Man arrested in Azusa 'serial slingshot' shooting dead – NBC Los Angeles

A man arrested this month in what authorities called “serial shootings” in Azusa has died.

Prince King, 81, died Wednesday at a home, according to the Los Angeles County medical examiner. The cause of death has not been listed.

NBCLA has reached out to the Azusa Police Department for more information on the circumstances surrounding King's death.

King was released Tuesday morning on his own recognizance and made his first court appearance this week in connection with the vandalism that neighbors said had been going on for about 10 years in the San Gabriel Valley neighborhood. Dozens of people in the neighborhood have reported windows, car windshields and other property damaged by ball bearings found in their yards.

King faced five felony and two misdemeanor charges. Damage from the slingshots was estimated at $5,000 to $10,000, police said.

King was arrested a week ago on suspicion of malicious mischief after police responded May 23 to the 900 block of North Enid Avenue for a “quality of life issue.” Neighbors told police that a man armed with a slingshot and roller bearings was smashing car windows and windshields.

In some cases, people were nearly struck 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 at the suspect's home, police said.

“A lot of times I would go out and find little BBs near the front door, so I'm very happy that the person was caught,” said resident Monica Palomino.

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

“I’ve seen him shoot with a slingshot before,” said resident Dava Juan. “I couldn't believe he was arrested. It was pretty crazy.”

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