A man's body was found hanging from a tree in the 9300 block of D'Arcy Road in Upper Marlboro on Sunday, prompting a rapid police response and, soon after, a wave of fear and speculation across social media. Prince George's County officials say the state medical examiner has determined the death a suicide, but investigators are keeping the case open while they finish reviewing evidence.
Police emergency communications show Prince George's County dispatchers routed officers to the scene at roughly 7:55 a.m. Sunday for a “Signal 66,” the department's call code for a reported suicide, according to DMV Live. As reported by WTOP News, police and fire crews responded quickly but could not touch the body until a medical examiner arrived, and officers found nothing at the scene suggesting foul play. The man, who was described as Black, has not been publicly identified.
The location sits outside a commercial business near the intersection of D'Arcy Road and Sansbury Road in the unincorporated Westphalia community, per Univision. People driving by that morning saw the body hanging from the tree, and the station's report notes it was positioned high enough that it was difficult to block from view.
Fear and Rumors Spread Before Officials Spoke
As word spread, so did theories. The station's report describes a community that quickly developed suspicions of a public lynching, and social media users circulated a photo of the body before any official findings were released. Dozens of people reportedly followed County Executive Aisha Braveboy and other county leaders from a nearby school to the site where the body was found, and community members gathered there in prayer.
Braveboy addressed the rumors directly during Monday's press conference, saying the man took his own life and rejecting what she called theory, innuendo, and untruths circulating online. She urged people not to use the tragedy to gain followers or likes, according to the same WTOP account, while county leaders and investigators pledged to tell the truth as the investigation continues. Council Member at-Large Wala Blegay, in a statement reported by Patch, said she was deeply saddened and disturbed by the discovery and urged support for community members left traumatized by it.
Officials Point to History of Racial Lynchings
Local leaders at the press conference urged transparency as the community confronted the historical legacy of racial lynchings, a dynamic explored by The Washington Informer. That history helps explain why community members expressed fear and distrust before official rulings were communicated. Sydney Harrison called for compassion and empathy amid the uncertainty, per WTOP's coverage of the press conference.
County Executive Braveboy and Police Chief George Nader also took part in a community call Sunday afternoon, according to Daily Voice. The outreach came just hours after the body was discovered, reflecting how quickly officials moved to get ahead of public concern.
Investigation Remains Open Despite Suicide Ruling
Police say the case is not closed. Maj. Paul Gambardella said the investigation continues even after the medical examiner's ruling, calling the death sad, per WTOP. The homicide unit plans to examine the deceased person's cellphone, interview additional neighborhood residents, and review available camera footage before the investigation is fully closed.
Anyone with relevant details is asked to contact homicide unit detectives at 301-516-2512, per the Daily Voice report. The investigation continued after the body was transported for an autopsy.
Suicide Rates and Local Resources
The county's age-adjusted suicide mortality rate stood at 6.2 deaths per 100,000 residents between 2021 and 2023, according to the Prince George's County Health Department.
Prince George's County residents can call or text 988 for crisis support.
