Grim end for man who symbolised problem of police brutality

Just a few months ago, Rodney King was once again the centre of attention as the world checked in on the man whose videotaped beating by police sparked one of the worst race riots in the US.

Mr King had left Los Angeles behind, moving an hour east to a home where neighbours would often hear him splashing in the pool late at night.

The physical and emotional scars from the more than 50 baton blows remained, but Mr King struck an upbeat note on his life. “America’s been good to me after I paid the price and stayed alive through it all. This part of my life is the easy part now.”