Transcript
The FBI and Justice Department are investigating the recent hanging deaths of two black men in Southern California.
Both were ruled suicides, but the families of both men are looking for more answers.
Last Wednesday morning 24-year-old Robert Fuller was found hanging from a tree in Palmdale, California near City Hall.
Residents were outraged Friday when city officials announced their initial findings of Fuller’s death as a suicide.
Residents say it is the sign of a modern-day lynching.
Now the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department says it’s taking another look and would begin reviewing basic evidence.
On May 31 another black man, 38-year-old Malcolm Harsch, was discovered hanged from a tree less than 60 miles from where Fuller was found.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department says that it found no indications of foul play and that Harsch hanged himself.
Harsch’s family, like Fuller’s, says no way.
A shared spokesman for the families believes both men were victims of a possible hate crime.
According to the spokesman, both families are calling independent investigations.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff said his department is planning to have conversations with officials in San Bernardino County.
Posted – 6.16.20