Justice Billboard: Father’s Quest Catches Killer

It was a terrifying day when a horrific crime shattered a family and plunged an entire community into a sea of questions.

A casual encounter turned into a nightmare, as a 19-year-old girl fought for her life while her father struggled tirelessly for justice. This is a mind-bending mystery with a seemingly elusive killer. This pursuit spans years and states, but the actions of the girl’s father capture the nation’s attention.

This story will tell you how one man goes to extraordinary lengths to bring his daughter’s killer to justice.

The Attack

The girl’s name is Ellie, who works at a public pool in her neighborhood, which is usually crowded. As her shift ends and she’s gathering the pool equipment, a man named Benjamin appears.

Benjamin also works in pool maintenance and is looking to earn some extra money. When he sees Ellie wrapping up her shift, he decides to lure her into his trap.

It is often said that when evil intentions dominate your mind, you lose sight of everything around you. Benjamin advances with his sinister plan, trying to charm Ellie, but she pays no attention to him. Yet, Benjamin is relentless; he is determined to follow through with his intentions.

When Ellie tries to leave, Benjamin blocks her way with his hand, but she angrily pushes it aside, infuriating him.

In a fit of rage, he violently attacks her, choking her. Ellie collapses to the ground, severely injured. The assault doesn’t stop there, as Benjamin takes an even more horrific step, violating Ellie.

The Discovery

After assaulting her, Benjamin, seeing her condition, covers her up and flees, believing Ellie won’t survive. He covers her body to prevent anyone from noticing her and realizing what happened.

While escaping, a woman sees Benjamin. Instead of panicking, he nonchalantly waves at her and laughs as if nothing happened.

A short while later, Ellie’s brother arrives at the pool, knowing her shift ended and expecting to meet her. Not finding her there, he becomes worried as this had never happened before. He calls his father, informing him of the situation.

He urges his father to return home immediately to find out what happened to Ellie. As mentioned earlier, Ellie worked at the nearby pool. Her father rushes home and heads to the pool. While searching for Ellie, they find her badly injured in the maintenance area, covered with something.

Seeing Ellie in such a dire state, they are shocked to discover who had brutally assaulted her. Fortunately, they realize she is still breathing and immediately call an ambulance to take her to the hospital.

They are hopeful for her recovery, but fate has something else in store. Ellie succumbs to her injuries, leaving her family devastated.

Ellie’s sudden death was a catastrophe for her family.

The Initial Investigation

As soon as the police learn of the incident, they begin an investigation, thoroughly examining all aspects. It becomes clear that Ellie wasn’t involved with anyone and had no enemies. There are no clues leading to her killer.

However, the woman who saw Benjamin leaving the scene assists the police by having his sketch made. The police distribute the sketch widely, showing it to various people and sending it via email to help identify him.

Despite their efforts, the police get no leads. More than a year passes, and Ellie’s father loses patience, realizing he won’t catch the killer this way. He decides to take matters into his own hands.

Groundbreaking Justice Billboard Campaign Begins

He contacts the producer of America’s Most Wanted, requesting a rerun of the program featuring Ellie’s case, as they had previously aired a segment on finding Ellie’s killer. The producer agrees, and the episode is re-aired to remind the public to help catch the killer.

In addition, Ellie’s father announces a cash reward for identifying the killer, starting with $25,000, later increasing to $50,000. Yet, this approach also fails, leaving Ellie’s father more anxious.

Seeing the circumstances, Ellie’s father knows he has to do more, so he continues his efforts.

Justice Billboard Strategy Leads to Breakthrough

If you’ve faced injustice, it’s impossible that fate won’t help you. This is exactly what happened to Ellie’s father. One day, while driving on the highway, he notices an empty billboard. A brilliant idea strikes him! Why not put the killer’s sketch, released by the police, on that billboard?

Determined, he starts working on it. He believes everyone passing by will see the billboard, and someone might recognize the killer and help the police. Will his step lead to the capture of the killer? Do you want to know what happens next? Stay tuned! The moment ahead will take your breath away.

With this idea, Ellie’s father contacts various companies for leasing the billboards to post the killer’s sketch. He connects with Lamar Advertising, explaining the situation.

When the employees of this outdoor advertising company hear his story, they admire his efforts for justice and offer three billboards free of charge.

The Break in the Case

Ellie’s father then has the police-issued sketch placed on the three billboards, strategically located so thousands of highway travelers can see and potentially assist the police. The sketch includes the killer’s image and his truck.

As the killer’s sketch goes up on these billboards, the police start receiving various tips, but none provide any substantial leads on the killer. A year passes, and Ellie’s father grows increasingly desperate.

Then, one day, the police receive a call on the number listed on the sketch. The caller claims to know the person in the sketch.

The caller identifies the man as Ted Hoare. Upon investigating, the police find that Ted Hoare lives far away in Connecticut.

Further investigation reveals his real name is Benjamin.

Justice Served

The police summon Benjamin for questioning and ask various questions, but find no evidence or clues confirming Benjamin is Ellie’s killer. All they know is that he resembles the person in the sketch.

The police then play a psychological game, telling Benjamin they have overwhelming evidence against him in Ellie’s murder case. They take him to a room filled with Ellie’s pictures and large files, giving the impression that they are full of evidence against him.

This tactic works, as Benjamin becomes psychologically distressed and confesses to meeting Ellie and trying to lure her. He admits to violently assaulting her and ultimately killing her.

After his confession, the police arrest Benjamin, and during the trial, he is sentenced to life in prison based on conclusive evidence.

Legacy and Recognition

Catching the killer was the police’s responsibility, but Ellie’s father’s relentless efforts were recognized. In 2011, President Barack Obama awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Ellie’s father passed away in 2022 at the age of 77. To honor his efforts, Lamar Advertising created a commemorative billboard.