Man arrested in connection with ‘serial slingshot shootings’ in Azusa has died – NBC Los Angeles

A man arrested this month in connection with what authorities called a “serial slingshot shooting” in Azusa has died.

Prince King, 81, died Wednesday at a home, the Los Angeles County coroner said. The cause of death was atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, according to the coroner’s office.

King was released from custody on an honorary bond Tuesday morning and made his first court appearance this week in connection with the vandalism that neighbors say has been going on in the San Gabriel Valley neighborhood for about 10 years. Dozens of people in the neighborhood reported damage to windows, windshields and other property from ball bearings found in their yards.

King was charged with seven counts of vandalism and appeared in court in West Covina on Tuesday, where he pleaded not guilty. He was scheduled to be in court again on June 17.

The damage caused by the slingshot shots is estimated at $5,000 to $10,000, police said.

King was arrested a week ago on suspicion of malicious damage to property after police were called to the 900 block of North Enid Avenue on May 23 for a “quality of life issue.” Neighbors told officers that a man armed with a slingshot and ball bearings had been smashing windows and windshields of cars.

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In some cases, people were almost hit by ball bearings, police said.

Officers executed a search warrant in the neighborhood where the crimes were reported and arrested King. During the search, ball bearings and a slingshot were found in the suspect’s home, police said.

“Many times I would come outside and find small BBs next to the front door. So I’m very happy that the person was caught,” said local resident Monica Palomino.

Another resident said she also found ball bearings in her yard and saw the man using the slingshot.

“I actually saw him shooting with the slingshot before,” said local resident Dava Juan. “I couldn’t believe he was arrested. It was pretty crazy.”

Lt. Jake Bushey told the San Gabriel Valley Tribune that the acts were not random, but it was not clear why certain people and properties were targeted.