Report: Body of country's first female Muslim judge found in Hudson River.

[elleng]

Source: Hill

The body of the United States’ first ever female Muslim judge was found Wednesday afternoon in the Hudson River near Manhattan, according to a Wednesday New York Post report.

Witnesses spotted Sheila Abdus-Salaam's body in the river near 132nd Street and Hudson Parkway, police sources tell the Post.

Abdus-Salaam served as an associate judge of the Court of Appeals and was also the first U.S. African-American to serve there.

She had been reported missing earlier in the day, the newspaper reports.

Her husband later confirmed her identity.

Sources tell the Post that there were no visible signs of trauma or physical injuries suggesting foul play.

Police are still investigating.

Abdus-Salaam worked as an attorney at East Brooklyn Legal Services after graduating from Columbia Law School.

Abdus-Salaam continued to rise in the ranks until she was elected to the New York Supreme Court in 1993, and then appointed to the Court of Appeals, the state's highest court, by Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) 20 years later in 2013.

Read more: http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/328591-report-body-of-countrys-first-female-muslim-judge-found-in

[bucolic_frolic]

1. Because people who rise high in the legal profession always go jump in the river

expect the worst

RIP and condolences to her family

[Honeycombe8]

2. Oh, no. I hope this was an accident, but I fear the worst. nt

[Fast Walker 52]

16. I fear the worst too

supremely fucked up

[Leghorn21]

3. This is beyond awful. My first thoughts are, she's a woman. She's a Muslim woman. She's

a Muslim, African-American woman. AND - she's a judge.

Under the trump regime, she embodies virtually every single trait so despised by right wing nut fuckers - correct me if i'm wrong, but I have no doubt Judge Abdus-Salaam was murdered.

I hope I'm off-base and that she suffered some bizarre, impossible accident, but...

Deepest condolences to her family, friends and colleagues - their sense of shock and loss must be massive and inconsolable. OH

[Bucky]

17. you should probably leave some room for doubt

I mean there's more to a person than just their demographics. The initial report says no signs of a struggle apparently. So forming any conclusions is a little foolhardy.

Whatever happened, she was only 65, and it's a real tragedy that a woman with so many gifts has died before her time.

[Leghorn21]

19. Bucky, I am feeling foolish and sheepish about my initial post here - it simply never

occured to me there were other possibilities for her death - I have lived and learned the hard way tonight - a sad night, indeed -

[Pacifist Patriot]

41. I can certainly understand your response.

Given the rhetoric of the Trump campaign and what we're seeing unfold around us, it's not an unreasonable speculation or fear. Sadly, if it did turn out she was the victim of a hate crime, how many of us would have been dumbfounded by that? I'm guessing not many. To me, it compounds the tragedy of her loss that we are in a position to even have these anxieties about her manner of death.

[Leghorn21]

42. Thank you, Pacifist - I feel so poisoned and corrupted by the hatred around us now, but yet

"it compounds the tragedy of her loss that we are in a position to even have these anxieties about her manner of death."

...so...that's just how it is these days, to everyone's deepest chagrin -

Again, much appreciate your response, PP -

[Bucky]

47. Don't feel bad. It's a natural question to ask.

We just don't wanna be rumor mongers is all. The C.T. nuts don't need the encouragement. Always be skeptical, but never be speculative is my motto when tragedies roll across my news feed.

[Leghorn21]

51. But Bucky - I wasn't asking any questions - I accused someone (some people) of murder.

But I sure do agree, I do try (except last evening!) not to monger any rumors or post weakly sourced news tidbits and such like that...at any rate, I appreciate your kind and wise words!

[yurbud]

45. how much struggle would there be if someone pushed you off a bridge or over a railing at the edge of

the river?

[Bucky]

46. How much damage would your theory take if it was subjected to Occam's Razor?

This suggestion makes about as much sense as aliens plotting out the whole thing. Once her husband ID'd the body the police started speculating it was an "apparent suicide"

http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/judge-sheila-abdus-salaam-committed-suicide-police-article-1.3051425

As always, responsible people check Snopes first

http://www.snopes.com/2017/04/12/body-judge-hudson-river/

And irresponsible people just make shit up based on paranoia, prejudice, and totally awesome spy movies they've seen.

[yurbud]

52. I don't really give a shit that much about any particular theory

I just hope the cops cover all the bases before they close the case.

You must live in a very safe neighborhood if you don't think murders happen, especially by such simple means.

[yurbud]

53. Also, I didn't even say it was the best explanation. I asked a pretty reasonable question.

Why did that get your dander up?

Are related to her or something?

If so, I'm sorry for your loss.

If not, your social skills need some work.

[anneboleyn]

54. The police do this unless there are signs of a homicide or other evidence that would rule out a

suicide. I have read about several significant cases that were ruled suicides, and they were in fact later shown to be homicides. The police aren't going to dig into this case unless there were obvious signs of a struggle, an eye witness who claimed to see the woman attacked and/or pushed, and if threats of some sort existed that the police deemed credible. Our police are certainly not infallible.

