Found Deceased AZ - Benjamin Anderson, 41, Car found burned, Phoenix, 31 Dec 2021

[BenjaminJAndersonAlly]

They seem to be a good set of friends raising the money themselves/paying out of their own pocket and working hard to find these people.

Curious this is not in the main stream media much. In fact, with a Google search, it was difficult to find anyone reporting the existence of the Go Fund Me efforts/the $25,000 reward. This news outlet’s Facebook Page supposedly had something written in reference to it, but when I clicked the link, it appeared to have been removed. I couldn’t find it. I looked back 18 hrs ago (when Briana made the post to her Twitter) & beyond, but I didn’t have any luck.

A few ideas:

1) According to the Go Fund Me campaign, this is not coming “out of their pockets” (except for any donation(s) they have chosen to make to the cause themselves).

2)At last glance, Dan & Sue had raised $5,535 of the $25,000 promised as a reward. I have no doubt they will meet their financial goal of $25,000 as Ben was so widely loved by people in all walks of life from many states as well as multiple countries, but in the event that they do not, then, do they intend to pay the remainder of the promised reward out-of-pocket, or is the person who comes forward with the info’s reward limited to what Dan & Sue are able to raise via their campaign? Has this been voiced or otherwise expressed anywhere?

3)I suspect (conjecture only) they may have initiated this campaign to save face. They were near immediately “called out” by some for not offering the first reward “for information leading to an arrest” or the like. (Notice it took them a week +2 days to decide launch this Go Fund Me campaign. Why?)

(Remember, initially, they offered a $10,000 reward only for the safe physical return of a live Benjamin J. Anderson.)

3) Other reasonable theory is … Perhaps another key goal in developing the Go Fund Me campaign is to do just as they have successfully done with you, Brad - to convince others what fantastic friends they are with the hopes of taking any and all focus & suspicion off them as potential suspects and/or as having had some sort of involvement in Ben’s disappearance & subsequent death.

 

[BenjaminJAndersonAlly]

just a thought, any word that he may be a driver for like uber or lyft? just the wording of him being tired from driving a lot made me think, a lot of folks do it for extra money ...

Just a thought

To be fair … He did used to drive for Uber, but he had not done this recently (unless he kept it from me which is not likely, but anything is possible).

 

[BenjaminJAndersonAlly]

I'm a bit confused. Was his apt unlocked or did the friend have a key? The friend found the car and then later it was set on fire? So someone came back and set it on fire. Nobody saw that? Just trying to figure all this out. IMO

I have been told (after all of this happened) Dan had a key. I was surprised to hear this. Why did he have a key? Weird.

Ben would have, in all likelihood, been too paranoid about potentially being interrupted during a sexual encounter or otherwise private moment than to trust a non-roommate with a key to his place.

Additionally, to build on that, there was that bit in MSM about Dan knowing Ben’s password or guessing Ben’s password (story varies depending on source). Ben was a super private guy so I found this extremely hard to believe.

 

[AC's Grandma]

I have been told (after all of this happened) Dan had a key. I was surprised to hear this. Why did he have a key? Weird.

Ben would have, in all likelihood, been too paranoid about potentially being interrupted during a sexual encounter or otherwise private moment than to trust a non-roommate with a key to his place.

Additionally, to build on that, there was that bit in MSM about Dan knowing Ben’s password or guessing Ben’s password (story varies depending on source). Ben was a super private guy so I found this extremely hard to believe.

I just wanted to say I'm so sorry about the loss of your friend. I'm glad you're here to help us get to know the person Ben was.

 

[realanastasia]

I have been told (after all of this happened) Dan had a key. I was surprised to hear this. Why did he have a key? Weird.

Ben would have, in all likelihood, been too paranoid about potentially being interrupted during a sexual encounter or otherwise private moment than to trust a non-roommate with a key to his place.

Additionally, to build on that, there was that bit in MSM about Dan knowing Ben’s password or guessing Ben’s password (story varies depending on source). Ben was a super private guy so I found this extremely hard to believe.

Thank you so much for sharing your insight, @BenjaminJAndersonAlly! Your perspective on the help of some of Ben’s friends comments is extremely intriguing. I wonder if you might elaborate on what you think might be motivating these folks who initiated and widely publicized the search for Ben. Do you have a sense of how close a relationship Ben considered himself to have with these friends (and, specifically, if you think the way the friends have presented their relationship with Ben differs from how he, himself, perceived their relationship)?

 

[BenjaminJAndersonAlly]

Thank you so much for sharing your insight, @BenjaminJAndersonAlly! Your perspective on the help of some of Ben’s friends comments is extremely intriguing. I wonder if you might elaborate on what you think might be motivating these folks who initiated and widely publicized the search for Ben. Do you have a sense of how close a relationship Ben considered himself to have with these friends (and, specifically, if you think the way the friends have presented their relationship with Ben differs from how he, himself, perceived their relationship)?

I am not ignoring this post/question. I want you to know I am with my family this evening discussing the investigation (among other things). I will get back to you as time allows. Pls understand my response may be limited for my own safety & security due to the fact that this is still an open murder investigation. Thanks all for your condolences & support in the loss of Ben Anderson. He had many close friends, and he may not have considered me his very best friend, but I don’t have many close friends, and Ben was (by far/without question) my oldest, dearest, and very best friend.

