An anonymous donor has added $10,000 to a Secret Witness reward for information on the murder of Benjamin Oxley, 36, found shot to death in his Wildhorse Lane home on Feb. 21.
The original reward was $2,500, but Douglas County Sheriff's Capt. Keith Logan said Wednesday the donor was disturbed by the crime, and contributed the money to boost the total to $12,500.
"The donation was a surprise," Logan said Wednesday. "We hope this reward is the motivation we need for someone who knows something to come forward. Somebody had to go through a lot of steps to complete this crime."
Logan said all available deputies and supervisors are working on the investigation, along with the district attorney's office, Washoe County Crime Lab and Medical Examiner's Office and the state Department of Public Safety.
"As you branch out the 36 years of someone's life, each little bit of information leads to another," he said.
He said investigators are following up on tips and interviewing Oxley's family and friends.
"I'm very proud of the tireless efforts our guys are putting in out there," Logan said. "They're working very hard to bring resolution to this case."
Deputies were called to the home at 2800 Wildhorse Lane at 3:20 a.m. on Feb. 21 and found the victim dead of a gunshot wound to the head.
Oxley's wife Melissa and 6-year-old daughter were at the residence as well as Melissa Oxley's 15-year-old brother who is living with the family.
"The family has suffered a tremendous loss," Logan said. "Mrs. Oxley has been very cooperative, but she is taking it hard as anybody would."
The victim was a member of Carson Valley Christian and worked as a rain gutter sales and installation specialist. Benjamin Oxley had 10 siblings, including a twin brother.
An account has been set up at Wells Fargo Bank to help the family with expenses.
YOU CAN HELP
The Douglas County Secret Witness Program is offering up to a $12,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the person responsible for the murder of Benjamin Oxley, shot to death at his Wildhorse Lane residence early Feb. 21.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Secret Witness at 782-7463, sheriff's Lead Investigator Ron Elges at 782-9910 or the Investigations Division main line 782-9905.
Information can be provided to the Douglas County Communications Center for nonemergency contact at 782-9911. The caller may remain anonymous.
A fund has been established at Wells Fargo Bank to assist the Oxley family with expenses. Donations may be made at any branch to the Ben Oxley Memorial Fund.
