HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — The man accused of attacking an 80-year-old man over a parking space now faces a murder charge because the victim later died from his injuries.
Earl Hollins was a disabled veteran and father of six, according to his family. He died from a severe head injury after being punched and knocked to the ground, Harris County Sheriff's Office investigators said.
Editor's note: The above video originally aired on Dec. 9.
Anthony Ray Boyce, 57, was originally charged with aggravated assault after the attack outside a north Harris County Food Town on Cypress Creek Parkway near FM 1960.
According to court documents, Hollins was backing into a parking space when Boyce confronted him. During an argument in the middle of the parking lot, Boyce punched Hollins once in the head, according to prosecutor Michael Simons. Hollins hit his head on the concrete, causing a severe head injury.
A witness at the scene told KHOU 11 News he didn't feel help was arriving soon enough, so he drove to a nearby volunteer fire department to ask for help.
The report they took states they were notified around 1:30 p.m. that a man was assaulted and bleeding in the parking lot, conscious and alert at the time. It also states that the department requested "dispatch to step up law enforcement due to the call being held for over an hour with no E.T.A. given."
Hollins' son said his father was in good shape, healthy, a great cook and always joking and laughing. He was the only parent they had left.
Hollins was also known by employees at the store as a friendly man.
Boyce's bond was raised to $200,000 on Monday.