Mikayla Miller Death Ruled Suicide By Medical Examiner: DA

HOPKINTON, MA — The state Medical Examiner's Office has ruled Mikayla Miller's death a suicide, the Middlesex County District Attorney's Office has ruled.

Miller's death had drawn controversy in recent weeks, with activists saying that top law enforcement officials had not properly investigated the matter. Miller's mother has questioned whether her daughter was the victim of a lynching.

In a statement Tuesday, the DA's office said the investigation into Miller's death would continue.

"This ruling addresses the manner and means of Mikayla’s death," the statement said. "However, our investigation into the events surrounding Mikayla’s death remains active and ongoing. We will continue to explore every investigative angle necessary as we do that work and intend to issue a complete and thorough report at the conclusion of the investigation."

WCVB reported Tuesday afternoon that Miller's death certificate was updated on May 18 to say that the 16-year-old died of "asphyxia by hanging."

The group Violence In Boston, which has been leading the push to draw attention to the Miller case, is planning to hold a press conference on Wednesday afternoon to respond to the medical examiner's ruling. The event will feature civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who has spoken for the families of George Floyd, Trayvon Martin and Breonna Taylor following their deaths.

"On the press conference, they will outline the concerning details surrounding Mikayla’s death and call for a comprehensive investigation into her potential murder," a Tuesday press release said.

Middlesex DA Marian Ryan has said that Miller was involved in a fight with several other teens the night of April 17. Ryan has also said that all the teens involved in the incident were accounted for that night. A jogger discovered Miller's body early in the morning on April 18 near Miller's apartment complex along West Main Street.

Related coverage of the Mikayla Miller Case

• Ryan Provides Timeline In Hopkinton Teen's Death
• Mikayla Miller Vigil Draws Hundreds To Hopkinton
• What We Know About The Mikayla Miller Case So Far

Patch editor Jenna Fisher contributed reporting to this story.