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Former Ballerina Claims Self-Defense in Husband’s Murder Trial: “I Thought He Was Going to Kill Me”

Ashley Benefield
Credit: Pool photo/Tiffany Tompkins/Bradenton Herald

In a Florida courtroom, former ballerina Ashley Benefield stands trial for the second-degree murder of her estranged husband, Doug Benefield. The case has captivated public attention, featuring dramatic testimonies and a deep dive into the tumultuous relationship that culminated in gunfire.

Ashley Benefield, 33, defended her actions in tearful testimony, asserting she was a victim of prolonged abuse at the hands of her 58-year-old husband. The incident in question occurred on September 27, 2020, in her Tampa home. “I was scared to death,” she recounted. “I thought he was going to kill me.”

The prosecution, led by Assistant State Attorney Suzanne O’Donnell, paints a starkly different picture, suggesting that Ashley was determined to win their bitter custody battle “at all costs” and had meticulously planned to live as a single mother well before the fatal shooting.

The couple’s whirlwind romance began when they met at a political event in August 2016 and married just 13 days later. Early marital bliss was short-lived as tensions rose with the birth of their child and the failure of their joint ballet company venture.

Prosecutors highlighted that after moving to Bradenton, Florida, for pregnancy support from her mother, Ashley ceased to update Doug about the baby’s development and excluded him from the birth. On March 15, 2018, Doug expressed a heartfelt desire to be involved in his child’s life, but Ashley gave birth the next day, keeping it a secret from him.

In defense, Ashley’s lawyer, Neil Taylor, depicted her as fearing for her life, driven to flee from a controlling and volatile spouse. She testified about Doug’s frightening behavior, including physical aggression towards their pet, brandishing and discharging firearms during disputes, and his generally unpredictable temper.

Text messages presented by Taylor sought to support Ashley’s claims of fearing her husband, who, according to her, could not accept the dissolution of their relationship. Despite her efforts to legally restrict his access to their child, a judge previously ruled against her, questioning her credibility and granting Doug immediate visitation rights.

As the jury deliberates, the community watches closely, with outcomes poised to resonate deeply about domestic abuse perceptions and the tragic escalation of marital discord to violence. The trial continues to unravel the complexities of a relationship marked by fear, control, and tragedy.

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