The death of 24-year-old Robert Fuller has officially been ruled a suicide, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. On June 10, Fuller’s body was found hanging from a tree in Palmdale, California. After a “thorough” investigation, authorities found that there were no signs of a struggle.

Investigators said nothing was found at the scene but the rope, the contents in his pockets and a backpack that he was wearing. They also said that prior to his death, Fuller purchased a red rope that was consistent with the one used in the hanging. There was no store surveillance of him making the purchase, but video was found of Fuller making purchases with that same card.

“Detectives identified a purchase from a local Dollar Tree store made on May 14, 2020, in which a red rope, consistent with the one used in the hanging, was purchased with the card registered to Mr. Fuller,” said Commander Chris Marks.

The fabric and rope around his neck “was tied directly to the tree branches in more than one spot, accessible from only up in the tree, indicating that the victim was not hoisted into that position,” he continued.

“There were no signs of a struggle, no defensive wounds observed and no other signs of trauma visible to Mr. Fuller,” Marks said. “Mr. Fuller’s hands were not bound and there were no signs that he attempted to remove the ligature from his neck.”

Investigators say the victim had a long history with mental illness and had been hospitalized recently for suicidal thoughts and depression. He reportedly disclosed “a plan to kill himself” prior to his death.

Investigators also found several scars on Fuller’s left wrist which were consistent with cuts someone would make in a suicide attempt. We are continuing to send our thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Fuller.