The Erie County Medical Examiner’s Office released Wednesday the results of its autopsy report into the death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam, a visually impaired Rohingya refugee who died on the streets of Buffalo five days after being released at a closed coffee shop by Border Patrol.
“The Erie County ME’s Office determined that in this case, the cause of death was complications of a perforated duodenal ulcer precipitated by hypothermia and dehydration, and the manner of death was homicide,” the release said.
The release clarified that homicide, for death certificate purposes, is a death resulting from the volitional act of another, which includes negligent acts or omissions. The release further clarifies that the homicide designation does not imply intent to cause harm or death.
New York Attorney General Letitia James released a statement following the autopsy findings:
“My heart is with Nurul Amin Shah Alam’s loved ones today, as it has been since we first learned of his tragic death. Mr. Shah Alam fled genocide to build a life in this country. Instead, he was abandoned and left to suffer alone in his final hours. No New Yorker should be treated this way. My office is continuing our review of the circumstances and treatment that led to Mr. Shah Alam’s death.”
Alam, 56, arrived in Buffalo under legal refugee status in December of 2024 before he was taken into Erie County custody in February 2025 following a trespassing incident in Buffalo’s Riverside neighborhood. Alam, who spoke little English, was turned over to Border Patrol on Feb. 19, 2026, when officers dropped him off at a Tim Hortons on Niagara Street that already had closed for the evening.
Alam’s body was found on Perry St. — five miles from where he was dropped off — on Tuesday, Feb. 25.