Prince King, an 81-year-old California resident, passed away just days after being arrested for allegedly targeting his neighbors with a slingshot for nearly a decade. The Los Angeles County medical examiner reported that King died of heart disease on Wednesday, May 29, at a private residence.
A lengthy investigation culminates in arrest
King was apprehended following a protracted investigation into numerous incidents involving ball bearings being fired at cars and homes in Azusa, California. Facing felony and misdemeanor vandalism charges, King had pleaded not guilty and was set to appear in court next month.
After his arraignment, King was released on Tuesday under conditions that included staying 200 yards away from his Azusa home, not contacting alleged victims, and refraining from possessing any deadly weapons, including slingshots. He was scheduled to return to court on June 17.
Discovery and investigation findings
On Wednesday morning, police responded to a call reporting a possible death and found King at the residence. Sgt. Nick Covarrubias of the Azusa police told the San Gabriel Valley Tribune that no foul play was suspected. The medical examiner confirmed King’s death was natural, caused by arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
King’s arrest followed a search warrant executed at his home, where police found ball bearings and a slingshot. Authorities had identified a pattern of complaints linking back to King’s residence. They accused him of firing at windows and car windshields, almost hitting people, over the past nine to ten years. Police noted that dozens of citizens had been victimized by the alleged serial slingshot shooter.