An 87-year-old millionaire philanthropist was shot dead inside what should have been a secure assisted living facility, and weeks later police still have no suspects—raising alarming questions about safety and security in senior housing that Americans trust to protect their most vulnerable loved ones.
Veteran Philanthropist Killed in Upscale Facility
Robert Fuller Jr., an 87-year-old retired Navy Reserve officer and attorney, was discovered with a fatal gunshot wound to the head in his apartment at Cogir Potomac Senior Living on the morning of February 14, 2026. The Valentine’s Day murder shocked both the affluent Potomac, Maryland community and Fuller’s home state of Maine, where he was celebrated for transforming local institutions through generous philanthropy. Emergency responders arrived at the 10800 block of Potomac Tennis Lane following reports of severe head trauma, and investigators quickly launched a homicide investigation that remains unsolved.
Legacy of Community Investment Cut Short
Fuller’s life exemplified traditional American values of service and community investment. Beyond his military service, he contributed over $1.64 million to upgrade Cony High School’s athletic complex in Augusta, Maine—a facility now bearing his name. He also supported MaineGeneral Medical Center, the Kennebec Historical Society, Kennebec Valley YMCA, Old Fort Western, and local libraries during COVID-19 financial hardships. Fuller viewed these contributions as “investments in Augusta’s future” designed to foster community pride and attract talent. A descendant of Supreme Court Chief Justice Melville Fuller, he channeled family legacy into building up rather than dividing communities.
Surveillance Video Yields Few Answers
Montgomery County Police released surveillance footage on February 20 showing a person with long dark hair wearing plaid flannel walking on facility grounds around the time of Fuller’s killing. Investigators specifically asked the public to focus on the suspect’s clothing and distinctive gait, yet the individual’s gender and race remain unclear. The Major Crimes Division urged anyone recognizing details to contact detectives at 240-773-5070. The grainy footage underscores a disturbing reality: someone gained access to what families assume is a secure environment and executed a violent crime without immediate detection or apprehension.
Facility Security Claims Ring Hollow
Cogir Potomac Senior Living issued a statement emphasizing that “safety of residents and team members is top priority,” yet declined to comment on whether staff or residents are under investigation or what security enhancements have been implemented since the murder. This lack of transparency raises red flags for families entrusting aging parents to assisted living care. The facility’s location in an affluent D.C. suburb and premium pricing create expectations of robust security protocols. Fuller’s death shatters those assumptions, exposing potential gaps in access controls, surveillance monitoring, and background screening that Americans rely on to protect vulnerable seniors from harm.
Broader Implications for Senior Housing Safety
Fuller’s unsolved murder may trigger long-overdue scrutiny of assisted living security standards across the industry. Short-term consequences include heightened anxiety among Potomac residents and facility occupants questioning their own safety. Long-term impacts could drive policy reforms mandating enhanced access controls, improved surveillance systems, and stricter background checks for high-net-worth senior housing. The case highlights vulnerabilities conservatives have warned about: government oversight failures allowing facilities to prioritize reputation management over transparency. Without arrests or clear answers, families nationwide are left wondering whether their loved ones face similar risks in supposedly protected environments that collect substantial fees while potentially cutting corners on fundamental safety measures.
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