I also have no idea why WILLIAM OF OCKHAM's razor (sorry but as a medievalist the constant misspelling drives me bonkers) would apply to a possible homicide investigation. That application makes no sense. It is a rule for philosophical debates and theories, not for evaluating an incident such as this one.

[Alice11111]

30. Agree

[niyad]

43. AND she favoured the people. stood for the poor, the disadvantaged, against the moneyed elite.

[djg21]

60. Not that it matters

But she was not Muslim."

Born Sheila Turner in Washington on March 14, 1952, Abdus-Salaam was the great-granddaughter of a slave. She took her first husband's last name and continued to use it professionally after that marriage ended, according to the Encyclopedia of Muslim-American History.

Despite being widely hailed by that encyclopedia and several published reports as "the first female Muslim U.S. judge," it was unclear if she was been a practitioner of Islam. A spokesman for the Court of Appeals told the New York Times she was not Muslim.

http://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/judge-sheila-abdus-salaam-nation-s-first-muslim-judge-found-n746046

[Leghorn21]

4. I know it's the NY Post - I certainly never considered this as a possibility:

"Her husband later identified her body. Sources said it showed no obvious signs of trauma or injuries indicating criminality or foul play, and that her death appeared to be a suicide."


http://nypost.com/2017/04/12/judge-washes-up-dead-along-the-hudson-river/

[bucolic_frolic]

5. Let's hope they get to the bottom of it quickly

and unambiguously

A learned person choosing that destiny should be responsible enough to leave some
record of intent. I know the world isn't always cut and dried though.

[Leghorn21]

8. Maybe her husband might have some insight, you know? She just seemed to be a robust and

vigorous, sharp and deeply respected woman, according to all the articles posted about her this evening...sigh -

[Bucky]

18. I've lost a few friends to suicide over the years

People don't always give you signals that they're about to in their lives, sadly. She's lived a life in a very high pressure job, a job where she's always under pressure to maintain a polished facade, and you never know what's cooking underneath the surface there.

[7962]

6. Sometimes no one sees a suicide coming. Sadly.

I've seen it a couple of times with friends and relatives. Never saw it coming

[Leghorn21]

9. Absolutely - I am sorry for your losses, 7962. I'll be watching for news of her in the coming

days and - well, we shall see.

[7962]

11. Thank you!

[Jake Stern]

12. A cousin had everything going for him

Graduated with honors from university with no student loan debt
Married to a wonderful woman and had an adorable daughter
Had recently been promoted in his company
Always smiling, always full of energy

One afternoon he cam home from work, went straight into the bedroom, put the barrel of a 9mm his mouth and took his life.

No note. No warning. Not even one of those "Why did I miss that?" signs seen in hindsight.

[Leghorn21]

14. Aw, man - there's never any words...reminds me of one of my brother's favorite lines

(from "Miller's Crossing&quot

"Nobody knows anybody...not that well."

So sorry, Jake.

[Jake Stern]

15. We were at the lake just a week before he did it

As usual he was telling jokes and bragging about his smart his little girl was like dads do.

[Leghorn21]

21. Oh man...so it's not as if you lived two thousand miles apart and spoke only once a year...

so "up close and personal" for you - so sorry, Jake -

[Honeycombe8]

25. Wow. So sorry to hear that. That is baffling. nt

[Jake Stern]

26. This is why I'm not as quick to indulge in conspiracy theorizing in this case

Sometimes it really does not seem logical.

[Honeycombe8]

35. Well, not conspiracy, maybe. But could be murder.

Having known one or two people with severe depression and attempted suicides, I would say that throwing oneself into a body of water to drown is not something that normally comes to one's mind, when thinking of suicide. In my experience.

Drowning is a rare way to commit suicide. Most suicides are by firearm, suffocation/hanging, or poison/pills. So the method raises a red flag, at the least.

Of course it's possible that someone threw her in, and she can't swim. I'm sure they're checking out the husband. Women are usually killed by someone they know, if she was killed. Being a Muslim and a Judge, though, raises a red flag, in the current environment of killings of people who even look like they might be Muslim. Then there's also the thing that in the Muslim religion and tradition, women aren't supposed to be in positions of authority or westernized...so there's that.

She may have killed herself, but there are things that raise flags, for sure.

[whathehell]

38. That's just awful..The not knowing making it all worse..

Was anyone ever able to discover anything, in hindsight perhaps, that might have contributed to it?

[forgotmylogin]

39. That reality star who just committed suicide was in the news.

While I by no means intend to minimize the struggle of people who attempt to kill themselves or consider suicide, what I don't get is when attractive beautiful rich people do it.

Seriously. If your life is bad, you have the means to move and start life anew as "the hottest richest person in Dundee, Nebraska."

I know it's not that simple, and pretty people have fears and failings too, but it seems they, of all people, should have resources to deal with it.

I didn't know this dude from Adam, and he's front page news just cause he is good-looking and was on a reality show and couldn't deal. What about the hundreds of other people who attempt or succeed at suicide?

