Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The New York State Attorney General's Office says it has no jurisdiction to continue its criminal investigation into the death of a Burmese refugee in Buffalo, but says its civil probe will continue.
Back on Feb. 24, 56-year-old Nural Amin Shah Alam was found dead near KeyBank Center along Perry Street in Downtown Buffalo. He had been released from the Erie County Holding Center five days earlier, and was turned over to Border Patrol agents, who reportedly dropped him off at a Tim Hortons along Niagara Street, miles from where he was later found.
At the time, Border Patrol has said Shah Alam “showed no signs of distress, mobility issues, or disabilities requiring special assistance,” but was reported missing later that day.
The Erie County Medical Examiner's Office initially ruled the death a homicide, but noted several extenuating circumstances, including an ulcer that was precipitated by hypothermia and dehydration, later clarifying "cause of death" is the disease or injury that sets off the chain of events leading to death, while the manner of death explains the circumstances around it.
The Erie County District Attorney's Office issued a statement on the determination from the State Attorney General's Office:
"The New York State Attorney General’s Office has notified District Attorney Keane of their determination. At this time, our investigation into the death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam remains ongoing. We understand the public interest in this case and will provide an update at the appropriate time.”
