Haitian Asylum Seeker Daphy Michel Died in Pittsburgh Bus Shelter After ICE Release, Hypothermia Death Ruled a Homicide

Daphy Michel came to the United States seeking safety after leaving Haiti. Instead, the 31 year old asylum seeker was found dead inside a Pittsburgh bus shelter three days after leaving federal immigration custody, a death that investigators have now ruled a homicide.

Freezing temperatures claimed her life on March 2. According to Reuters, the Allegheny County Medical Examiner's Office determined that hypothermia caused her death and classified the manner of death as homicide, concluding that another person's actions contributed to the chain of events that ended her life while noting the ruling does not establish criminal guilt.

Three days separated her release from tragedy. Michel arrived at the southern border in 2022 and received humanitarian parole because of urgent humanitarian need. A hearing tied to her asylum case was scheduled for two weeks later, but she never lived long enough to appear before a judge.

Family attorney Joseph Patrick Murphy said she struggled with severe mental health challenges and significant language barriers. Medical officials later described her as a vulnerable adult whose condition remained untreated when she left federal custody.

Murphy said Michel's relatives intend to pursue claims against Immigration and Customs Enforcement. He argues she should not have been left alone with an ankle monitor in unfamiliar surroundings during winter weather while dealing with serious personal challenges.

Department of Homeland Security officials reject that accusation. Agency representatives said Michel left custody with her belongings, a charged cellphone, and access to transportation. Federal officials maintain ICE played no role in what happened.

No criminal charges have been announced. The homicide designation means investigators determined another person's conduct contributed to the events that led to Michel's death, but prosecutors have not indicated whether a criminal prosecution will follow.

Her journey carried her from Haiti to an asylum claim in the United States. Before that hearing could take place, she spent her final days in a Pittsburgh bus shelter, leaving relatives searching for answers and preparing for a courtroom fight over how those final hours unfolded.