by Potomac, Maryland — An 87-year-old millionaire philanthropist and retired attorney was shot to death inside his apartment at a senior living community on Valentine’s Day, prompting a homicide investigation and leaving residents shaken.
Montgomery County Police confirmed that Robert Fuller Jr., 87, was found unresponsive with a gunshot wound inside an apartment at the Cogir Potomac Senior Living facility in Potomac.
Officers responded to the scene just after 7:30 a.m. Saturday following reports of an emergency inside the residence. Fuller was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police Confirm Homicide Investigation
Authorities said Fuller appeared to have suffered major trauma to the head, and homicide detectives later determined he had been shot.
The Montgomery County Police Department has not released information about any suspects, and no arrests have been announced.
Officials said the medical examiner is working to determine the official cause and manner of death as part of the ongoing investigation.
As of now, police have not disclosed whether the shooting was targeted or random, nor have they provided details about how the suspect may have entered the facility.
A Life of Service and Philanthropy
Fuller was widely known for both his legal career and his philanthropic contributions, particularly in central Maine. A retired Navy Reserve officer, Fuller built significant wealth as an attorney and later dedicated much of it to charitable causes.
In 2021, he donated $1.64 million to the City of Augusta, Maine, funding major upgrades to the athletic facilities at Cony High School. The field was renamed Fuller Field in recognition of his contribution.
City leaders said Fuller believed that strong athletic programs foster unity and pride.
“More than his philanthropy, Mr. Fuller believed in Augusta, in its people, its future, and its potential. He supported projects not simply as investments, but as acts of community stewardship,” a city spokesperson said following his death.
Fuller also contributed financially to organizations including the MaineGeneral Medical Center and the Kennebec Historical Society, according to city officials.
A Family Name with Historical Significance
Robert Fuller Jr. was also connected to a prominent chapter of American judicial history.
He was a descendant of Melville Fuller, who served as the eighth Chief Justice of the United States from 1888 to 1910.
Melville Fuller was appointed by President Grover Cleveland and is historically known for the Supreme Court’s ruling in Plessy v. Ferguson, which upheld the “Separate but Equal” doctrine and permitted state-sponsored racial segregation under the 14th Amendment.
In recent years, Robert Fuller Jr. had gifted a statue of Chief Justice Fuller to Maine’s Kennebec County. However, the statue was later removed from the Kennebec County courthouse grounds after county commissioners voted to return it to him. Reports indicated that Fuller personally paid for its removal.
Community Reaction
News of Fuller’s death has reverberated beyond Maryland, particularly in Augusta, Maine, where his philanthropic footprint remains visible.
Local officials expressed condolences to his family and acknowledged his longstanding support of community initiatives.
“On behalf of the City Council, City staff, and the residents of Augusta, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Mr. Fuller’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” the city said in a statement.
Residents at the senior living facility in Potomac have not publicly commented, but law enforcement presence remained visible as detectives continued their work.
Investigation Ongoing
Police have not shared whether surveillance footage is being reviewed or whether there were signs of forced entry.
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Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the shooting to contact investigators.
At this stage, officials emphasize that the investigation remains active, and additional details may be released as evidence is processed and interviews are conducted.
The killing of a prominent elderly philanthropist inside what is typically considered a secure senior living environment has raised concerns about safety and security measures at such facilities.
As detectives work to piece together what happened, many are remembering Fuller not only for his wealth, but for the lasting investments he made in community institutions and civic life.
What are your thoughts on safety at senior living facilities and high-profile investigations like this? Share your perspective in the comments below.
