Federal authorities will review cases of hanging deaths of two black men in Southern California

In Southern California, federal authorities have agreed to review local investigations into the hanging deaths of two black men. They will determine whether any federal law was violated.

The announcement on the federal intervention came Monday, after weekend protests following the initial determination of suicide as the cause of death in one case.

Local authorities found no evidence of foul play in the deaths of Robert Fuller and Malcolm Harsch, in Palmdale and Victorville, respectively. Law enforcement says that early markers point to suicide in both cases, but the sheriffs have agreed to continue investigating the cases.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva hosted a town hall on Monday, during which participants voiced their concerns that the men may have been lynched. The FBI, the Justice Department's civil rights division, and U.S. Attorney's office for the Central District of California are now monitoring the sheriffs' investigations. 

Fuller's body was found in the early hours of June 10, in a park by City Hall. The initial autopsy indicated that the 24-year-old man died by suicide. According to the city's chief medical examiner, there was nothing found at the scene to indicate foul play — only a rope and a backpack. 

"The initial report appeared to be consistent with a suicide, but we felt it prudent to roll that back and continue to look deeper," said Dr. Jonathan Lucas.

The coroner's office is waiting on a toxicology report and Fuller's complete medical history. Homicide detectives will also analyze the rope and its knot, in addition to canvassing the area for video footage, and interviewing Fuller's social services case worker. 

Fuller's family and friends have said they do not believe the young man was suicidal. 

Malcolm Harsch, a 38-year-old homeless man, was found hanging from a tree on May 31 in the desert city of Victorsville, about 45 minutes east of Palmdale. 

The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department said it does not suspect foul play, though they are still awaiting the results of a full toxicology report.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff said his team will consult with investigators in San Bernardino, if any commonalities between the deaths of the two men are discovered.