[Honeycombe8]

23. Oh, how sad. Women don't normally commit suicide by drowning, though.

Doesn't mean it didn't happen. I'm sure the police are going to thoroughly check things out.

[riversedge]

27. PICTURE...

?quality=90&strip=all&w=664&h=441&crop=1
.......

“Justice Sheila Abdus-Salaam was a trailblazing jurist whose life in public service was in pursuit of a more fair and more just New York for all,” Gov. Cuomo wrote in a statement Wednesday night.


“She was a pioneer,” he said. “Through her writings, her wisdom, and her unshakable moral compass, she was a force for good whose legacy will be felt for years to come. I was proud to appoint her to the state’s highest court and am deeply saddened by her passing.”
..............................

She was then appointed to the Court of Appeals by Cuomo in 2013. Former US Attorney General Eric Holder, who went to Columbia with Abdus-Salaam, was in attendance for her historic swearing-in ceremony and described how she had “defined herself by her relentless pursuit of excellence” — while also managing to be a great dancer.

“Sheila could boogie,” Holder joked at the time. ‘She was a witty and a great deal of fun to spend time with.”

Abdus-Salaam went on to note how unlikely her and Holder’s professional achievements in law would have been four decades ago.

“Who knew that we would both attain such high positions, and that you would be the first black United States attorney general, and I would be the first black woman on the New York Court of Appeals?” she told him with a big smile...............................

[cilla4progress]

7. Horrifying

Sign of things to come?

RIP

[PatrickforO]

10. We don't know the whole story. Life is hard, and can be cruel.

Sometimes people get weary and wish to leave this earth. Some act on that wish.

But...this needs more investigation because what if it is a terror act by some right wingnut? Hard to believe someone who is a minority and a member of a religion currently not well regarded, and did everything necessary to advance to a federal judgeship would kill herself, though.

I mean, I could see it if she came down with some miserable, twisting bullshit disease that would sap all humanity and deprive her of any reasonable quality of life - hey just end it.

But I'm very hesitant to say that is the case until we know more.

[Honeycombe8]

24. But...she certainly had access to pills. Throwing yourself into water...

isn't a sure thing for death. And more unpleasant than pills. And she had to know it would be a risk that she wouldn't be found.

But all the facts aren't out.

[Alice11111]

31. Yes, it's not the way she would do it.

I think it is a well done hate crime. Maybe, we will find out.

[forgotmylogin]

40. Wonder if this was close to where she lived?

Does it make sense for her to be on foot near the river and have an accident?

[Alice11111]

55. She could have been jogging, and someone grabbed her.

I guess she could have deliberately veered off
This is a busy exercise place in the afternoons

[hack89]

36. I live on an island with several bridges. Suicide by drowning is very common. nt

[Honeycombe8]

49. Oh...well, I was just reading from some stats. Drowning is about 1% of suicides.

The top 3 ways constitute almost all suicides: firearm, strangulation/hanging, and poison/pills.

For women, drowning is 1.8% (a bit more than men, who drown themselves 1% of the time).

People actually jump off things more than they drown. If they jump off a bridge, I wonder if that's counted as a fall or drowning. I think the fall kills them, if the bridge is high.

[StarryNite]

13. Heartbreaking...

[Alice11111]

59. Yes, it is.

[Kennah]

20. Some of the news stories are saying possible suicide (n/t)

[burrowowl]

22. Hope they find out what happened

[riversedge]

28. NYTIMES....

Link to tweet

[HoneyBadger]

29. Was just at the Fairway market at that location

So weird. Usually they get bodies there from the winter, not the same day. With this weather there are a zillion joggers and kayakers there.

[tavalon]

32. OMG

Someone is playing hardball now. I'm so sorry to her family. She was a patriot.

[DinahMoeHum]

33. Wait for the autopsy, folks. . .

. . .before you jump to conclusions.

I know, the times being what they are, anyone can speculate, but FFS, be patient.

[JonLP24]

58. Dont always trust autopsies either

A lot of them are elected and work closely with police departments so if they want to dodge a homicide investigation or others make mistakes. The medical examiner system is preferred but not perfect (Caylee Anthony).

[IronLionZion]

34. I hope they investigate and find out the truth

whether it was foul play or suicide. It's terrible.

Jumping into a river is probably not a common suicide method. They should test for poison/drugs.

[hack89]

37. I live on an island with several bridges. Suicide by drowning is very common. nt

[niyad]

44. thank you for posting this. I hope they find out quickly, because I know where my mind went.

[Bucky]

48. Mine too.

But doing in a highly respected judge requires a lot more chutzpah than most evildoers possess.

It's best to hold back on the baseless speculation and keep a wary skeptical eye on the news.

[Honeycombe8]

50. It's not uncommon for judges to be killed or shot. nt

[oberliner]

56. Police Believe New York Judge Found in Hudson River Committed Suicide

Family tragedy surrounded Judge Sheila Abdus-Salaam. About three years ago, law enforcement officials said, her brother committed suicide. Last year around this time, her mother died.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/police-believe-new-york-judge-found-in-hudson-river-committed-suicide/ar-BBzMxbm

[JonLP24]

57. !