On February 5, 1971, James E. Brown, a law student from Missouri, was traveling near Gallup, New Mexico, with his wife, Karen Dianne, when they encountered a hitchhiker named Bertram Greenberg. Greenberg flagged down the couple's vehicle, claiming he had car trouble and needed a ride to Gallup. Once inside the car, he produced a firearm and forced them to drive to a secluded area near an abandoned mine.
Upon reaching the remote location, Greenberg ordered James to undress to his undergarments and proceeded to sexually assault Karen. During the assault, both James and Karen attempted to overpower Greenberg but were unsuccessful. Greenberg then shot James in the back of the head, resulting in his immediate death, and shot Karen in the head as well. Miraculously, Karen survived the attack and managed to escape, later receiving medical attention and recovering from her injuries.
Following the heinous crime, Greenberg stole the couple's yellow Volkswagen Beetle and fled the scene. He headed towards Grants, New Mexico, where law enforcement officers intercepted him at the junction of Highway 117 and Interstate 40. A confrontation ensued, during which Greenberg was fatally shot by police. It was later discovered that, prior to the police shooting, Greenberg had attempted to inflict fatal injuries upon himself with a pocket knife.
The tragic death of James E. Brown and the subsequent assault on his wife were part of a violent crime spree committed by Greenberg, which also included the shooting of law enforcement officers in Arizona. The swift response by police in New Mexico brought an end to Greenberg's rampage, but not before he had caused significant harm and loss of life.
