Alonzo Ester, 67

Alonzo Ester, a 67-year-old black man, was shot and killed Friday, May 13, in the 4200 block of Hillcrest Drive in Baldwin Hills/Crenshaw, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

Ester was fatally shot about 3 a.m. in his driveway by an assailant who apparently approached the driver’s side door and fired one or two shots.

Witnesses heard the shots and saw a man apparently leaving the scene in a sedan, said Capt. Vito Palazzolo of the Los Angeles Police Department.

Ester owned Dynasty Restaurant and Lounge in Inglewood and also worked in real estate, according to his son, Abraham Ester.

The nightclub owner has a black Rolls-Royce and a white one. He was driving the $300,000 white car, which rolled into a neighbor's house across the street after the shooting.

His former wife, Patricia Ester, said she doubted the motive was a robbery given that the assailant left the valuable car behind.

Detectives stressed that the investigation is in the early stages, but it appears Ester could have been followed home.

According to relatives, Ester was born in Louisiana and moved to Los Angeles, where he got into the real estate business with his then father-in-law and built up his wealth.

Anyone with details about the incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (800) 222-8477.

KTLA Video: Man found shot to death in Rolls Royce

[Update Jan. 17, 2012: LAPD makes arrest in Baldwin Hills 'Rolls-Royce' killing]

-- Richard Winton