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Santa Clarita Representatives React To Hanging Deaths Of Robert Fuller, Malcolm Harsch

Santa Clarita representatives commented on recent developments in investigations into the hanging deaths of two black men in southern California over the past few weeks.

After news that the deaths of 24-year-old Robert Fuller of Palmdale and 38-year-old Malcolm Harsch of Victorville were now under joint investigations with local Sheriff’s Departments, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the California Attorney General.

Sheriff’s officials from Los Angeles County and San Bernadino County have said there are no signs of foul play in the death of Robert Fuller last week in Palmdale or the death May 31 of Malcolm Harsch in Victorville, but investigations continue.

Congressman Mike Garcia, R-Santa Clarita, released the following statement regarding the recent discovery of the two men found hanged.

“The recent discovery of two bodies hanging from trees brings back horrible memories of our country’s history during this most difficult time,” said Garcia. “I am encouraged to hear that local authorities, the Office of the Attorney General, the FBI and the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division will fully investigate these instances.”

Fuller was found with a rope around his neck about 3:40 a.m. Wednesday in Poncitlan Square, across from Palmdale City Hall. Authorities initially said the death appeared to be a suicide, although an official cause of death has not yet been made.

Hundreds of residents have taken part in vigils and protests in the days since, many condemning what they saw as a rush to judgment to proclaim Fuller’s death a suicide without examining the possibility of foul play. Some deemed his death a lynching.

Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner Dr. Jonathan Lucas told reporters Monday an autopsy was conducted Friday, but the cause of death has been deferred pending further investigation and toxicology tests. He said the initial report was that the death was consistent with a suicide and there were no signs of foul play.

In a video, State Senator Scott Wilk, R-Santa Clarita, whose 21st District encompasses Palmdale and Victorville, requested that the State Senate observe a moment of silence on Monday in honor of the two men.

“We don’t know the resolution of these issues yet,” said Wilk. “I have called for an independent investigation to make sure that the family and our communities know exactly what has happened because it’s been so unsettling for all of us and together we will get through this.”

Harsch, 38, was found hanging from a tree near a homeless encampment late last month in Victorville, about 53 miles east of Palmdale, officials have said.

5th District Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger joined her fellow constituents in support of the state and federal investigations.

“The Attorney General, as the lead attorney and law enforcement official for the State of California, will lend additional expertise and oversight into this important investigation and provide the community with the answers they deserve,” said Barger in a Saturday statement. “It is my hope, that our collective efforts will help to support those struggling and grieving surrounding the circumstances of this tragedy.”

Assemblyman Tom Lackey, R-Palmdale, representing the 36th Assembly District, offered solace and support to the friends and family members fo the two men who had died.

“My prayers are with all who mourn for Robert Fuller. I believe a full investigation must be done by L.A. County Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau and the LA County Coroner’s department to determine if there was foul play,” said Lackey. “This is the only way to bring closure and healing”


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Santa Clarita Representatives React To Hanging Deaths Of Robert Fuller, Malcolm Harsch

7 comments

  1. This is horrific!

    How can this be happening in these times?

    It can’t be a coincidence that two men are lynched at the same (approximate) time. The sheriffs HAVE to find out who is responsible. This can’t be swept under the rug.

    And no thanks to those in the senate who refused to pass a “no lynching” law!

    • Don’t jump to conclusions or make stuff up please. This will be investigated and if you don’t agree with the facts, then the sky isn’t blue either.

  2. Crazy violent people of all ethnicities. Blm movement isn’t helping African Americans.

  3. Did you seek a comment from Assemblywoman Christy Smith? While this lies outside her current Assembly District, it falls with the 25th Congressional District, for which she’s a candidate for in November. Simple oversight or something more insidious? Why are there only comments from Republican officials?

  4. Of course it’s outside her district!! She lost !! John Z., your trying to inflame more BLM/Liberal insanity! Isn’t it soon to start up with your Pandering?! Both individuals were mentally/morally unstable and you’re trying to inflame dissent!!
    When a person is morally bankrupt, they often choose suicide, no thanks to Liberal brainwashing!

    • Jojo, Did you know those two men personally? Do you have complete knowledge of all the facts involved with these two cases? If not, then perhaps you should reconsider calling someone else morally bankrupt,

  5. If it barks. It’s a dog. If it moos. It’s a cow. If a black man hanging from a tree. It’s a lynching

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About Jade Aubuchon

A Santa Clarita native, Jade has spent her whole life involved in community outreach. After graduating from Learning Post High in 2015, she went on to College of the Canyons to pursue a double major in English and Marketing. Jade spent several years as a ballroom dance performer for a local studio and has performed at public and private events throughout Santa Clarita. As KHTS Co-News Director Jade oversees the KHTS news team, which covers all the latest news impacting Santa Clarita. Along with covering and writing her own news stories, Jade can be heard broadcasting the daily local news every weekday morning and afternoon drive-time twice an hour on KHTS 98.1FM and AM-1220. Jade is also instrumental in reporting on-the-scene local emergencies, covering them on-air and via Facebook Live and YouTube. Another dimension to Jade’s on-air skills and writing are her regular political and celebrity interviews, including her bi-monthly interview with our Congressman Mike Garcia and many other local politicians and community leaders.