Azusa, California – After being released on bond for allegedly being a “serial slingshot shooter,” an 81-year-old man passed away due to heart disease, as confirmed by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Prince Raymond King, the elderly man in question, died from atherosclerosis, a type of cardiovascular disease characterized by the build-up of fats, cholesterol, and other substances in the artery walls. This natural death occurred on May 29, following King’s arrest on May 23 after a search warrant was executed in his neighborhood by the Azusa Police Department, where ball bearings and a slingshot were discovered in his home.
Despite being held at the Los Angeles County Jail following his arrest, King was released on bond on May 28, with his next court appearance scheduled for June 17, 2024. During his initial court appearance, a judge ordered King to stay 200 yards away from the residences and individuals he was accused of targeting with the ball bearings, as reported by The Guardian.
The search warrant was prompted by reports of a “quality of life issue” within the neighborhood, leading to a thorough investigation by the Azusa Police Department. The department concluded that over a period of 9-10 years, numerous residents fell victim to a “serial slingshot shooter,” although no injuries were reported from King’s alleged actions, according to Azusa police Lt. Jake Bushey.
The investigation into the slingshot incidents had begun years prior, with the police unable to identify a suspect until recently. It was eventually discovered that most of the ball bearings were launched from King’s backyard, while others originated from a neighboring area. Despite the motive behind the incidents remaining unclear, Bushey noted that the shots were not random, emphasizing the lack of knowledge regarding specific targets or reasons for the attacks.
Unfortunately, the elderly man’s passing signifies the conclusion of a bizarre and troubling chapter in this California neighborhood, as authorities work to fully comprehend the circumstances surrounding the “serial slingshot shooter” and his activities. The community can now begin to heal and move forward from this unsettling ordeal.