ICE Release Leads to Homicide Ruling in Woman's Death

WHO:

ABC News - Daphy Michel, a 31-year-old woman from Haiti seeking asylum in the U.S.

AP News - Joseph Patrick Murphy, attorney representing Michel's family.

AP News - Lauren Bis, spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security.

AP News - Sara Innamorato, Allegheny County Executive.

AP News - Summer Lee, U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania.

WHAT:

ABC News - Michel's death was ruled a homicide by the Allegheny County Medical Examiner's Office.

AP News - Michel died from hypothermia, which was determined to be a homicide, indicating actions of another individual contributed to her death.

AP News - Michel was found at a bus shelter in Pittsburgh.

AP News - Michel was granted humanitarian parole based on urgent humanitarian need.

AP News - Michel's family is expected to sue Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in connection with her death.

WHERE:

ABC News - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

AP News - Washington County Jail, where Michel spent six months.

WHEN:

AP News - Michel died on March 2.

AP News - Michel was released from ICE custody on February 27.

AP News - A hearing for Michel was scheduled for two weeks after her death.

WHY:

AP News - Michel was a vulnerable adult suffering from untreated severe mental health issues and a significant language barrier at the time of her release.

AP News - Michel had been arrested for yelling at imaginary people due to her psychiatric challenges.

HOW:

AP News - Michel was arrested, placed in removal proceedings, and then released with an ankle monitor.

AP News - Michel was left at a bus shelter in winter, inadequately dressed for the weather, leading to her hypothermia.

(UPDATED June 14, 2026 04:20 UTC)

Daphy Michel, a 31-year-old woman from Haiti seeking asylum in the U.S., was found dead at a bus shelter in Pittsburgh, with her death ruled a homicide due to hypothermia, indicating that the actions of another individual contributed to her tragic end. Michel had been granted humanitarian parole based on urgent needs but was released from ICE custody just days before her death, despite suffering from untreated severe mental health issues and a significant language barrier. Her family is expected to sue Immigration and Customs Enforcement in connection with her death, as a hearing regarding her case was scheduled for two weeks after she passed away on March 2.