Robert Charles Green

Robert Charles Green was born on November 19, 1937, Shreveport, Louisiana to the late Abner T. and Mary E. Green. He attended Carrie Martin Elementary and High School, both located in Plain Dealing, Louisiana. He attended Rockspring Baptist Church until he left home.

Robert attended Southern University and then enlisted in the U.S. Marines, serving in the Korean War. After his service to our Country, he was honorably discharged to Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.

Following his move to Indianapolis, Indiana. Robert joined the Indianapolis Police Department (IPD). Detective Robert “R.C.” Green dedicated over four decades to IPD, serving thirty-eight years as a homicide detective. In 1972, under Mayor Richard Lugar’s administration, the city experienced a record sixty-six homicides. Remarkably, the homicide unit achieved a 100% clearance rate that year, solving every case—a testament to their unwavering commitment and investigative prowess. This exceptional accomplishment led Mayor Lugar to commend the unit in 1973 for their exemplary work, a record that remains unparalleled in the department’s history.

Detective Green’s expertise extended beyond active investigations; his work has been recognized in legal education. Notably, he played a significant role in the investigation of Robert Kannapel’s murder, dedicating two weeks to the case. His contributions were substantial enough that he testified during the post-conviction hearing, highlighting his thorough investigative methods. This case has since been referenced in law school curricula as a model of exemplary investigative work (Robert Earl Badelle v. Curtis Correll, 1996).

What set Detective Green apart, however, was not just his investigative acumen but the deep trust he cultivated within the community. Citizens held him in such high regard that they would contact him directly to surrender family members or report relatives involved in criminal activities, confident that he would treat everyone with dignity and kindness. His reputation for fairness and compassion made him a bridge between law enforcement and the community, fostering cooperation and ensuring that justice was served with humanity.

Throughout his tenure, Detective Green was a trusted and beloved member of the IPD and a mentor to many young officers. His dedication to justice and the community left an indelible mark on the department and the city of Indianapolis. His passing on Thursday, February 6, 2025, was a profound loss to everyone who knew him.

In honoring Detective Green’s legacy, we celebrate a life dedicated to public service, marked by integrity,

perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to justice. His contributions have left an enduring impact on the community, law enforcement, and the legal profession. His work exemplifies the highest ideals of police service where trust, respect, and justice go hand in hand.

Detective Green attended New Bethel Church in Indianapolis. He was united in Holy matrimony to Gloria F. Green on March 4, 2017.

Detective Green is preceded in death by his parents Abner and Mary Green, grandfather Elliott Green, grandmother Lottie Pearl, siblings; Jerry C. Green, Donnell Green, Ben Edward Green, Ethel M. Green Thomas, Artist G. Green.

Detective Green is survived by his wife Gloria F. Green, children, Vanessa Broom, Lisa Harris, Archie Perkins, Julie Byrd (Don), Milton Charles Hill, Wilfred C. Broom (Gina), Craig Linton (Jilliane), Colby Linton, Lela Linton, special bonus son Kelvin Carter (Teresa), siblings, Beryl G. Green (Dorothy), Marilyn Wright (Raymond), Allene Robertson (Robert), Henry T. Green (Renae), Doris Green, special friends; Timothy Knight, Bill Ingram, Ida Williams and Carl Parks, a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, other relatives, and friends.

A visitation for Robert will be held Saturday, February 22, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Bethel Tabernacle Apostolic Church, 2002 Dr. Andrew J Brown Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46202, followed by a celebration of life at 12:00 PM.

Robert will be laid to rest in Crown Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery, 700 W. 38th St., Indianapolis, IN 46208.