Los Angeles, CA -- Rodney King was found dead in his swimming pool Sunday, according to authorities.
King was 47.
In 1991, King was beaten by Los Angeles police following a high-speed car chase.
An amateur cameraman caught everything on tape as four white police officers struck King more than 50 times with wooden batons and used a stun gun. According to reports, the officers also used racial slurs during the beating, a claim the LAPD denies.
Many say the beating changed Los Angeles, its police department and the dialogue on race in America.
Four LAPD officers were indicted on charges of assault with a deadly weapon and excessive use of force by a police officer.
After a three-month trial, three of the officers were acquitted of all charges after the judge declared a mistrial.
Two officers were later convicted in federal court.
King also sued the city of Los Angeles and was awarded $3.8 million in damages.
CNN