Rialto, CA (Indiana’s NewsCenter) - Rodney King, the man whose videotaped beating in 1991 by members of the LAPD sparked a nationwide debate on police brutality and race relations, has died. King was 47-years-old.
King was found by his fiancée early Sunday morning in his swimming pool at his home in Rialto, California.
Rialto Police Captain Randy DeAnda said, “Officers went into the pool and removed Mr. King. He was found to be unresponsive."
King was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
In 1991 video emerged of LAPD officers beating King following a high speed chase.
Four officers were charged with assault.
A year later the officer’s acquittal rocked Los Angeles and led to one of the most destructive riots in U.S. history.
The violence lasted three days, killed 55 people, and left large parts of Los Angeles ablaze.
"Can we all get along?"
Those five words are part of King's legacy, a plea for peace in the midst of raging violence that tore through Los Angeles.
In the 20-years that followed Rodney King openly struggled with alcohol and occasional run-ins with the law, but remained a symbol against police brutality.
When asked if he was comfortable with that role and how people perceived him Rodney King said, “Oh you know what? This is the healing part for me. And I accept that role fully.”
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