Siblings mourn Johnson Lane man

Benjamin Oxley's twin brother is pleading for anyone with information about the 36-year-old Johnson Lane man's murder to come forward with information.

"What happened is a tragedy and should not have happened," Bill Oxley said in an e-mail. "I am begging anyone with information to please search your heart and come forward so our family can try to get some closure."

Douglas County sheriff's deputies were called to 2800 Wildhorse Lane early Feb. 21 and found Oxley dead of a gunshot wound to the head.

Officials have released very little information about the shooting and offered a Secret Witness reward of $2,500.

Capt. Mike Biaggini said Tuesday investigators were awaiting toxicology reports.

There have been no arrests.

"We believe it to be somebody who knew the victim or the family," said Sgt. Jim Halsey. "it's not just a random act of somebody walking around shaking doorknobs and found an open door."

Oxley's sister Ann Becker of Hawaii said her brother's 10 siblings were devastated by the "senseless crime."

"Ben was always smiling. He was always dancing. He was the type of guy who could walk in a room and change the mood," Becker said.

"He did not deserve this," she said. "I will always miss my little brother."

Becker said family members live in Hawaii, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico and California.

"Our lives have been forever changed," she said. "I want people to remember Ben the way he was, happy, loving, energetic and fun. He touched the lives of many, many people in a positive way. He will live forever in my heart."

In addition to his brothers and sisters, Oxley is survived by his wife Melissa and 6-year-old daughter.

"My twin brother is gone along with a part of me. He would have never hurt anyone. He lived for his wife and daughter, who now has to learn without her dad," Bill Oxley said.

The victim was a member of Carson Valley Christian and worked as a rain gutter sales and installation specialist for a Dayton company.

SECRET WITNESS

Douglas County Secret Witness is offering up to a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of any person responsible for the death of Benjamin Oxley. Anyone with information is asked to call 782-7463, lead Douglas County sheriff's investigator Ron Elges at 782-9910, or the Investigations Division main line, 782-9905. Information may be provided to the Douglas County Communications Center for nonemergency contact at 782-9911.

YOU CAN HELP

A fund has been established at Wells Fargo Bank to assist the family of Benjamin Oxley with expenses. Donations may be made at any branch to the Ben Oxley Memorial Fund.