Man Who Held Paula Deen at Gunpoint Dies from Natural Causes

Eugene Thomas King Jr. passed away at age 75 due to cardiovascular disease, according to the New York City Medical Examiner's Office.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The New York City Medical Examiner's Office has revealed that Eugene Thomas King Jr., the man who held celebrity chef Paula Deen at gunpoint during a 1987 bank robbery, died from natural causes related to cardiovascular disease. King was found unresponsive in his Brooklyn apartment and pronounced dead at the scene.

Why it matters

This story provides closure on a decades-old incident that had a significant impact on Deen's life and career. It also highlights the importance of understanding the medical factors behind unexpected deaths, rather than jumping to conclusions.

The details

According to the Mayo Clinic, King's cause of death - hypertensive and arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease - is caused by high blood pressure damaging the arteries and leading to plaque buildup, a natural medical condition. King had a history of violent crime, having been sentenced to 25 years in prison for the 1987 bank robbery and another robbery.

  • King was found unresponsive in his Brooklyn apartment just after 5 PM on Thursday, March 1, 2026.
  • In 1987, King committed armed robbery and held Paula Deen, who was working as a bank teller at the time, at gunpoint.

The players

Eugene Thomas King Jr.

A 75-year-old man who held celebrity chef Paula Deen at gunpoint during a 1987 bank robbery and was later found dead in his Brooklyn apartment from natural causes related to cardiovascular disease.

Paula Deen

A celebrity chef who was working as a bank teller when she was held at gunpoint by Eugene Thomas King Jr. during a 1987 robbery.

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What they’re saying

“In 2013 -- after Deen used a racial slur -- King came to her defense ... claiming she was being "persecuted" for making one small mistake in judgment and reacting out of anger.”

— Eugene Thomas King Jr. (Inside Edition)

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of understanding the full context and medical factors behind unexpected deaths, rather than jumping to conclusions. It also shows how even those who have committed violent crimes can sometimes find redemption and empathy later in life.