May 2, 2011 - "I Fought the Law"

 
 One of the great "Rock & Roll Mysteries" as Bobby Fuller died just as his first hit was becoming a Pop Classic - It would later be covered by "The Clash".  He was 23.

Robert Gaston "Bobby" Fuller (October 22, 1942 – July 18, 1966) was an American rock singer, songwriter, and guitar player best known for his singles "I Fought the Law" and "Love's Made a Fool of You," recorded with his mid-1960s group, the Bobby Fuller Four.. Just after "I Fought The Law" became a Top 10 hit, Fuller was found dead in an automobile parked outside his Hollywood apartment. The Los Angeles deputy medical examiner, Jerry Nelson, performed the autopsy. According to Dean Kuipers:  "The report states that Bobby's face, chest, and side were covered in "petechial hemorrhages" probably caused by gasoline fumes and the heat. He found no bruises, no broken bones, no cuts. No evidence of beating." Kuipers further explains that boxes for "accident" and "suicide" were ticked, but next to the boxes were question marks. Despite the official cause of death, some commentators believe Fuller was murdered.
Confusion has reigned over Fuller's death, with many misinterpreting the coroner's verdict of asphyxiation and the police's report: “Deceased was found lying face down in front seat of car: a gas can, 1/3 full, cover open; windows were all rolled up and doors shut, not locked; keys not in ignition." This has been construed by some as Fuller swallowing gasoline when, in fact, asphyxiation would have been caused by a deadly build-up of gasoline fumes in a sealed environment.  Erik Greene, a relative of the late singer Sam Cooke, has cited similarities in the deaths of Cooke and Fuller. The only one which survives scrutiny is that both attended the same night club. Fuller bandmate, Jim Reese, suspected that Charles Manson may have had something to do with Fuller's death but has never provided credible evidence. A sensationalist crime website has speculated that the LAPD may have been involved because of Bobby's connection to a Mafia-related woman. Fuller is buried in the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles.   Bobby Fuller on "Shindig"