Wednesday, May 12, 2004
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

Police say intended robbery ended in murder of victim

Branden Eugene Tabile left his apartment last week to commit a robbery and wound up committing murder, Las Vegas police said.

On May 4, the 17-year-old armed himself with two handguns, told his roommates he was leaving to "do a lick," and walked into the night in search of prey, according to an arrest report.

When Tabile came home later that night, James Greene, 50, was bleeding to death in his nearby condominium. His body wouldn't be found for three days.

The day after the discovery, an anonymous tip led police to Tabile, who has been charged with murder and attempted robbery in connection with the slaying.

During questioning Tabile told detectives he went looking for someone to rob when he left his apartment about 9 p.m. wearing a mask and armed with the handguns, the arrest report said.

He soon found Greene outside his condominium on Gaylord Drive, near Spring Mountain Road and Valley View Boulevard, police said.

Tabile confronted Greene and held him at gunpoint as they walked to Greene's condo. When Greene got inside, he tried to slam the door behind him. Tabile responded by shooting through the door, police said.

One of the three bullets hit Greene in the chest.

Three days later, police found Greene after one of his neighbors noticed the bullet holes and blood inside the front door.