Homicide victim's family
Only on 2

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (WDTN) - A memorial service was held on Tuesday night for a Springfield business man found brutally beaten inside his shop.

In an exclusive interview with 2News, family members of Jeffrey Ebner appealed to the community for answers.

Ebner was found brutally beaten inside his scrap and steel yard on East North Street last week.

"This is a sad day for all of us. We have lost such a great person," said Ann Bailin, Ebner's sister. "I would hope the people that did this, or know anything about this horrible, horrific act will come forward and be compassionate," Bailin added.

Family members said the most importnat thing in Ebner's life were his son, his wife, his business, and rugby.

Ebner returned to Springfield to join his father and run their 125 year old family business, "Ebner and Sons." They affectionaly referred to the scrap metal yard as the "The Yard."

"He often bragged he had a playground to go to everyday, and would never have to find a tie again," said Bailin.

In his playground, police said Ebner was found badly beaten by alleged thieves. According to a 911 call made by an anonymous person, his "boys" had gone to Ebner and Sons to steal car radios, when they noticed the back door was wide open. They walked inside to find Ebner at his desk with "his head busted wide open," according to the caller.

Police are urging the caller, or anyone who was there that night to come forward, stressing they are not in trouble. They simply need more information to solve a very serious crime. Police Chief Steven Moody told 2 News last week, he was not concerned with the theft, but he felt these men may have important information they may be overlooking.

Bailin said they do not want this to happen to anyone else as she begged for help.

"This wont' bring Jeff back. if anyone knows anything, heard anything, any clues, any witnesses, we need closure to this heinous crime," said Bailin.

Ebner was not just a family man, he was a champion rugby player and coach, a former Principal at a Jewish Sunday School, and a local businessman who was known to run his shop with integrity and honor..

"In life Jeff touched the lives of many, in death as an organ donor, has given life to 3 anonymous people," said Bailin.

If you have any information that can help solve this crime please call crimestoppers at 222-STOP. You can remain anonymous.