Parents Plead For Answers In 2019 Murder Of Ben Montgomery

The only Tulsa murder that wasn't solved in 2019 is the murder of 22-year-old Ben Montgomery.

It's a tough case because Ben was a random victim with no connection between him and the killer.

Ben was the youngest of three kids for OHP trooper Tom Montgomery and his wife Michelle.

To say they want the killer caught, is an understatement; not just because they want justice for their son but also, to make sure the killer doesn't do it again.

Ben Montgomery had his mother's sensitive nature and his dad's work ethic and strength. Ben went to Jenks High school where he played basketball and football. He was known for being kind to others and taking care of the underdog.

"He was just a very, very good soul. He had a very good heart," said Ben’s mother, Michelle.

Ben was crazy about animals and loved going to the gym every day. He had moved out on his own, to a gated apartment complex near 101st and Sheridan.

He was a strong, healthy young man in the prime of his life, which is what makes his murder that much more shocking.

"Someone came blasting in his front door and shot off a pistol up in the ceiling. He comes out of the back bedroom and takes the guy to the ground. He didn’t think about it. That was his first reaction. There are people in my apartment and this is my home and I'm going to protect the folks who are here,” said Ben’s father, Tom.

It was October 10, 2019 around 11 at night and Ben had six friends visiting.

They didn't know someone was in the parking lot being robbed. That victim told the robbers that he had what they needed upstairs in his apartment, and led them that way, which happened to be right next door to Ben's.

The robbers decided to go in his door and moments later, Ben sacrificed his life to save his friends.

"Ben was a selfless person who put others before himself. He was always that way. That was my son, that's who he was and that's the part I'm most proud of," said Tom.

A year after the murder, police released a composite sketch of the killer.

Tom and Michelle deeply appreciate everything detectives have done. They know the detectives worked hard and have a higher solve rate than the national average. However, they do wish more could've been done sooner.

"There were five witnesses in his apartment and those five witnesses could've provided a sketch much earlier on,” said Michelle.

"I also strongly feel they could've reached out to some other professionals sooner to try to get a different perspective on it, maybe some different advice, different guidance to maybe proceed forward with the investigation,” said Tom.

For Michelle, it's all about keeping connected to Ben, through photos and memories. "We were very, very close and I talk to him all the time still,” said Michelle.

She's been of the mindset that an arrest won't bring Ben back. But she realized, with a killer on the loose, others could be hurt. She adds, "I would not want this to happen to somebody else, to another family."

For Tom, an arrest really matters. It's two-fold for him. He wants justice for his son because Ben deserves that. But as a law enforcement officer of more than 30 years, Tom believes in right and wrong and people being punished for breaking the law. He admits his anger won't let up until someone's in custody.

"It's been difficult to wait for the phone to ring and say, 'Mr. Montgomery, we got him.' I've waited for that phone call since it happened,” said Tom.

They've planted a tree in Ben's honor in Hunter Park where he used to love taking his dog for a walk. They've also created a Facebook page called Who Killed Ben Montgomery.

They want to focus on his life and those he saved. One of them is now expecting a baby and another is enrolled in a nursing program. They find joy in that, but are also sad Ben isn't getting to do those same types of things. Now, they need answers.

"This is my son and the ability to provide answers would be tremendous, it'd be a gift," said Michelle.

Ben’s father adds, "There's people in Tulsa who know who did it. I think they need to step up and do the right thing."

Ben would've turned 25 last Friday.

Tulsa Police said they did ask for help from the OSBI with the sketch and those things take time. They understand the family wants answers and said they do too. That's why Ben’s case is still actively being worked by a detective.

Anyone with any information, should call Crime Stoppers at 918-596-COPS.