6 replies to this topic

[jefferson l.o.b sergeant]

Sadly it seems that Rodney King died on March 2, 1991 and it took 22 years for his soul to leave his body. This is tragic enough but to know his children have lost their dad on Father's Day is absolutely heartbreaking.

[stephanie familiar]

how did he come to die in his pool? did he have a heart attack or something?

[jefferson l.o.b sergeant]

I know he had substance abuse problems stemming from the 91 beating. I think it may have something to do with that. I hope drugs aren't involved but in these cases the ravages of drug abuse on the body usually come up around that age.

[garjones]

It is sad, I wasn't aware until I read the obituary today that he suffered brain damage from the beating.

[Miqque Loveland]

March 3rd - I remember it well as it was my mom's birthday. Also remember, well, having to get the "Emergency Medical Services" placard to drive around during the rioting. I remember four guys on the roof of their Korean store with rifles, protecting their property. I remember being really pissed, particularly at Sgt. Koon, who should have known better and should have been in charge of that goon squad. King himself was no wonder, but at least he used what little noteriety he had to make positive statements and never whined about his traeatment. He knew he was a screw-up and was as appropriate about it as most could be.

Death reports show he spent a quiet Saturday drinking booze and smoking some pot. Next thing his fiancee knew, he was floating in the pool.

We actually have two whole states where one can drink and drive insanely: Montana and Texas. Don't let them catch you inTexas. Hope they dig you out in Montana, come Spring thaw.

[Adam Wednesdays]

I wish the best to his family.

I know he had substance abuse problems stemming from the 91 beating.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure his drug problems at least started before his beating. Wasn't he high on PCP at the time of the attack? This isn't to imply that what happened to him wasn't a shame and a crime, but I'm not sure that his drug problems are actually something that can be laid at the feet of the LAPD.

[Ricardo_C]

While he was legally drunk at the time of the assault, he was not on PCP. The officers suspected PCP because of King's erratic behavior.

Sad to see him go so young. While he wasn't the hapless innocent some tried to paint him as, he had more than earned a long and happy rest of his life.