Reports of a hanging body being found near Upper Marlboro on Sunday have alarmed community members, igniting an investigation by the Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD).
“At approximately 7:55 a.m., officers were dispatched there for the report of a man found hanging outside. He was pronounced deceased on the scene,” read a social media statement posted by PGPD. “Detectives immediately opened a death investigation, which included speaking to witnesses and examining evidence on the scene. The medical examiner also responded and transported the decedent for an autopsy.”
The man was found outside of a business on Darcy Road, in the unincorporated community of Westphalia. Despite community concerns about circumstances surrounding the hanging, the police department noted this is an open case and that there is currently no evidence of foul play.
“We understand this incident is both disturbing and painful to residents who may have driven by the scene or learned about this incident throughout the day,” the statement continued. “County Executive Braveboy (D) and Police Chief Nader took part in a call with the community this afternoon to address concerns, answer questions and provide details on resources available to those experiencing mental health issues.”
Even with the department’s assurances, a Black man found hanging has sparked community concerns and triggered memories of America’s racist past. Nearly a dozen hangings have been reported across the nation over the last year, with Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Ma.) leading the call for a federal investigation.
“I also recognize the fear and pain this incident has caused, particularly given the painful history associated with the image of a Black man hanging from a tree,” Prince George’s County Councilmember Wala Blegay (D-At-Large) wrote in a statement. “Our community deserves answers, compassion, and support during this difficult time.”
Blegay emphasized residents want answers.
“The community deserves a thorough investigation and transparency as the facts develop,” she said in the statement.
The county executive said she is collaborating with PGPD leadership to resolve this matter and bring peace to a county concerned about what led to the Upper Marlboro hanging.
“I know this incident has been deeply upsetting for many residents who witnessed the scene or heard about it throughout the day,” Braveboy said. “Police Chief Nader and I met with community members to answer questions and provide information and resources.”
J. Wyndal Gordon, a lawyer with decades of experience in Maryland, has called for a prompt and thorough investigation into this death.
“A search warrant for the Crane Service Company building should be sought immediately. The location reportedly has limited or no surveillance coverage, contains valuable equipment, and is operated by a company currently facing a federal race-discrimination lawsuit alleging extreme, pervasive, and deeply entrenched discriminatory conduct,” Gordon said in a social media statement. “Those circumstances do not establish criminal involvement on their own, but they make it imperative that investigators preserve and examine all potentially relevant evidence before it can be altered, lost, or destroyed.”
At a press conference on Monday, Major Paul Gambardella of the PGPD’s homicide unit, briefly spoke to the press about the open case, as community leaders, including Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy, gathered in prayer to remember the life lost.
“Although the medical examiner has made their official ruling, our investigation doesn’t stop. So whether it’s any little bit of evidence … whether it’s looking through our decedent’s cell phone, whether it’s following up with any camera footage that we may or may not have,” he told reporters. “This continues even after the ruling. So this is something that goes on, probably. For the next couple of days.”
