Robert Hollis, 75

Robert Hollis, a 75-year-old black man, was found dead Thursday, June 18 in the 800 block of Glenway Drive in Inglewood, according to Los Angeles County coroner’s records.

The L.A. County Fire Department responded to an apartment to check on Hollis and found him inside, according to a news release from the Inglewood Police Department. Police did not release any further information.

Hollis was pronounced dead at the scene at 12:51 p.m. said Ed Winter, assistant chief of investigations for the coroner’s office. 

Winter said that Hollis was found decapitated. The death has been ruled a homicide.

Hollis’ son found his father’s body inside the apartment after a neighbor called him out of concern. That neighbor was supposed to give Hollis a ride to the grocery store, and Hollis never showed up, said Rene Jones, the assistant property manager at the Villa Glen apartment complex where the man lived.

Hollis’ cousin, Tony Love, told reporters June 19 that jewelry, money and other personal items were left untouched in the apartment, leaving family members to wonder if Hollis, who was legally blind, knew his killer. 

Love said his cousin’s head has not yet been found.

“He wouldn’t answer the door unless he knew you,” Love said. “He won’t hurt a fly.  No enemies. I guess he had one.”

Neighbor Doris Smith said Hollis was known for his artwork, particularly for painting flashy pinstripes on the exterior of cars.

On Facebook, Hollis advertised his signage business, Mr. Bo Jangles Custom Signs in Carson.

“He was a real astute man," Smith said. “A true artist known for his gold leafy designs on lowriders.”

Hollis, who also sang in a church choir, was musically inclined. He gave Kevin Deane, another resident at the complex, a melodica, an instrument that’s a cross between a keyboard and an accordion.

The two would often chat about the craft of making music and the music industry.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Inglewood Police Department at (310) 412-5246. 

-- Angel Jennings