 

[Another friend of Ben]

I’m a long time friend of Ben’s. Over 25 years. I’ve read this page but just now signed up. I’m sure I’ll have to get verified so I know this may be deleted.

Ben had a lot of friends and the Ben I knew I can’t imagine anyone wanted to hurt him. He was more like a little brother/little cousin to me. We attended import life events with each other and met each other’s families. He’s traveled with my family and he was cousin Ben. My friends mom is having her 70th birthday in April and asked me to invite Ben because she enjoyed him so much when he attended a birthday celebration for her some years ago.
I won’t claim to know everything about him but we discussed a lot. Ive been there for the highs and lows. I don’t know all of his friends but I met a lot over the years. He had so many that I couldn’t keep track of everyone as Ben was way more social than I am. I will say that Sue and Dan have been around for over 20 years. I would be shocked if they had anything to do with this. But others may know something that I don’t know. I will be heartbroken if that is the case because I’ve spent time with all of them. I wasn’t friends with all of his friends but at times he did bring us together.

I’m not sure how this works with the reward money but I agree Ben has plenty of friends that will put in. Friends of different races and ages. I’m several years older and I know he had friends older than me.

I’m willing to hire a private investigator if that will help because I refuse to let this crime go unsolved. I’m still very much in my feelings so I want whoever is responsible for his death to be held accountable.

I’m going to miss him so much.

 

[Another friend of Ben]

I am not ignoring this post/question. I want you to know I am with my family this evening discussing the investigation (among other things). I will get back to you as time allows. Pls understand my response may be limited for my own safety & security due to the fact that this is still an open murder investigation. Thanks all for your condolences & support in the loss of Ben Anderson. He had many close friends, and he may not have considered me his very best friend, but I don’t have many close friends, and Ben was (by far/without question) my oldest, dearest, and very best friend.

To be fair … He did used to drive for Uber, but he had not done this recently (unless he kept it from me which is not likely, but anything is possible).

 

[Another friend of Ben]

I remember when he drove for Uber and I doubt he was doing that again but it’s not uncommon for him to give someone he knew a ride if they needed it. He was too nice and too trusting at times.

Does anyone know how long his body was there before it was found? That may help with the timeline.

 

[realanastasia]

I’m a long time friend of Ben’s. Over 25 years. I’ve read this page but just now signed up. I’m sure I’ll have to get verified so I know this may be deleted.

Ben had a lot of friends and the Ben I knew I can’t imagine anyone wanted to hurt him. He was more like a little brother/little cousin to me. We attended import life events with each other and met each other’s families. He’s traveled with my family and he was cousin Ben. My friends mom is having her 70th birthday in April and asked me to invite Ben because she enjoyed him so much when he attended a birthday celebration for her some years ago.
I won’t claim to know everything about him but we discussed a lot. Ive been there for the highs and lows. I don’t know all of his friends but I met a lot over the years. He had so many that I couldn’t keep track of everyone as Ben was way more social than I am. I will say that Sue and Dan have been around for over 20 years. I would be shocked if they had anything to do with this. But others may know something that I don’t know. I will be heartbroken if that is the case because I’ve spent time with all of them. I wasn’t friends with all of his friends but at times he did bring us together.

I’m not sure how this works with the reward money but I agree Ben has plenty of friends that will put in. Friends of different races and ages. I’m several years older and I know he had friends older than me.

I’m willing to hire a private investigator if that will help because I refuse to let this crime go unsolved. I’m still very much in my feelings so I want whoever is responsible for his death to be held accountable.

I’m going to miss him so much.

Welcome to Websleuths, @Another friend of Ben, and condolences on the loss of your dear friend. The Verification process is described here and you can reach out to a moderator to get it started. Verification Process for Professional or Insider Posters

 

[Another friend of Ben]

Thank you. I’ll do it now.

 

[evilwise]

Are the friends of Ben that have been mentioned in all the news articles relatively new friends?

 

[CEO.SPW]

I remember when he drove for Uber and I doubt he was doing that again but it’s not uncommon for him to give someone he knew a ride if they needed it. He was too nice and too trusting at times.

Does anyone know how long his body was there before it was found? That may help with the timeline.

I’m very sorry for your loss! You have every right to want Justice for your friend! I pray that happens sooner rather than later!!
His body was reportedly discovered at 1:40 pm on the 31st. I haven’t seen official confirmation of who his last known contact was with or where it was from. Hopefully the authorities know more than they are releasing!! I would hope that if they didn’t have substantial leads, they would have released images and asked the public to help identify!

 

[CEO.SPW]

I remember when he drove for Uber and I doubt he was doing that again but it’s not uncommon for him to give someone he knew a ride if they needed it. He was too nice and too trusting at times.

Does anyone know how long his body was there before it was found? That may help with the timeline.

