Slain woman may get medal for stopping harassment on 2 girls

Demonstrators take part in a rally while showing photographs to remember student Tugce in Berlin, Germany, Sunday Nov. 30, 2014. They commemorate 23-year old Tugce A. who was beaten up two weeks ago in front of a fast food branch when she tried to help two other girls in Offenbach, near Frankfurt Germany. AP

BERLIN — Germany’s president is considering awarding a posthumous medal to a young woman shot and killed after defending two teenage girls from male harassment.

German news agency DPA reported Sunday that President Joachim Gauck was mulling the honor amid an outpouring of public outrage over the killing.

Student teacher Tugce Albayrak died Friday, her 23rd birthday, after her family gave doctors permission to switch off her life support.

Albayrak had been in a coma after reportedly being struck in the head Nov. 15 following an altercation at a restaurant in Offenbach.

Police say an autopsy will be performed Monday to determine the exact cause of death. They are appealing for witnesses, including the teenage girls, to come forward.

An 18-year-old man identified only as Sanel M. is being held in custody.

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