Family overwhelmed by Secret Witness donation

The parents and siblings of murder victim Benjamin Oxley said Thursday they were overwhelmed by an anonymous $10,000 donation for information leading to the arrest of the person who shot the 36-year-old man to death.

"The family is ecstatic and stunned at the generous and kind gift of the reward money," mother Debbie Oxley said. "I know that it is anonymous, but I would truly like to thank that person or persons from the bottom of my heart."

Oxley said she hoped the reward would spur someone to come forward. The total offered by Secret Witness is $12,500.

"No one deserves to die this way, and no family should have to feel the pain and anguish that we all feel. Parents are left without a son, siblings are left without a brother, a wife is left without her soulmate, and a little girl is left without her daddy. How much more pain can someone inflict on one family?" she wrote in an e-mail on behalf of the family.

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.

Oxley also is survived by his parents and 10 siblings.

Debbie Oxley said her 14-year-old daughter Amanda cannot understand how anyone could hurt her brother.

"Benny always knew how to make me laugh. He was funny, outgoing, loving, caring, and just an amazing person. That's what I will always remember him by. Our memories together are something I'll never forget. I miss my big brother," Amanda Oxley said.

Oxley said her youngest son, Marine Corps Pfc. Daniel Oxley, is set to deploy to the MIddle East in April.

"I would love for there to be answers before he leaves so he may concentrate on keeping himself safe and coming home," she said.

Oxley said her husband Ed vowed "to seek the truth till his last dying breath. If it takes all our money, time, and life, I will find out who did this."

She described herself as numb.

"I cannot comprehend how someone could single out my son for this. Ben was always the type of person who was easygoing and carefree. He loved life and everyone in it. He was always thinking of others first, even as a kid. He and I worked together for years in Hawaii and he was always my 'big protector.'"

She said her son's murder would not damage the fabric of "a large and strong family."

"We will get through this, but we will all be missing a very important part of our heart and our lives. I know with the support of the authorities, friends and his family, we will find justice."

She asked anyone with information to contact authorities to catch "the coward that did this to my son."

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A mother's plea for information