Hector Ulises Robles was a beloved son, brother, and uncle who was known for his kind heart and his devotion to his family. Born on August 20, 1971, Hector, a 43-year-old Hispanic man, was a cherished member of his community. He was the son of Maria and Jesus Robles and a brother to Leticia, Jesus Jr., and Javier. His nieces and nephews—Vanessa, Valerie, Vincent, Andrew, and Adrian—adored him. Hector was a lifelong resident of Boyle Heights, a vibrant and historic neighborhood in Los Angeles, California. He attended local schools, including First Street Elementary, Hollenbeck Junior High, and Roosevelt High School, building deep roots and lasting friendships within the community he called home. Those who knew him remembered his warm personality and the love he generously shared with those around him.
On the night of Sunday, September 14, 2014, Hector’s life was abruptly and violently cut short.
At approximately 10:30 p.m., he was on a familiar street in his own neighborhood, in the 500 block of South Bernal Avenue, when he was confronted by an unknown individual. Without warning, the person pulled out a handgun and fired multiple shots at Hector. The sound of the gunfire echoed through the night, alerting Los Angeles Police Department officers who were in the immediate vicinity. The officers rushed to the scene to find Hector grievously wounded. Paramedics were called, but his injuries were too severe. At 10:45 p.m., just fifteen minutes after the attack, Hector Ulises Robles was pronounced dead at the scene. His sudden death on a quiet residential street sent a shockwave of grief and fear through his family and the Boyle Heights community.
The investigation was immediately undertaken by homicide detectives from the LAPD’s Hollenbeck Division. Investigators canvassed the area for evidence and potential witnesses, working to piece together the final moments of Hector's life. Despite their efforts and the fact that officers were nearby when the shooting occurred, very little information about the assailant was made public. The police did not release a description of the suspect, leaving the community with unanswered questions and a sense of vulnerability. The motive for the seemingly random and brutal attack remained a mystery, deepening the pain for Hector's grieving family. The lack of a clear suspect or reason for the shooting left detectives with a challenging path forward in their search for justice.
In the days and weeks following the murder, Hector's family was left to mourn their profound loss. They remembered him not as a victim, but as the loving man he was throughout his life. His family laid him to rest, but they never gave up hope that his killer would be found. The case, however, grew cold as leads failed to materialize. Years have passed since that tragic night, and there have been no arrests made and no suspects publicly identified in connection with Hector's murder. The investigation remains open, a painful and unresolved chapter for his loved ones who continue to seek closure and accountability for the person who took him from them.
The Boyle Heights neighborhood, a place with a rich cultural history, is also an area that has contended with the tragedy of violent crime. Hector's unsolved murder is a stark reminder of the lives that are forever altered by these senseless acts. The Los Angeles Police Department continues to ask for the public’s help in solving this case. They believe that someone in the community may hold the key piece of information needed to bring the investigation to a close and provide answers for Hector’s family. As of late 2014, the case remains an active but unsolved homicide.
Detectives urge anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward. Individuals can contact the Hollenbeck Division Homicide detectives directly at (323) 342-8900. For those who wish to provide information while remaining anonymous, tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. Every piece of information is valuable in the ongoing effort to secure justice for Hector Ulises Robles and bring a measure of peace to his family.
