Building owner’s death
leaves residents in fear

As police sought the killer of a 71-year-old owner of a Makiki apartment building, residents expressed grief and fear over the shooting death of a man they described as warm and fatherly.

Robert E. Lee was shot in the carport of his building at 1555 Pensacola St. shortly after 8 p.m. Thursday. He was taken to the Queen's Medical Center, where he died.

The Medical Examiner's Office said yesterday that Lee died of a gunshot wound to the head, and ruled it a homicide.

Police are examining Lee's computer, looking for clues to a possible motive.

With the killer or killers at large, resident Fatu Laga said he is afraid for his girlfriend and sister, especially when he is away at work.

"I wish they find something soon," he said.

Like other tenants, Tina Allison said she will miss the fatherly concern Lee showed for her and her family, even offering relationship advice.

"When I needed a place to stay, he let me have this one and put in a new stove, water heater and AC," she said.

She said Lee was sociable with many friends who played cards and watched ball games in the carport. Lee and his wife often baby-sat their grandchildren, neighbors said.

According to city property records, Lee owned the building with his two sons and was also its resident manager.

Police are asking for witnesses or anyone with information to call Detective Sheryl Sunia at 529-3166 or CrimeStoppers at 955-8300, *CRIME on a cellular phone.