Ashley Benefield, a former ballerina, is on trial in Florida for the murder of her estranged husband, Doug Benefield. The shooting occurred on September 27, 2020, at Ashley’s home in Manatee County. During her emotional testimony, Ashley claimed she acted in self-defense.
She described Doug as possessive, controlling, and aggressive throughout their relationship. On the day of the shooting, Doug had arrived at Ashley’s home to help her move to Maryland. An argument erupted over how Doug had packed the U-Haul truck.
Ashley alleged that Doug body-checked her twice and followed her into her bedroom. Fearing for her life, she grabbed a gun and fired multiple shots at Doug when he advanced toward her. Witnesses reported hearing six gunshots and saw Ashley running out of the house, screaming and crying, with a gun in her hand.
Ashley describes events leading to shooting
The prosecution argues that the murder was premeditated and driven by a custody battle over the couple’s young daughter. Assistant State Attorney Suzanne O’Donnell contends that Ashley plotted to become a single mother and prevent Doug from having visitation rights.
“This case is about a woman who very early on in her pregnancy decided she wanted to be a single mother,” said O’Donnell during her opening statement. “And she would stop at nothing to obtain that goal, costing Doug Benefield his life.”
The couple’s relationship was marked by turbulence, including allegations of domestic abuse against Doug, marriage counseling, and legal disputes in both South Carolina and Florida. Ashley eventually moved to Florida to live with her mother while pregnant.
During cross-examination, the prosecution brought up another man that Ashley had dated after telling Doug she did not want him to move into her mother’s house in Florida. O’Donnell also had Ashley reenact the moments leading up to the shooting, demonstrating how Doug stood in the doorway and how she pointed the gun at him. The trial, taking place at the Manatee County Judicial Center, is expected to last three weeks.
The jury will ultimately decide whether Ashley Benefield acted in self-defense or if the shooting was a calculated move to prevent Doug Benefield from being part of their daughter’s life.
