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Palmdale City Officials Call For Investigation Into Robert Fuller’s Death By Hanging

City officials in Palmdale, California are calling for a new investigation into the death of Robert Fuller, who was found hanging from a tree next to city hall.

City officials in Palmdale, California are officially backing the call for an independant investigation and autopsy to be done in the death of Robert Fuller, a 24-year-old Black man who was found hanging from a tree in Palmdale earlier this week. His body was found hanging at Poncitlan square next to City Hall in the early hours of the morning on Wednesday, June 10th. The Los Angeles Sheriff's Department ruled the death a suicide; however, his family and many others who've heard the story are not convinced that this was self-inflicted, and are calling for a new investigation into his death, believing it to be a lynching.

Palmdale City Officials Call For Investigation Into Robert Fuller's Death By HangingDavid McNew/Getty Images

After initially standing by the ruling, Palmdale city officials have since released a new statement, expressing their support for the call for an independant investigation. The statement was shared by the City of Palmdale on Saturday, June 13th.

"Following the death of Mr. Robert Fuller, the City of Palmdale is officially supporting the call for an independent investigation and an independent autopsy of Mr. Fuller who was found dead on June 10, 2020 at Poncitlan Square in Palmdale," the statement reads. "The City of Palmdale is joining the family and the community’s call for justice, and we do support a full investigation into his death. We will settle for nothing less than a thorough accounting of this matter. The City has already reached out to Mr. Fuller’s family, offering help and support, and will do everything possible to assist Mr. Fuller’s family during this difficult time as a complete vetting of his death is investigated. We join with our community and Robert Fuller’s family in mourning his tragic death."

Palmdale City Officials Call For Investigation Into Robert Fuller's Death By HangingDavid McNew/Getty Images

The Palmdale Sheriff originally claimed that there were no working security cameras in the area where Fuller was found; however, considering his body was found right next to City Hall, many find this highly suspect. Investigative journalist Billy Jensen pointed out that several businesses in the surrounding area also have outdoor security cameras.

As pointed out by Complex, Fuller is also the second Black man to be found hanging from a tree in California within the last two months. On May 31, 38-year-old Malcolm Harsch was found dead in Victorville, California, a hanging also ruled as a suicide.

A Change.org petition demanding "a thorough and transparent investigation by Palmdale PD" into Fuller's death has nearly reached its goal of 200,000 signatures. Fuller's sister, Diamond Alexander, also started a GoFundMe page to raise money for funeral costs. It has raised nearly $200,000 as of Sunday morning.

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Robert Fuller’s Body Found Hanging From Tree In Palmdale, California

Robert Fuller, a 23-year-old Black man, was found hanging from a tree next to city hall and officials are calling it a suicide.

The world is outraged after the death of Robert Fuller, a 23-year-old man whose body was found hanging from a tree next to city hall in Palmdale, California.

His body was discovered early this morning and Lt. Brandon Dean of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau is noting that the circumstances surrounding his passing point to suicide. The public isn't that easily convinced though.

All across social media, people are calling for an independent autopsy to be performed as a large number of folks believe this to be a lynching. 

Fuller's older sister, Diamond Alexander, spoke about his death on Facebook.

"Words can’t describe how much my family is hurting right now," she wrote. "Today we just got word that Robert body was found hanging in a tree out in Palmdale. It’s still under investigation. If anyone seen anything please come forward. Brother you will forever be in our heart. RIP."

There have been no reports of a suicide note left or anything else that would point to this being a suicide. 

The city of Palmdale is urging residents to take care of their mental health following this incident. 

"The City of Palmdale extends its sincere condolences and sympathies to the family and friends of the individual who tragically passed away in Palmdale on Wednesday. Our thoughts and prayers are with them," wrote the city's official Facebook page. "City Manager J.J. Murphy received confirmation that this unfortunate incident was a death by suicide. Sadly, it is not the first such incident since the COVID-19 pandemic began."

Rest in peace, Robert Fuller. Say his name.