Autopsy: Death of NY shelter volunteer was a homicide

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York City medical examiner’s office has declared a homicide in the death of a woman who helped domestic violence survivors.

The office said on Monday that 25-year-old Ola Salem died from asphyxiation, including neck compression.

Salem’s body was found at a Staten Island park on Oct. 24. Police are still investigating the circumstances.

The Staten Island Advance says that Salem volunteered at the Asiyah Women’s Center, a shelter for Muslim women and their families.

The center’s executive director, Dania Darwish, says that Salem was passionate about helping survivors and had a gift for making people smile.

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Information from: Staten Island Advance, http://www.silive.com