A mother's plea: Information sought in Oxley homicide

The family is ecstatic and stunned at the generous and kind gift of the reward money. I know that it is anonymous, but I would truly like to thank that person or persons from the bottom of my heart. Maybe this will be what it takes for someone to come forward with the information to catch the COWARD that did this to my son. 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?

We are a large and a strong family, and this is not ever going to change! We will get through this, but we will all be missing a very important part of our heart and our lives. I know that with all the support of the authorities, friends and his family, we will find justice.

Ben's youngest sister Amanda 14, cannot understand how anyone could hurt her Benny saying, "Benny was an amazing brother. He 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."

Ben's youngest brother Daniel, USMC private first class, can only express anger for the person that is responsible and says, "Mom, a piece of me is gone now, too!" I personally worry because he is due to deploy to the Middle East in April, and I would love for there to be answers before he leaves so he may concentrate on keeping himself safe and coming home.

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

As Ben's mom, I am still numb. I can not 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." He was a good student and a good friend to everyone he met. He always had a smile on his face. He adored his family and when he married Melissa he had truly found his soul mate. His daughter Alyssa was the light of his life! And our lives will always be intertwined because of Ben. As I go through pictures, I am reminded of how happy a person he really was and that is not how a mom should have to remember her son, not with pictures. I should have him here instead.

All of our children are truly strong and so much of a blessing. We are very proud of them all. No parent or family should ever have to go through this! So please if there is anyone out there with any knowledge as to who or why, please let us all keep Ben alive and find justice.

Ben's dad and I would also like to thank from the bottom of our hearts all the family, friends, and law enforcement for the unflagging support and work you are giving to the case and to our family.