Prince William County Schools awarded T. Clay Wood Elementary School Custodial Manger Oscar Benitez a certificate of achievement after he discovered the abandoned car of murder suspect Edward Hale Jr. on school grounds. Photo Provided by Oscar BenitezT. Clay Wood Elementary School’s custodial manager, Oscar Benitez, was named Prince William County Public School’s “Unsung Hero" and awarded a Certificate of Achievement for his role in locating the car of murder suspect Edward Hale, Jr. at the school.
Students and staff were moved to Brentsville District High School Oct. 20 following reports that Hale's car was discovered in the school parking lot. Following a search of the area, police, with the help of Customs and Border Patrol, found Hale’s body on the school’s baseball field.
Benitez noticed the suspicious car early that morning.
“When I arrived, I saw a car parked in the receiving area. I do not like to have anyone park there since it blocks delivery trucks from coming. I walked around the car and saw the window was frozen and so I thought it was there for awhile,” Benitez said.
Benitez reported the suspicious scene to school authorities who investigated further.
“Everyone else helped out. I shared that there was a parked car there and told the bookkeeper, Mrs. Hardwick, who told the principal, Mr. Buchheit. I always try to do the best I can,” Benitez said.
After police matched the license plate, they determined that the car belonged to the alleged shooter in a Bristow murder.
“Mr. Benitez did everything correctly. He brought the car to our attention. Mrs. Hardwick brought it to my attention and when I went outside, I saw the license plate matched the license plate of the car that the man had,” Principal Andrew Buchheit said.
Following the events, the school raised funds to purchase thank you gifts for Benitez for helping to keep their school safe.
“Everyone thanked me and the staff collected money and got me some gifts and honored me. I was recognized within the entire school on the announcements as well. Mr. Buchheit, the principal, put me in for the award,” Benitez said.
The school administration is proud of the way that Benitez responded and all others that helped out that day.
“I am proud of Mr. Benitez and all the staff, students and community members who helped out that day. Mr. Benitez is a hard working and dedicated staff member. I know our building is in good hands,” Buchheit said.
The school sends sympathy to former students who lost their mother in the Bristow murder and is thankful to those that responded and provided aide.
“Our hearts go out to our two former students for the loss of their mother. It was an unbelievable tragedy and so sad,” Buchheit said. “The day itself was challenging; however, all the staff, students, police and other county employees from other schools and departments were quick to jump in and provide appropriate support.”
Buchheit is thankful for the county’s “Unsung Hero” and how well the day turned out because of the notice he gave the school.
“I am thankful for the vigilance of Mr. Benitez and Mrs. Hardwick, and how well our teachers and staff followed the security procedures that we have in place. We learned a lot that day,” Buchheit said.
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