Politicians, celebrities, activists, and others nationwide are calling for an independent investigation and autopsy into the death of Robert J. Fuller, a 24-year-old Black man who was found hanging from a tree near Palmdale City Hall in California on June 10. He was found by a passerby around 3:40 a.m. and according to city officials, there were no working security cameras in the area.
On Thursday, the City of Palmdale released a statement describing Fuller's death as an alleged suicide and alluded a connection to the COVID-19 pandemic. "Many people are suffering extreme mental anguish and the City wants everyone to know that help is available," City Manager J.J. Murphy said in response. Fuller's family and friends, however, believe he was lynched. Some think the police jumped to conclusions by ruling out a hate crime so quickly. Fuller's loved ones are confident he wasn't struggling with his mental health, and are demanding his death be treated as a homicide.
News of the circumstances (and lack of information) surrounding Fuller's death spread quickly and people across the country joined Fuller's loved ones in a call to action. They drew similarities between Fuller's death and the death of Malcolm Harsch in Victorville, California on May 31. Celebrities with massive audiences, like Viola Davis, Kim Kardashian, and Jameela Jamil, used their platforms to demand justice. Local protesters organised outside of Palmdale's Sheriff's Station and made their voices heard.
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In response, the city reversed its stance and joined the family's call for an independent investigation and autopsy. "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," the statement reads. "We will settle for nothing less than a thorough accounting of this matter."
This is progress, but there's still work to be done. Here's what you can do to ensure Fuller's death receives the attention and investigation it deserves:
- Sign the Change.org petition demanding a thorough and transparent investigation, along with the release of any video surveillance from surrounding buildings on the night of his death.
- Hold local officials accountable by calling Lt. Brandon Dean of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Homicide Bureau and email Mayor Steve Hofbauer to voice your concerns about Fuller's death.
- Donate to help cover his burial costs via his family's GoFundMe page.