On February 19, 2000, William James, a 35-year-old African American male from Bloomfield, New Mexico, was found deceased under suspicious circumstances. The San Juan County Sheriff's Office initiated an investigation to determine the cause and manner of death. Initial reports indicated that James had suffered multiple blunt force injuries, suggesting a violent assault. The crime scene yielded limited forensic evidence, prompting authorities to seek assistance from the New Mexico State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
As the investigation progressed, law enforcement officials identified Robert Fry, a 26-year-old Caucasian male from Farmington, New Mexico, as a potential suspect. Fry had a prior criminal record, including charges of assault and battery, and was known to associate with individuals involved in criminal activities. Witnesses reported seeing Fry in the vicinity of the crime scene on the night of James's death. Additionally, surveillance footage from a nearby convenience store captured Fry purchasing items shortly before the estimated time of the homicide.
Further investigation revealed that Fry had been involved in a series of violent crimes in the region. In April 1998, he was implicated in the murder of Donald Tsosie, a 41-year-old Native American male from Ganado, Arizona. Tsosie's body was discovered in a remote area of San Juan County, New Mexico, with evidence of blunt force trauma. Fry was later convicted of this crime and sentenced to life imprisonment. In November 1996, Fry was also found guilty of the murders of Joseph Fleming, a 25-year-old Caucasian male, and Matthew Trecker, an 18-year-old Caucasian male, both residents of Farmington, New Mexico. The victims were employees at a local store and were killed during a robbery. Fry received two additional life sentences for these crimes.
In June 2000, Fry committed another heinous act, murdering Betty Lee, a 36-year-old Native American female from Shiprock, New Mexico. Lee, a mother of five, was found bludgeoned and stabbed to death in San Juan County. Fry, along with his accomplice Leslie Engh, offered Lee a ride after encountering her at a payphone. They then attempted to sexually assault her before killing her. Fry was convicted of first-degree murder, kidnapping, attempted rape, and tampering with evidence in this case. He was initially sentenced to death in 2002.
However, in 2019, the New Mexico Supreme Court vacated Fry's death sentence, citing that it was disproportionate compared to similar cases. His sentence was commuted to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. Fry is currently incarcerated at the Penitentiary of New Mexico in Santa Fe.
The investigation into William James's death remains open, with authorities continuing to explore potential links between Fry and the homicide. Law enforcement officials urge anyone with information related to the case to come forward to assist in bringing closure to James's family and ensuring justice is served.
