Bank robber who held gun to Paula Deens head in 1987 heist found dead in NYC

Published: Monday, March 2, 2026 at 6:05 am

Bank Robber Who Targeted Paula Deen in 1987 Found Dead

New York City authorities have confirmed the death of Eugene Thomas King, Jr., the man who gained notoriety for robbing a bank in 1987 and holding a gun to the head of then-teller Paula Deen. King, 75, was discovered unconscious in his Brooklyn apartment on Thursday and pronounced dead at the scene. The medical examiner determined the cause of death to be natural, citing hypertensive and arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

The 1987 bank robbery, which involved King holding up Deen, remained largely obscure until Deen referenced the incident in a 2013 deposition related to a lawsuit. During the deposition, Deen admitted to using a racial slur to describe King, which significantly damaged her public image and career. This revelation brought King back into the public eye.

Following Deen's admission, King expressed sympathy for her, stating that he believed she was being unfairly persecuted for a "mistake in her judgment." He also stated that he never intended to hurt anyone during the robbery. King served time for the bank robbery and, in a statement to police, expressed remorse for his actions, requesting that they convey his apologies to Deen.

BNN's Perspective:

The death of Eugene Thomas King, Jr. serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between past actions and their lasting consequences. While King's criminal actions are undeniable, the subsequent events highlight the impact of language and the potential for redemption, even in the face of significant mistakes.

Keywords: Eugene Thomas King Jr., Paula Deen, bank robbery, death, Brooklyn, medical examiner, hypertensive cardiovascular disease, arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, racial slur, 1987, apology, Inside Edition, NYPD

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