I’m very sorry for your loss! You have every right to want Justice for your friend! I pray that happens sooner rather than later!!
His body was reportedly discovered at 1:40 pm on the 31st. I haven’t seen official confirmation of who his last known contact was with or where it was from. Hopefully the authorities know more than they are releasing!! I would hope that if they didn’t have substantial leads, they would have released images and asked the public to help identify!

Are the friends of Ben that have been mentioned in all the news articles relatively new friends?

No. They are said to be “long time friends”.

 

[BradSleuth1]

Are the friends of Ben that have been mentioned in all the news articles relatively new friends?

The two mentioned in this thread have known Ben for over 20 years. Dan/Daniel went to high school with Ben and were college roommates for some time based on the podcast and MSM and Sue went to college with him. There were other friends (at least 2) in the car searching for Ben at the Sheraton but their names aren't mentioned.

 

[Ssk]

I have a question …

Has anyone heard tell by way of any MSM report (or elsewhere) who it was that physically saw Ben in the morning near his residence on 12/31/2021? It seems that detail has been left out in every report I have seen or watched.

Also, I find it somewhat absurd that all of the reports/stories “the friends” went to the MSM with indicated that he would likely be wearing the shorts & black shirt/blue zip sweatshirt.

Did whoever claimed to have seen him alive that very morning THINK he/she recalled seeing Ben in that outfit or what? From the beginning, I have found that comment somewhat bizarre.

I have seen in many a missing person report “He /she was last seen wearing ____”

That said, I do not believe it is nearly as common to see “… may be wearing ____.”

Very odd indeed. Thoughts?

You. Indeed!!! Very very odd!! And how would the screen saver on laptop be on? Don't the go to sleep when not being used??!

 

[Spartygirl]

Hello! Good afternoon! My friends and family always tease me that I should have been a detective. I think I’m just observant and perceptive. I do enjoy the research aspect and wish there was a way to help gather information for anyone in need.
I too joined this site after taking interest in this case. I was very apprehensive to do so because I wasn’t sure what it was but I totally agree with you!! I have been so pleasantly surprised by the genuine compassion and respect I have seen!
<modsnip>

WELCOME TO YOU AND @dogood2022

Glad you have joined us here !!!

 

[BenjaminJAndersonAlly]

I remember when he drove for Uber and I doubt he was doing that again but it’s not uncommon for him to give someone he knew a ride if they needed it. He was too nice and too trusting at times.

Does anyone know how long his body was there before it was found? That may help with the timeline.

Definitely agree. Perfectly stated.

How long was his body there before found? I would imagine now that the autopsy has been done, the coroner has probably provided some estimation to Ben’s family.

I didn’t think to ask about that, and it has not come up in conversation.

I only know that I last communicated with Ben at 9:20pm the night before he went missing. Again, he made no mention of driving back from northern Arizona, no mention of feeling fatigued, and he was in good spirits (humorous mood).

Dan alleges Ben called him to cancel brunch around 8:00am on 12/31/21. Last phone ping 8:40 something at Ben’s residence.

With little traffic (let’s say Friday light and better as people may have taken New Year’s Eve off)it would take approximately 35 minutes to travel from 7th St & Maryland to W Table Mesa Rd New River.

If they went straight there after phone was turned off and/or destroyed, and if the killed him immediately upon arrival, Ben’s body would have been there at the most approximately 4.5 hours (from about 9:10am to 1:40ish).

 

[BenjaminJAndersonAlly]

I’m a long time friend of Ben’s. Over 25 years. I’ve read this page but just now signed up. I’m sure I’ll have to get verified so I know this may be deleted.

Ben had a lot of friends and the Ben I knew I can’t imagine anyone wanted to hurt him. He was more like a little brother/little cousin to me. We attended import life events with each other and met each other’s families. He’s traveled with my family and he was cousin Ben. My friends mom is having her 70th birthday in April and asked me to invite Ben because she enjoyed him so much when he attended a birthday celebration for her some years ago.
I won’t claim to know everything about him but we discussed a lot. Ive been there for the highs and lows. I don’t know all of his friends but I met a lot over the years. He had so many that I couldn’t keep track of everyone as Ben was way more social than I am. I will say that Sue and Dan have been around for over 20 years. I would be shocked if they had anything to do with this. But others may know something that I don’t know. I will be heartbroken if that is the case because I’ve spent time with all of them. I wasn’t friends with all of his friends but at times he did bring us together.

I’m not sure how this works with the reward money but I agree Ben has plenty of friends that will put in. Friends of different races and ages. I’m several years older and I know he had friends older than me.

I’m willing to hire a private investigator if that will help because I refuse to let this crime go unsolved. I’m still very much in my feelings so I want whoever is responsible for his death to be held accountable.

I’m going to miss him so much.

Your post brought me to tears. As I mentioned, I am with my family tonight, and I tried to read it aloud to them, but I could not make it through without crying. So touching - especially the line “…the Ben I knew can’t imagine anyone wanted to hurt him.” TRUTH!!!

 

[BenjaminJAndersonAlly]

You. Indeed!!! Very very odd!! And how would the screen saver on laptop be on? Don't the go to sleep when not being used??!

I don’t follow? I definitely did not physically see him. I was not even in Arizona.