Azusa, California – An 81-year-old man, who was recently released on bond after being accused of being a “serial slingshot shooter,” has passed away from heart disease, as confirmed by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office. Prince Raymond King died on May 29 due to atherosclerosis, a condition where fats and other substances accumulate on artery walls and lead to cardiovascular disease, according to Mayo Clinic.
King was arrested on May 23 following a search warrant in his neighborhood, where authorities discovered ball bearings and a slingshot in his home. He was held at the Los Angeles County Jail until his release on May 28, with a scheduled court date for June 17, 2024.
During King’s court appearance, a judge ordered him to stay 200 yards away from the locations where he allegedly shot ball bearings at homes and individuals. Azusa police initiated the search warrant as part of an investigation into reports of a “serial slingshot shooter” victimizing citizens in the area over nearly a decade.
Despite no injuries reported from King’s actions, authorities had been investigating the slingshot incidents for years without identifying a suspect. Eventually, Azusa police traced most of the ball bearings to King’s backyard, though some were also launched from a nearby neighborhood.
According to Azusa police Lt. Jake Bushey, there was no apparent motive behind King’s actions other than causing mischief. The shots were targeted rather than random, but the specific reasons for selecting certain properties or individuals remain unclear.
Bushey and his team’s efforts finally led to the identification of King as the suspect in the string of slingshot incidents, ultimately resulting in his arrest. The case serves as an example of the diligent work carried out by law enforcement in addressing community concerns and ensuring public safety.