Death Of University Of Miami Student Ruled Homicide

CORAL GABLES, FL — The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner's Office has ruled the death of a 23-year-old University of Miami student a homicide. Twenty-three-year-old Yasser Talal Ibrahim Abualfaraj was found murdered at his Coral Gables apartment on Sunday afternoon in the 6500 block of Santona Street.

Officials at the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner's Office told Patch that the cause of death was determined to be multiple stab wounds. Officials did not disclose the results of toxicology tests while the investigation remains active.

A third-year architecture student, Abualfaraj died at approximately 3:49 p.m. Sunday. He was from Saudi Arabia.

The University of Miami community gathered Tuesday to remember the life of the 23-year-old outside the architecture school as police looked for leads in his murder.

Miami-Dade police released a sketch of a man wanted for questioning in connection with Abualfara's death.

"The individual pictured was seen in the area of 6580 Santona Street (Santona Condominium) in the early morning hours of the incident date and is wanted for questioning only," according to Detective Chris Thomas of the Miami-Dade Police Department.

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Police said that the man wanted for questioning was involved in a "suspicious incident."

A university spokesperson told Patch that the university is "deeply saddened by this tragic news" Officials made grief counselors and support staff available to the UM community through the Counseling Center. For more information, call 305-284-5511. University chaplains are also available through the Dean of Students Office.

Miami-Dade homicide detectives are requesting that anyone with information on the case contact Detective B. Jurado at 305-471-2400. Alternatively, contact Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS (8477) or 866-471-8477; Visit www.crimestoppersmiami.com and select “Give a Tip” or text "CSMD" followed by the tip information to 274637.

Photo of Yasser Talal Ibrahim Abualfaraj courtesy Miami-Dade Police Department