Malcolm X’s daughter, Malikah Shabazz, found dead in NYC apartment: police

 Black Muslim activist Malcolm X (1925 - 1965) arrives at London Airport carrying a portable cinecamera.
Black Muslim activist Malcolm X (1925 - 1965) arrives at London Airport carrying a portable cinecamera. Photo credit Evening Standard/Getty Images)

NEW YORK (KNX) — The daughter of civil rights icon and activist Malcolm X was found dead in her New York home Monday, according to police.

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Authorities said 56-year-old Malikah Shabazz was discovered unresponsive inside her Brooklyn home on E 28th Street shortly before 4:30 p.m. Investigators, however, said it does not appear Shabazz died under suspicious circumstances.

“I’m deeply saddened by the death of #MalikahShabazz,” tweeted Bernice King, daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King. “My heart goes out to her family, the descendants of Dr. Betty Shabazz and Malcolm X.”

The city’s medical examiner dispatched to the apartment and said their office was investigating. Officials have not yet determined her cause of death.

Her death follows the exoneration of two men accused of assassinating Malcolm X. The two defendants always maintained their innocence. Khalil Islam died in 2009, while 83-year-old Muhammad Aziz spent more than 20 years in prison before being paroled in 1985.

Shabazz is survived by her twin sister Malaak. Their mother, Betty Shabazz, was pregnant with the twins when Malcolm X was murdered.

Featured Image Photo Credit: Evening Standard/Getty Images)