Ashley Benefield Convicted of Manslaughter in Husband's Death

Ashley Benefield, the former ballerina accused of killing her estranged husband in 2020, has been found guilty of manslaughter.

A six-person jury returned the verdict in a Florida courtroom late Tuesday night after nearly seven hours of deliberations. Manslaughter is a lesser offense than the second-degree murder charge Benefield was facing.

Arguments of the Prosecution and Defense

The prosecution argued that Benefield killed her husband, Doug, to prevent him from learning that she had no intention of reconciling their marriage and that her goal was to be a single mother.

The defense claimed that Benefield shot her husband in self-defense, saying that he was abusive and had lunged at her during an argument.

The Verdict and Sentencing

The jury found that Benefield possessed a gun and discharged the gun, resulting in Doug's death. She faces up to 30 years in prison, and a sentencing date has not yet been set.

Reaction from the Victim's Family

Doug's cousin, Tommie Benefield, said that the family was relieved by the verdict and that they had never given up on the system.

Background of the Case

Ashley and Doug Benefield were married in 2016. They had a tumultuous relationship involving domestic abuse allegations, marriage counseling, and a string of litigation.

Doug was shot and killed on September 27, 2020, at Ashley's Manatee County home. She claimed that she shot him in self-defense, but the prosecution argued that she killed him to prevent him from learning about her plans for their marriage and future.

The trial has drawn national attention due to the high-profile nature of the case and the complex legal issues surrounding self-defense and domestic violence.

What's Next for Ashley Benefield

Ashley Benefield is currently in jail, and her sentencing hearing is expected to be scheduled within the next few months.

She faces up to 30 years in prison, and her attorneys have indicated that they plan to appeal the verdict.

The case has sparked a national conversation about domestic violence and the challenges that victims face in getting justice.

Additional Information

• Ashley Benefield was a former ballerina who founded the American National Ballet.
• She and Doug Benefield had a daughter, who is now living with her maternal grandmother.
• The trial has been closely followed by the media and the public due to its high-profile nature and the complex legal issues involved.