Family of Another Black Man Found Hanging From a Tree in California Is Waiting for Answers

[Newsweek]

After the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department announced its probe into the hanging death of Robert Fuller, authorities in the nearby San Bernardino County confirmed they were investigating the recent hanging death of another Black man.

In a statement to Newsweek, San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department spokesperson Jodi Miller confirmed that the body of Malcolm Harsch, a 38-year-old African-American man, was discovered hanging from a tree near the Victorville city library and a homeless encampment on May 31. Deputies responded to the incident at 7:07 a.m. local time.

“There is an active death investigation being conducted,” Miller said. “There were no indications at the scene that suggested foul play. The cause and manner of death are pending.”

Miller told Newsweek on Sunday afternoon that the investigation is still ongoing. “Additional information will be released as it becomes available,” she said.

Two weeks after his death, Harsch’s family released a statement on Saturday expressing their concerns about the lengthy investigation. They indicated their belief that his death was suspicious and foul play may have been involved, despite the sheriff’s department’s initial assessment.