia after being found at a Pittsburgh bus shelter days after her release from federal custody.
- Michel, who suffered from severe mental health issues and a language barrier, was released by ICE in winter clothing unsuitable for the weather, leading to her fatal exposure.
- Her family’s attorney plans to sue Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), alleging negligence in her care and release conditions.
- ICE denies responsibility, stating Michel died three days after their encounter and that she had belongings and transportation available upon release; they also reported difficulties obtaining information from local officials.
- Local officials and lawmakers condemned the death as preventable and criticized recent changes ending ICE’s reporting of deaths within 30 days post-release, which may obscure the true number of such incidents.