$50,000 Reward Unanimously Approved For Information In Killing, Decapitation Of Inglewood Man, 75

INGLEWOOD (CBSLA.com) — The city of Inglewood is hoping a significant reward will lead to the person responsible for killing and decapitating a 75-year-old nearly blind man.

The Inglewood City Council Tuesday evening unanimously approved a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible in the killing of Robert Hollis.

Hollis, who was known as "Mr. Bojangles," was found decapitated in his Inglewood apartment June 18.

James T. Butts, Jr., the mayor of Inglewood, says he's never believed in using rewards to solve crimes, but this is different.

"Not only was he murdered, but his body was defiled in a despicable manner. We want to make a statement that we're with the family and this won't be tolerated," he said.

Hollis' son made the discovery. Family members said Hollis was well-known in the community and sang in church choirs.

His ex-wife, Norma Hollis, says she is grateful for the reward to bring his killer to justice.

"We were best friends and even though we were no longer living together and no longer married, we were connected every day," she said. "We don't know how to process it. We're still at a total loss."

Inglewood police have not said much about the investigation, but family members say nothing was stolen from his home and Hollis' head had not been found.

"Detectives are still continuing to do background on the victim's friends, associates to get an idea of who might have been involved," Butts said. "We do not have an identified suspect at this point."

Butts also said a motive for the killing is unknown at this point.

"Was it something he said? Was it a mistaken identity? What was it? Was it just a happenstance? Why?" asked Norma Hollis, who said Robert didn't have any known enemies. She hopes the reward will encourage those with information to come forward.