Zeenews Bureau
Los Angeles: Rodney King, the central figure in the 1992 Los Angeles riots, was found dead at the bottom of his swimming pool on Sunday. Police have ruled out any foul play in the preliminary investigation. However, an autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death.
The incident took place early Sunday morning when Rodney’s fiancée, Cynthia Kelly found King at the bottom of the pool. Kelly called 911 and attempts were made to revive him. However, King was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.
In 1991, King was brutally beaten up by police officers and the incident was recorded by a bystander. Nearly beaten to death, he was operated on for nearly five hours.
The officers involved in the incident were later acquitted resulting in clashes between black youth and police which left 50 dead and thousands injured.
A trial was held later in which the two of the four officers were sent to jail.
First Published: Sunday, June 17, 2012, 22:20