Sun Valley couple renews fight to keep son’s slayer locked up

Thursday, March 16, 2000 | 9:03 a.m.

James Greene, 28, has been in prison since 1990 for killing Robert "Bobby" Fay after a fight about Fay's red coat and shoes, purchased with his first paycheck from a mining company that had just hired him.

Greene, who had an extensive juvenile record, told police he was a member of a gang represented by the color red and was angry that Fay was wearing the color.

The victim's mother, Jean Ashley, and her husband, Roger, had twice asked the Nevada Parole Board to keep Greene locked up, and expected advance word on any other parole hearings. Instead, they recently got a letter saying Greene would be released in August.

Since the couple hadn't been notified in advance, the Parole Board reconsidered its decision and plans another hearing April 17 so the Ashleys can speak.

In order to be notified, victims must keep the board aware of their current address. The Ashleys said they moved a year ago but mailed their address change to the board.