Shelter volunteer died from asphyxiation; ruled a homicide
NEW YORK - 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 Ola Salem, 25, 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.
Salem volunteered at the Asiyah Women's Center, a shelter for Muslim women and their families, the Staten Island Advance reported.
The center's executive director, Dania Darwish, said that Salem was passionate about helping survivors and had a gift for making people smile.
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