‘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]

You May Also Like

A British mom and her two young daughters die in a car accident in New York as a fancy wig designer’s Audi hits them while they walk along a crowded street.

Tributes have been given to a well-liked British woman and her two…

“Tragic Discovery: Fourth US Soldier Found Deceased After Tank Mishap in Lithuania”

A FOURTH US soldier’s body has been found after a NATO drill…

Virginia Giuffre, an Epstein victim, charged by police days before bus crash leaves her on deathbed

Virginia Giuffre, a victim of sex trafficking, found herself in legal trouble…

Court Prevents Publication of Gene Hackman & Wife’s Death Images

A New Mexico judge ruled on Monday that images of Gene Hackman…

Jennifer Lawrence welcomes her second child with husband Cooke Maroney

Jennifer Lawrence has welcomed her second child with husband Cooke Maroney.  On Tuesday,…

Jason and Kylie Kelce welcome their fourth child and share the baby’s name

Jason and Kylie Kelce have welcomed their fourth child, announcing the birth…

Images reveal the residence where a malnourished man was held captive for two decades.

On Tuesday, officials released photos of a Connecticut home where a woman…

Update on Ukrainian model’s health after being found with severe injuries in Dubai following fall from height

A Ukrainian woman in Dubai was discovered with severe injuries after reportedly…

US earthquake raises concerns of imminent eruption of major volcano

An earthquake was detected just miles away from a massive volcano in…

Terrifying Incident: 7-year-old girl thrown by intense electric shock in shower of sparks when she touched live wire

THIS is the horrific moment a girl is electrocuted in a massive…

“Inappropriate Relationship: Teacher Accused of Sexual Misconduct with Underage Student”

A TWISTED special education teacher allegedly bombarded a 15-year-old schoolboy with 25,000…

King Charles shares laughs and banter with friend Alan Titchmarsh while resuming royal duties and awarding honours following hospitalization

King Charles recently resumed his public duties after a brief hospitalization due…