BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Earlier this month, the Erie County Medical Examiner ruled Nurul Amin Shah Alam's death a homicide, saying in part that the cause of death was "complications of a perforated duodenal ulcer precipitated by hypothermia and dehydration, and the manner of death was homicide."
Terry Connors, the attorney representing Shah Alam's family, previously told 7 News that he died a "really horrible, tragic death."
On Tuesday, Shah Alam's family addressed the community.
His wife, Fatimah Abdul Roshid, and two of her sons spoke at a press conference to share their gratitude for the community's support. Community members Katrina Martin-Bordeaux and activists Alex Burgos and Victoria Ross also sat with the family in support.
Abdul Roshid is pleading with the community for help as they navigate life after her husband's passing with no family in the United States. Because Abdul Roshid speaks little English, Buffalo community member Arakan Prince translated on her behalf.
"We want everybody to feel safe. We want everybody to feel included. We want everybody to feel welcome," Prince said.
WATCH: Family of Nurul Amin Shah Alam expresses gratitude for the community, asks for continued support
On February 19, Shah Alam was released on bail from the Erie County Holding Center. Border Patrol agents then picked him up on an immigration detainer. Federal authorities said once they realized he was not eligible for deportation, they dropped him off at a Tim Hortons in Riverside, but only the drive-thru was open at the time. Five days later, his body was found on Perry Street near the KeyBank Center.
His family has requested that a memorial be created where his body was found.
MORE: You can find a full timeline of events provided by Buffalo police, as well as additional information obtained by the 7 News I-Team, on our site here.
Abdul Roshid also requested that someone write on her behalf to help reunite her with her three other adult sons, who are in Malaysia. They sought refuge after leaving their homeland.
"I'm getting old right now, and I don't think I have much left, much strength left to keep going, and what's keeping me alive right now is the hope that one day my children will be by my side, that my grandchildren will be in my arms," Prince said on behalf of Abdul Roshid.
The family is seeking support or guidance for her son's education. Mohammad Faisal Shah Alam came to the United States with aspirations to pursue his education, but had to start taking care of his family following his father's death.
The family is accepting monetary donations via Zelle and CashApp at $FATIMAHABDULROSHID.
Earlier this month, the family's attorney, Terry Connors, discussed how the case will possibly move forward.
"It's unlikely that a criminal prosecution, but it's not being ruled out because the district attorney's looking at it, but there will likely be civil litigation that will follow, and that's where you'll get most of the answers," Connors said.
