A coroner has classified the death of Duffy Michel, a 31-year-old Haitian asylum seeker, as a homicide after her release from federal custody. Michel was found at a Pittsburgh bus stop on March 2 after dying from hypothermia. The Allegheny County Medical Examiner noted her death resulted from the actions of another, although this does not imply criminal charges.
Originally seeking asylum in 2022, Michel was granted humanitarian parole but died just before a scheduled hearing. Her attorney, Joseph Patrick Murphy, stated she had significant untreated mental health issues and was vulnerable upon her release on February 27.
Murphy further revealed that Michel had been arrested for a minor incident related to her mental state, spending six months in jail where she underwent evaluations. Following her release, she was dropped off in winter clothing at a bus stop, where she struggled to find shelter.
Murphy plans to sue Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), arguing that her circumstances contributed to her death. An ICE spokesperson claimed the agency bore no responsibility and stated that Michel was released with essentials, though they later learned her ankle monitor was tampered with. Public officials and advocates emphasized the need for better care for such vulnerable individuals, labeling the incident a tragic failure of humanity.
Source link
