A medical examiner in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania has ruled the death of a Haitian asylum seeker in Pittsburgh a homicide, after she was found dead from hypothermia days after being released from federal immigration custody. The case has sparked questions over her care, mental health support, and post-release supervision.
Found Dead at Bus Stop in Freezing Conditions
Daphy Michel, 31, was discovered dead on March 2 at a bus shelter in Pittsburgh. Authorities determined she died from hypothermia after spending time exposed to harsh winter conditions.
The Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office classified the manner of death as homicide, explaining that the term in this context means the death resulted from another person’s actions or failure to act, not necessarily a criminal offense.
Background: Immigration Case and Mental Health Concerns
Michel, originally from Haiti, entered the United States in 2022 and was seeking asylum. She was later granted humanitarian parole while awaiting immigration proceedings.
According to her family’s attorney, Joseph Patrick Murphy, Michel struggled with serious, untreated mental health conditions and faced a significant language barrier during her time in custody and after her release.
She had previously been held in jail for several months in Washington County after an arrest linked to behavior attributed to psychiatric illness. During that time, she underwent multiple mental health evaluations.
Release and Days Before Death
Michel was released from custody in late February and later transported to Pittsburgh, where she was reportedly left at a bus stop with her belongings and a charged phone.
Her attorney said she was not adequately prepared for the freezing weather, noting she was dressed for mild conditions while temperatures in the area were severe at the time.
She was found dead days later, with officials concluding that prolonged exposure to cold weather led to fatal hypothermia.
ICE Responds to Allegations
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) disputed responsibility for Michel’s death, stating she died several days after she was released from custody.
A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said Michel was provided with personal belongings and access to public transportation upon release. Officials also claimed they were not notified of her condition before her death.
ICE further stated that it only learned of her death through media reports and later recovered her electronic monitoring device with assistance from federal authorities.
Family Plans Legal Action
Michel’s family, through legal representation, is reportedly preparing to pursue legal action against ICE, arguing that her release conditions and lack of adequate support contributed to her death.
Attorney Joseph Patrick Murphy said Michel’s mental health needs and language barriers were not properly addressed, leaving her vulnerable in an unfamiliar environment during extreme winter conditions.
Officials and Lawmakers React
Local and federal officials have described the case as deeply troubling.
Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato called the situation a “tragedy” and suggested it may have been preventable with better support systems in place.
U.S. Representative Summer Lee also criticized the circumstances surrounding Michel’s death, stating she should have received proper medical care, shelter, and language assistance.
Broader Concerns Over Detention and Release Practices
The case comes amid ongoing debate over immigration detention procedures and post-release monitoring of vulnerable individuals, particularly those with mental health conditions.
Advocates argue that gaps in care and communication can leave released individuals at serious risk, especially during extreme weather conditions and without adequate social support.
