Key figure in 1992 LA riots found dead

RODNEY KING, whose savage beating at the hands of Los Angeles police officers led to widespread rioting in the city in 1992, has died, according to authorities.

Rialto police captain Randy De Anda said the 47-year-old was found dead at his swimming pool yesterday morning. He was discovered by his fiancee. Authorities said foul play does not appear to have played a part in his death.

On March 3rd, 1991, King was subjected to a vicious assault at the hands of four white police officers at the side of a highway in Los Angeles.

The incident – which was videotaped by an amateur cameraman – kicked off a series of events that culminated in week-long rioting after the police officers were acquitted over the beating.

It came to represent a nadir in race relations in recent American history and led to a nationwide dialogue on the issue. At the time of the assault, King (25) was on parole for a robbery conviction. After being chased by police he was surrounded by officers who proceeded to pummel him.

The black American received 55 baton blows and six kicks, analysis of the video showed.

King later said police shouted “we are going to kill you, nigger” as they continued to beat him.

The attack left King with severe injuries, with three surgeons operating for five hours to save his life.

Unknown to the police officers at the scene, the beating was captured on tape by plumber George Holliday, who came out on to his balcony after being woken by sirens.

He passed the footage on to a local TV network, from which it was soon taken up by media across the country.

Four officers were indicted, but after a three-month trial, three were acquitted. A mistrial was ruled for the fourth defendant after the jury deadlocked.

The verdicts were met with widespread anger in the black community, leading to violent clashes and looting in downtown LA. On the third day of the demonstrations and destruction, King made a public statement calling for calm.

“People, I just want to say, can we all get along? Can we get along?” But the rioting continued.

King was permanently injured in the attack. In recent years, he battled alcohol addiction.

Few details surrounding his death have emerged. – (Copyright Guardian News Media 2012)