The Erie County Medical Examiner’s Office has ruled the death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam, a 56-year-old Rohingya refugee, a homicide, citing a combination of medical and environmental factors that contributed to his death, officials said.
The medical examiner determined the cause of death was complications from a perforated duodenal ulcer, worsened by hypothermia and dehydration, and classified the manner of death as homicide. The classification reflects that another person’s actions or omissions contributed to the death; it does not establish intent to kill.
Shah Alam, who was nearly blind, spoke little English and used a cane, was found dead on a Buffalo street on Feb. 24, five days after being released by federal authorities. Surveillance video showed him walking away from a closed Tim Hortons after his release by U.S. Border Patrol agents. His family reported him missing before his body was discovered.
In a statement issued Wednesday, New York Attorney General Letitia James said, “My heart is with Nurul Amin Shah Alam’s loved ones today, as it has been since we first learned of his tragic death.”
James added that Shah Alam fled violence in his home country seeking safety in the United States, but “was abandoned and left to suffer alone in his final hours.”
James said her office continues to review the circumstances surrounding his death.
The case has prompted scrutiny of how authorities handled Shah Alam after his release. Officials have said they are continuing to examine the timeline and decisions leading up to his death.
No charges have been announced as the review remains ongoing.
