Palmdale, California authorities found the body of a man in his 20s hanging from a tree near the town’s City Hall, Antelope Valley Times reports.
Lieutenant Brandon Dean from the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Homicide unit reported that the man’s body was found with a rope around his neck, hanging from a tree in Poncitlan Square. Family members later identified the man as Robert Fuller, a young black man.
According to Dean, all indicators point at suicide, however, investigators will not confirm until they gather information from Fuller’s family regarding his mental health, and an autopsy report is completed.
City officials referenced COVID-19 alongside Fuller’s death, claiming “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,” said City Manager JJ Murphy. “There are local resources such as Mental Health America of Los Angeles, AV Vet Center, and the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health.” Every other Monday, the city and local mental health experts hosts a virtual mental health town hall for residents to offer peer support by those in the field, as well as resources to help them cope with mental health concerns.
“The city remains committed to addressing mental health issues during these difficult times,” Murphy added. “We are in this together.”
On Thursday, Palmdale City officials sent out a message to the friends and family of Robert Fuller, extending, “sincere condolences and sympathies to the family and friends of the individual who tragically passed away in Palmdale… Our thoughts and prayers are with them.”
If you or anyone you know are suffering from mental health, please use the resources provided to you by your local town.
