German president mulls medal for woman killed after defending others

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. She was declared brain dead and the medical equipment was switched off Friday which was also her 23. birthday. (AP Photo/dpa,Maurizio Gambarini) (The Associated Press)
Demonstrators place flowers and candles as they take part in a rally 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. She was declared brain dead and the medical equipment was switched off Friday which was also her 23. birthday. (AP Photo/dpa,Maurizio Gambarini) (The Associated Press)
Demonstrators take part in a rally 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. She was declared brain dead and the medical equipment was switched off Friday which was also her 23. birthday. (AP Photo/dpa,Maurizio Gambarini) (The Associated Press)
Hundreds of people hold up candles in front of a hospital in Offenbach, Germany, Friday, Nov. 28, 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. Two days ago she was declared brain dead and the medical equipment is supposed be switched off this Friday which is also her 23rd birthday.(AP Photo/Michael Probst) (The Associated Press)
A woman stands among a large crowd and holds a candle in front of a hospital in Offenbach, Germany, Friday, Nov. 28, 2014, as 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. Two days ago she was declared brain dead and the medical equipment is supposed be switched off this Friday which is also her 23rd birthday.(AP Photo/Michael Probst) (The Associated Press)

BERLIN – Germany’s president is considering awarding a posthumous medal to a young woman 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.

Teaching student 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.