The body of a Black man in his 20s was found hanging from a tree near in Palmdale, CA around 4 a.m. on Wednesday morning (June 10). The man has been identified as Robert Fuller by Diamond Alexander, who said she is his older sister on Facebook.
“Words can’t describe how much my family is hurting right now,” Alexander captioned a photo of Fuller on Thursday (June 11). “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.”
In another post, Alexander captioned a photo of the park where Fuller was discovered.
“My little brother died here alone,” she wrote. “This sh*t hurts, please keep us in prayers.”
According to My News LA, Lt. Brandon Dean of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau has said that Fuller’s death indicates a suicide. However, investigators are reportedly waiting for Fuller’s full autopsy results and information from his family about any possible mental illnesses. So far, the Palmdale Sheriff’s station has not offered any details.
Despite reports that there is an ongoing investigation into Fuller’s death, the City of Palmdale Government’s Facebook page declared Fuller’s death as a suicide on Thursday (June 11) and encouraged followers to take advantage of the city’s mental health resources.
“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,” the page wrote. “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.”
“Many people are suffering extreme mental anguish and the City wants everyone to know that help is available. There are local resources such as Mental Health America of Los Angeles, AV Vet Center, and the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health,” the post continued.
“The City remains committed to addressing mental health issues during these difficult times,” the post concluded. “We are in this together.”
In a statement to Antelope Valley Press, City Manager J.J. Murphy said, “My first concern is with this individual, his family members, and anybody else out there in our community who is at wit’s end.”
Fuller’s sister has since launched a GoFundMe fundraiser, which has raised over $18,000.
“Words can’t describe how my family is feeling. We grew up there in the Antelope Valley, we have so many friends, families that loved Robert,” Diamond wrote on the page. “Please help with whatever you can. We greatly appreciate everyone. Thank you for standing with us during this difficult time.”