Full Breakdown
Eugene Thomas King Jr., Notorious Bank Robber, Found Dead
3/2/2026, 10:04:06 PM
Circumstances of Death
Eugene Thomas King Jr., the man infamous for holding a gun to celebrity chef Paula Deen's head during a bank robbery in 1987, was found dead in his Brooklyn apartment on February 26, 2026. He was 75 years old. The New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner confirmed that King died of hypertensive and arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Emergency services pronounced him dead at the scene after he was discovered unresponsive.
The 1987 Bank Robbery Incident
The robbery occurred when Deen was working as a bank teller. During the incident, King pressed a gun against her temple, creating a traumatic experience for Deen. Following his conviction, King served a 25-year prison sentence for the robbery, which also included another robbery committed around the same time. His notoriety resurfaced in 2013 when Deen referenced the robbery during a deposition for a lawsuit involving allegations of racial and sexual harassment against her.
Paula Deen's Controversial Admission
In the deposition, Deen admitted to using a racial slur while recounting the traumatic experience of the robbery. This admission led to significant backlash and contributed to the decline of her career. King later expressed sympathy for Deen, stating, “I really feel for her. She’s being persecuted because of that one little mistake in her judgment. She was acting out of anger.” He also publicly apologized for his actions, saying, “I regret that I pointed a gun at her,” and expressed remorse for the fear he caused.
Impact on Paula Deen's Career
The fallout from Deen's admission had lasting effects on her career, leading to the loss of endorsements and her television show. In a recent documentary titled *Canceled: The Paula Deen Story*, Deen reflected on the emotional toll of the incident and its aftermath. She stated, “We lost it all,” while her son, Bobby Deen, countered that their family and business had survived. Deen emphasized the ongoing emotional struggle, saying, “I’m not OK in here,” referring to the lasting impact of the controversy.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of the legal proceedings surrounding Deen's deposition argue that the questions posed were irrelevant to the workplace claims made against her. Legal experts featured in the documentary noted that Deen was not accused of using racial slurs in her restaurants, questioning the legitimacy of the inquiry.
Verbatim Quotes
- “She’s being persecuted because of that one little mistake in her judgment. She was acting out of anger.” — Eugene Thomas King Jr.
- “I regret that I pointed a gun at her,” — Eugene Thomas King Jr.
- “‘When they lay me down, I do not want my tombstone to say, “Here lies the body of a racist,”’ she said.” — Paula Deen
Eugene Thomas King Jr.'s death marks the end of a life intertwined with a significant moment in Paula Deen's past, a moment that continues to resonate in discussions about race and accountability in America.
