Police: Rodney King Took Drugs Before Drowning

Matt Sayles / AP

Rodney King, in Los Angeles on April 13, 2012

Rodney King, whose beating at the hands of police officers sparked national outcry and eventually led to the 1992 Los Angeles riots, died from an accidental drowning and had a number of drugs in his system including PCP and cocaine as well as alcohol, according to an autopsy conducted by Rialto, Calif., police.

The San Bernadino County Sheriffs Department released an autopsy report on King, who was found dead by hisfiance at the bottom of his homes swimming pool on June 17. Police told the L.A. Daily News that Kings blood alcohol level was .06%, and that illicit substances had been found in his body.

(MORE: Rodney King, Whose Police Beating Led to Los Angeles Riots, Dies at 47)

Theres going to be no surprises. His death was ruled an accidental drowning, Rialto police Capt. Randy DeAnda told the Daily News. The investigation is now completed and basically the autopsy and toxicology reinforces our conclusions.

San Bernadino Coroners officials say they believe the 47-year-old, a frequent swimmer, jumped or fell into the pool in a state of alcohol- or drug-induced intoxication. The effects of the drugs and alcohol, combined with [King's preexisting heart condition] probably precipitated a cardiac arrhythmia and [King], thus incapacitated, was unable to save himself and drowned, reported the celebrity website TMZ.com, citing the autopsy report.

(MORE: Los Angeles and Rodney King 20 Years Later: Both Better, Not Perfect, But Better)

On March 3, 1991, King was pulled over while driving on Los Angeles Foothill Freeway. According to testimony by the officers involved, the police sensed a threat from him and proceeded to beat him with their batons and shock him with a Taser. The entire incident was caught on video by a local resident and broadcast repeatedly, infuriating a Los Angeles African-American community already upset over policing issues in their neighborhoods. King suffered multiple injuries and migraine headaches that persisted for the rest of his life.

After a jury declared three of the four police officers charged with the beating not guilty and failed to reach a verdict on the fourth, Los Angeles exploded into violence. The ensuing riots killed 55 people, caused $1 billion in damage and damaged so much of South Central L.A. that it took nearly two decades for the area to recover.

Excerpt from:
Police: Rodney King Took Drugs Before Drowning