A Texas resident, Anthony Ray Boyce, 57, is currently in custody after he was accused of fatally injuring an 80-year-old veteran, Earl Hollins, during a dispute over a parking space. The incident occurred at the Food Town grocery store located at 1420 Cypress Creek Road in Houston on a recent Friday. Both men were attempting to park their vehicles when a heated argument ensued.
Boyce is alleged to have struck Hollins in the face, causing him to fall and hit the back of his head on the pavement. Hollins was immediately rushed to the hospital, but unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries over the weekend. Boyce, who drove a maroon Ford F-150, fled the scene but was later apprehended and initially charged with aggravated assault. Following Hollins’ death, the charges were elevated to murder on Tuesday.
Initially, detectives suspected the incident to be a botched robbery, but further investigations revealed the true nature of the altercation. Investigators are also exploring the possibility that the two men may have known each other prior to the incident, as they were both regular customers at the grocery store.
The news of Hollins’ death has left his family in shock, particularly given the trivial nature of the dispute. Hollins’ niece, Elma Hollins-Washington, expressed her disbelief to local ABC affiliate KTRK, stating, “My god, over a parking spot. You’re going to injure my uncle, and now, finally, he’s dead, and it was over a parking spot.” The timing of the incident, during the holiday season, has added to the family’s grief.
Hollins-Washington described her uncle as a man in good health for his age who loved cooking. She remembered him as a unique, easygoing, and friendly individual who was loved by all who knew him.
Boyce is currently being held at the Harris County Jail on a $200,000 bond, which may increase due to the murder charge. He does not have legal representation listed and is reported to be retired. Prior to his retirement, Boyce was a substitute teacher at Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District, according to NBC affiliate KPRC.