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Family of Haitian Asylum Seeker Announces Lawsuit After Hypothermia Death Following ICE Release
Just the facts
Michel died on March 2 after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement released her on February 27 in south Pittsburgh wearing summer clothing in 20-degree Fahrenheit weather. The Allegheny County Medical Examiner's Office ruled her death a homicide, citing severe untreated mental health issues and a language barrier as contributing factors. Surveillance footage recorded Michel remaining at a Pittsburgh bus shelter for approximately 24 hours before emergency responders transported her to a hospital. Michel had spent six months in the Washington County jail following an incident in Charleroi before charges were dismissed and she was transferred to federal custody. Pittsburgh police detectives opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her release and death.
Why this is news
The family of 31-year-old Haitian asylum seeker Daphy Michel announced plans to file a lawsuit against government entities following her death from hypothermia in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Attorney Joseph Murphy confirmed that legal proceedings will be initiated within weeks.
Sources
This summary is compiled strictly from the original reporting below.