The manner of death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam, a nearly blind refugee who didn’t speak English, has been determined to be a homicide, according to the Erie County Medical Examiner’s Office. Shah Alam was found dead in February in New York state days after being left outside a coffee shop by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers.

Cause and Manner of Death

Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz announced Wednesday that the cause of death was “complications of a perforated ulcer precipitated by hypothermia and dehydration.” He clarified that the cause of death refers to the initiating disease or injury in a lethal sequence of events. Due to state law, the full autopsy report cannot be publicly released, Poloncarz stated.

Medical Details

Dr. Gale Burstein, Erie County Commissioner of Health, explained that Shah Alam suffered a “stress ulcer” that ruptured. She emphasized this is a medical emergency if not promptly treated. Burstein noted Shah Alam experienced “severe stress” due to hypothermia, dehydration, and lack of access to liquids.

Homicide Designation Explained

Burstein clarified that the homicide designation signifies death resulting from the actions or inactions of another, but does not imply intent or criminality. The determination of criminality falls under the jurisdiction of the judicial system. Officials declined to comment on whether CBP’s actions contributed to Shah Alam’s death.

Official Reactions

New York Attorney General Letitia James stated that Shah Alam “fled genocide to build a life in this country” only to be “abandoned and left to suffer alone.” Her office is continuing its review of the circumstances surrounding his death. Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan called Shah Alam’s death preventable and a “dereliction of duty” by CBP.

CBP's Account

CBP stated that the Buffalo Police Department alerted them to a noncitizen in their custody on February 19th. They determined Shah Alam entered the U.S. as a refugee in December 2024 and was “not amenable to removal.” Agents offered him a ride to a coffee shop, considered a warm and safe location near his last known address, instead of releasing him directly from the station.

According to CBP, Shah Alam showed no signs of distress or disabilities requiring special assistance. The agency did not respond to inquiries about whether his family or friends were notified of his release or his country of origin.

Family's Perspective

Mohamad Faisal, one of Shah Alam’s children, told Reuters that nobody informed them of his father’s release or drop-off location. The family are Rohingya refugees from Myanmar. Dr. Burstein expressed sympathy for the family, acknowledging the added burden of national and international attention.