‘BLACK SWAN’ BALLERINA  LOSES SELF-DEFENSE BID: SENTENCED 20 YEARS

Ashley Benefield, a ballerina and aspiring model, was put on trial for fatally shooting her husband, Doug Benefield, when her self-defense plea was unsuccessful, she was handed a 20-year prison sentence.

The couple tied the knot shortly after meeting, only being together for 13 days. Despite having a child together, Ashley and Doug’s relationship was turbulent, marked by frequent arguments.

Claiming that Doug was both abusive and unstable, Ashley Benefield decided to move in with her mother as she feared for her safety during her pregnancy. She took steps to keep Doug in the dark about her pregnancy, even withholding information about the baby’s birth from him.

Ashley planned to move out. Doug arrived at Ashley’s home with a U-Haul truck to help pack for a move to Maryland. He believed he would move with the family but intended to live in a separate home.

Ashley claimed that Doug became angry while loading the truck, “body-checked” her twice, struck her hip with the corner of a box, and caused her head to hit a wall. Fearing for her safety, she ran to her bedroom and retrieved a gun.

She alleged that Doug was standing in the doorway and lunged at her. Ashley fired the gun, hitting him twice—once in the leg and once in the chest. The chest wound caused lung damage and severe bleeding. Investigators determined that Doug was not directly facing Ashley at the time of the shooting.

JOINING NANCY GRACE TODAY

Brian Foley –  Board-certified Criminal Defense Attorney, Former Chief Prosecutor in Harris County, (Houston) Texas; Author: “What Prosecutors Don’t Tell You”; Instagram @brianfoleylawpllc/ YouTube – @brianfoleylawyer/X: @brianpllc
Chris Byers
Chris Byers – Former Police Chief -Johns Creek Georgia, Private Investigator and Polygraph Examiner
Joe Scott Morgan
Joe Scott Morgan – Professor of Forensics: Jacksonville State University, Author, “Blood Beneath My Feet,” and Host: “Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan;” Twitter/X: @JoScottForensic

Additional Guests

Dr. Chloe Carmichael – Clinical Psychologist, Women’s Health Magazine Advisory Board;’ Author: ‘Nervous Energy: Harness The Power of Your Anxiety;’ X: @DrChloe

Sophia Vitello – Reporter WWSB – ABC 7 News Sarasota, Florida Insta – @sophiavitellotv; FB – Sophia Vitello

“Crime Stories with Nancy Grace” on Fox Nation is also a national radio show on SiriusXM channel 111, airing for two hours daily starting at 12 p.m. EST. You can also subscribe and download the daily podcasts at iHeart Podcasts.

[Feature Photo Doug and Ashley Benefield/Facebook]

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