The “Black Swan Murder Trial” finally began four years after the murder of Doug Benefield. Ashley Benefield, a former ballerina, was charged with second-degree murder in 2020 after fatally shooting her husband. She was arrested a few weeks later and spent a short time in jail before being bailed out. Before her trial began, she tried to claim she was justified under Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law but her defense was ultimately denied. She stood trial in Bradenton, Florida. Though it was expected to last a few weeks, it ended after just under one had passed.
Events Leading to the Murder
https://gty.im/1918555702
Ashley and Doug Benefield had a brief history before getting married, having met just 13 days before deciding to get hitched in 2016. Shortly after their marriage, they obtained a court order that prevented them from contacting one another. Doug ended up violating said order, so when Ashley found out she was pregnant, she fled to Florida to seek a domestic violence injunction. She was ultimately denied before a judge based on the lack of evidence and credibility of her abuse claims. She was also denied sole custody of her child, giving Doug visitation rights.
They were estranged for quite some time until September 27, 2020, when Doug traveled down to Florida to assist Ashley in packing and moving her things. They planned to move to Maryland together but would live separately. According to Ashley, this is when they got into an altercation where he assaulted her. She felt like her life was in danger, so she shot him. The prosecution believed her version of the incident was fabricated to make it seem like self-defense. They claimed she would have stopped at nothing to gain sole custody of their child.
The Black Swan’s Testimony
Ashley Benefield never denied pulling the trigger but justified her actions by claiming self-defense. She testified on her behalf and stated she feared for her life when she shot her husband. Her testimony was emotional and she was visibly upset throughout the trial. According to Ashley, she was only protecting herself and her daughter. She drew her gun as Doug was blocking her from leaving her home. She claimed he hit her across the face and lunged at her, so to get away, she fired two shots at him. She ran out of the house, gun in hand, and headed towards the neighbors hysterically.
The prosecution found it difficult to believe Ashley Benefield’s testimony since it did not align with the evidence from the crime scene, nor did it align with the evidence found. Prosecutor Suzanne O’Donnell said, “This was a custody battle that this mother was going to win at all costs. And the cost was the life of Doug Benefield.” They believed she did not need to shoot him; rather, she had a plan to get what she wanted. The prosecution acknowledged that domestic violence is a serious issue and there are many women trapped in those situations; however, they do not believe Ashley Benefield was one of these women. In their closing remarks, they described Ashley as manipulative.
Final Thoughts
Closing arguments were given on July 30, 2024. The jury was tasked with deciding whether the murder Ashley Benefield committed was in self-defense or premeditated. They were asked to decide whether her actions were justified or not. Jury deliberation occurred for over 6 hours. At first, they were unable to reach a unanimous decision; however, they continued and convicted Ashley Benefield of manslaughter. Her conviction was of a lesser degree than what she was originally charged for back in 2020. She is currently facing up to 15 years in prison. A sentencing date has not been provided at this time; until then, she will remain in custody.
For More Great Content
Are you desiring top-tier content that covers everything? From thrilling sports and intoxicating entertainment news to gaming tips and professional betting advice, Total Apex covers it all. Delve into our no-fluff articles to stay ahead of the game with the latest sports action, uncover the hottest trends in entertainment, and get the latest scoops in the gaming industry that will take your experiences to the next level.
Finally, our betting advice will give you a decisive edge over the competition and increase your odds of beating the books. Whether you’re looking to stay updated or gain a competitive edge, Total Apex is your one-stop shop for all things compelling and relevant. Don’t forget we cover Fantasy Sports, too!
Check out all our sites: Total Apex Sports, Total Apex Fantasy Sports, Total Apex Entertainment, Total Apex Sports Bets, and Total Apex Gaming. Out of the ashes of obscurity will rise a beast. Always remember to Respect The Hustle! Follow us on Twitter/X @TotalApexSports to stay informed.
