Eugene Thomas King Jr., the convicted bank robber who once pressed a firearm to celebrity chef Paula Deen's head during a terrifying 1987 holdup, has passed away. He was discovered deceased inside his Brooklyn apartment on Thursday, according to family members who spoke with TMZ. The specific cause of death has not yet been determined by authorities.
The Infamous 1987 Bank Robbery
King first made national headlines decades ago for the armed robbery that forever linked his name to Paula Deen. At the time of the crime, Deen was working as a bank teller in Savannah, Georgia. She later recounted in interviews how King held a gun directly to her temple during the frightening encounter, an act that left a lasting impact on her life.
Remorse and Legal Consequences
Following his arrest, King expressed deep remorse for his actions. In a statement to police, he wrote, 'Please tell her I’m sorry, but I never intended to hurt anyone,' as previously reported by Inside Edition. Despite this apology, he was ultimately convicted for the armed robbery and served time in prison for the crime.
Later Resurgence in Public Memory
King's name resurfaced in public discourse years later when Paula Deen faced significant backlash and controversy over her use of past racial language. This connection brought renewed attention to the 1987 incident, reminding many of the traumatic event that had initially brought their names together.
The discovery of King's body in his Brooklyn residence marks the final chapter in a story that has intertwined with American celebrity culture and criminal justice for over three decades. Family members confirmed the death to media outlets, though further details about the circumstances remain pending investigation.
