Two Black Men Found Hanged in California Amid 2020 Protests; Deaths Ruled Suicide

Robert Fuller, 24, was found hanging from a tree near Palmdale, CA City Hall on June 10, 2020; Malcolm Harsch, 38, was found hanging in Victorville, CA on May 31. Both deaths were initially ruled suicide by local officials without autopsies. Community pressure in Los Angeles County forced investigations. The medical examiner ultimately confirmed suicide for both men. The cases occurred amid heightened attention to racial violence and a history of lynching in Antelope Valley. Activists pointed to the inadequacy of initial investigations that did not consider evidence of possible foul play.