A Black man’s hanging death in Southern California has officially been ruled a suicide based on an autopsy and a purchase from a local Dollar Tree store.
Robert Fuller, 24, was found hanging from a tree in front of Palmdale City Hall in Poncitlán Square on June 10.
Authorities launched a monthlong investigation after Fuller’s family rejected the official cause of death.
“The explanation of suicide does not seem plausible,” his family said in a statement. “There are many ways to die, but considering the current racial tension, a Black man hanging himself from a tree definitely doesn’t sit well with us right now. We want justice, not comfortable excuses.”
Authorities focused their investigation on the red rope and fabric found in the tree. Police said there was a May 14 purchase on Fuller’s EBT card that was consistent with the red rope used in the hanging.
Sheriff’s Commander Chris Marks said Fuller had a history of depression and was hospitalized three times since 2017, according to the NY Times.
Fuller told doctors he had suicidal ideations and had previously put a gun to his head. His last hospital admission was in November. He told doctors at a hospital in Nevada that he “did have a plan to kill himself,” Marks said.
Jason R. Hicks, a lawyer representing Fuller’s family, said he planned to respond to the sheriff’s department’s finding. The family does not have any comments at this time.
