Episode 227 - Occam’s Razor - The Murder of Ben Oxley
Digest
This podcast delves into the murder of Ben Hoxley, a father and husband who was found dead in his home in Minden, Nevada in 2008. The episode explores the intricate relationships involved, including Ben's wife Melissa, his ex-wife Dawn, and Melissa's brother Craig, all of whom were initially considered suspects. The investigation begins with the 911 call made by Melissa, who discovered Ben's body and expressed suspicion of a break-in. However, the lack of forced entry and the presence of shotguns in the garage raised doubts about her story. As the investigation unfolds, detectives scrutinize Melissa's account, questioning inconsistencies and the presence of blood on her clothing. The evidence, including the type of blood found and the shotgun shells used to kill Ben, further casts doubt on her innocence. Dawn, Ben's ex-wife, emerges as another potential suspect, with her troubled relationship with Ben and desire to regain custody of their daughter fueling suspicion. Detectives investigate her alibi and her connection to Ben. Craig, Melissa's brother, also becomes a focus of the investigation, with his presence in the house and ownership of shotguns raising concerns. The testimony of Ben's six-year-old daughter, who claims to have heard noises and seen a shadowy figure the night of the murder, adds another layer of complexity to the case. The turning point in the investigation comes with the discovery of surveillance footage that corroborates Dawn's story about her friend's son, James, going out for cigarettes the night of the murder. This leads to Dawn's confession, where she reveals that James had talked about dealing with Ben and that he had returned home after the murder, telling her "It's done." James' subsequent confession reveals that he killed Ben at the request of Dawn, who had plotted the murder, provided him with supplies, and even drawn a diagram of Ben's house. The podcast concludes with the aftermath of the confessions, including James' arrest and plea agreement, Dawn's arrest for drug-related charges, and the eventual closure for Ben's daughter, who forgives James.
Outlines
The Murder of Ben Hoxley
This chapter introduces the case of Ben Hoxley's murder, which occurred in Minden, Nevada in 2008. The episode explores the complex relationships involved, including Ben's wife Melissa, his ex-wife Dawn, and Melissa's brother Craig.
The Initial Investigation
This chapter focuses on the initial investigation by authorities, including the 911 call made by Melissa, the lack of forced entry, and the presence of shotguns in the garage. The chapter also explores the initial suspicions surrounding Melissa and Craig.
The Suspects' Stories
This chapter explores the accounts of Melissa, Dawn, and Craig, highlighting inconsistencies in their stories and the evidence that casts doubt on their innocence.
The Breakthrough and Confessions
This chapter details the discovery of surveillance footage that corroborates Dawn's story, leading to her confession about James' involvement. The chapter also includes James' confession, revealing the motive behind the murder and the role Dawn played in planning it.
The Aftermath and Closure
This chapter explores the aftermath of the confessions, including James' arrest and plea agreement, Dawn's arrest for drug-related charges, and the eventual closure for Ben's daughter, who forgives James.
Keywords
Minden, Nevada
A town in Douglas County, Nevada, known for its history as a sundown town, where people of color were prohibited from being in town after sunset.
Sundown Town
A town or community that enforces a policy of excluding people of color, often through intimidation and violence.
Ben Hoxley
The victim in the murder case, a father and husband who was shot and killed in his own home.
Melissa Hoxley
Ben's wife, who was initially a suspect in the murder investigation due to inconsistencies in her story and the presence of blood on her clothing.
Dawn
Ben's ex-wife, who was also a suspect in the murder investigation due to her troubled relationship with Ben and her desire to regain custody of their daughter.
Craig
Melissa's younger brother, who lived with them and owned shotguns, making him another initial suspect in the murder investigation.
James
Dawn's friend's son, who was eventually revealed to be the perpetrator of Ben's murder. He was convicted of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
Q&A
What was the motive behind Ben Hoxley's murder?
James, the perpetrator, confessed that he killed Ben at the request of Dawn, Ben's ex-wife. Dawn was motivated by her desire to get rid of Ben and regain custody of their daughter.
Why did it take so long for the truth about Ben's murder to come out?
Dawn initially lied to authorities, claiming she was asleep at home the night of the murder. She was scared and couldn't believe James had done it. It wasn't until she was arrested for probation violation that she finally confessed.
What happened to Dawn and James after the murder?
James was convicted of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder and sentenced to life without parole. Dawn was arrested for drug-related charges and served a 90-month sentence. She was never charged with any crimes related to Ben's death.
Show Notes
When he went to bed that night, he couldn’t have imagined that barely two hours later, a terrifying boom would shatter the peace of his home, and gunsmoke would choke the air.
When authorities arrived, Ben was dead, and there was only one person they knew of for sure who’d been in the bedroom with him when he was gunned down: his wife Melissa covered in Ben’s blood…
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Research & Writing:
Nicole Colin & Katherine Thomas - Epigram Literary Group
Editing:
Aiden Wolf
Sources:
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