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

00:01:00

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.

00:08:21

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.

00:13:09

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.

00:21:22

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.

00:41:03

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

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