Azusa, California – An 81-year-old man, Prince Raymond King, who spent nearly a decade terrorizing his neighbors with a slingshot, passed away just days after his arrest and court appearance. The elderly man was found dead in a home in Azusa, California, with authorities confirming no signs of foul play.
King, who faced multiple felony vandalism charges, died from arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, a natural cause, according to the local medical examiner’s office. He had been accused of using his slingshot to launch metal ball bearings at his neighbors’ properties, resulting in broken windows and car windshields over the years.
The alleged incidents of vandalism by King date back to 2015, with formal charges filed for incidents between October 2021 and May 2024. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office charged King with five counts of felony vandalism and two counts of misdemeanor vandalism for his destructive actions.
Following a thorough investigation, police arrested King on May 23, discovering a slingshot and multiple ball bearings in his possession. Despite pleading not guilty during his arraignment, King was released from custody under certain conditions, including staying away from his Azusa home and refraining from possessing any deadly weapons.
Neighbors affected by King’s actions expressed relief following his arrest, with one resident mentioning the ongoing vandalism since 2018. Despite the disruptions caused by broken windows, the neighborhood was generally considered a positive environment by residents.
King was scheduled to appear in court on June 17 for a preliminary hearing, but his sudden passing marked the end of a decade-long saga of slingshot-related vandalism in the Azusa community. The case highlights the impact of ongoing disputes among neighbors and the importance of peaceful resolutions to conflicts.