Ashley Benefield, a former ballerina, is on trial in Florida for the homicide of her estranged husband, Doug Benefield. The taking pictures occurred on September 27, 2020, at Ashley’s house in Manatee County. Throughout her emotional testimony, Ashley claimed she acted in self-defense.
She described Doug as possessive, controlling, and aggressive all through their relationship. On the day of the taking pictures, Doug had arrived at Ashley’s house to assist her transfer to Maryland. An argument erupted over how Doug had packed the U-Haul truck.
Ashley alleged that Doug body-checked her twice and adopted her into her bed room. Fearing for her life, she grabbed a gun and fired a number of photographs at Doug when he superior towards her. Witnesses reported listening to six gunshots and noticed Ashley operating out of the home, screaming and crying, with a gun in her hand.
Ashley describes occasions resulting in taking pictures
The prosecution argues that the homicide was premeditated and pushed by a custody battle over the couple’s younger daughter. Assistant State Legal professional Suzanne O’Donnell contends that Ashley plotted to grow to be a single mom and forestall Doug from having visitation rights.
“This case is a couple of lady who very early on in her being pregnant determined she wished to be a single mom,” mentioned O’Donnell throughout her opening assertion. “And he or she would cease at nothing to acquire that objective, costing Doug Benefield his life.”
The couple’s relationship was marked by turbulence, together with allegations of home abuse in opposition to Doug, marriage counseling, and authorized disputes in each South Carolina and Florida. Ashley ultimately moved to Florida to reside together with her mom whereas pregnant.
Throughout cross-examination, the prosecution introduced up one other man that Ashley had dated after telling Doug she didn’t need him to maneuver into her mom’s home in Florida. O’Donnell additionally had Ashley reenact the moments main as much as the taking pictures, demonstrating how Doug stood within the doorway and the way she pointed the gun at him. The trial, going down on the Manatee County Judicial Middle, is predicted to final three weeks.
The jury will in the end resolve whether or not Ashley Benefield acted in self-defense or if the taking pictures was a calculated transfer to stop Doug Benefield from being a part of their daughter’s life.