“Serial slingshot shooter”, 81, dies a few days after his arrest

An 81-year-old California man accused of being a “serial slingshot shooter” who victimized his neighbors for nearly a decade has died just days after his arrest.

A report from the Los Angeles County medical examiners shows that Prince King died Wednesday of a heart condition at a private residence.

Authorities arrested Mr. King last week, ending a “lengthy investigation” into those who had been shooting ball bearings at cars and homes for years in the town of Azusa.

Mr King had pleaded not guilty and was due to appear in court next month.

The octogenarian was facing felony and misdemeanor vandalism charges.

Mr. King was released from custody on Tuesday after his arraignment and was due back in court on June 17.

A judge ordered him to stay 200 yards (183 m) from his home in Azusa. He was also prohibited from making contact with his alleged victims and was prohibited from possessing deadly weapons, including slingshots.

Police found Mr. King Wednesday morning after receiving a call about a possibly deceased person, according to the San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

“We found no evidence of foul play,” Sergeant Nick Covarrubias of the Azusa police told the local media outlet.

The medical examiners' report indicates that the death was “natural” and cites arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease as the cause.

Azusa police arrested Mr. King after executing a search warrant at his home, where they found ball bearings and a slingshot.

Police accused Mr. King of shooting house windows and car windshields with a slingshot, and “nearly” hitting people, over a period of nine to 10 years.

“Dozens of citizens were victims of serial slingshot shooting,” police said.

Police said they were able to arrest Mr. King when a recent increase in complaints revealed a “pattern” and allowed them to “restrict him to a specific residence.”

They said the only motive they could discern was “malicious mischief.”