BREAKING! Rodney King was found dead this morning. King, aged just 47, was best known as the victim of a police beating case by the Los Angeles Police Department in 1991. His beating was video-taped by a nearby bystander, which sparked one of the deadliest riots in American history.

King was found dead Sunday morning in Rialto, California, according to news reports. His body was discovered by his fiancé.  Reuters reported that there were no immediate signs of foul play.

The incident when Rodney was beaten by police happened on March 3, 1991. He was taped being beaten helplessly by 7 police officers. All the officers went on trial, with three white and one Hispanic officer being acquitted. The video sparked anger across America, leading to a violent riot which resulted in 53 deaths. Properties were looted and businesses were destroyed in the midst of the violence.

King had recently published a memoir called "The Riot Within: My Journey From Rebellion to Redemption."

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