Ashley Benefield: The Black Swan Homicide Trial
A former ballerina in Florida is presently on trial for the capturing demise of her estranged husband, in a case that has been broadly known as the “Black Swan homicide trial”. Ashley Benefield, 32, claims her actions had been in self-defense whereas prosecutors argue it was a calculated plan to maintain her husband away from their child.
Background of Ashley Benefield and Doug Benefield
Ashley and Doug Benefield acquired married shortly after a whirlwind romance in 2016 when Ashley was 24 and Doug was 54. The couple based the American Nationwide Ballet, however the firm confronted challenges and did not take off. Ashley, a graduate of the Maryland Youth Ballet, and Doug had a tumultuous relationship that concerned allegations of home abuse, counseling, and authorized disputes in South Carolina and Florida. Ashley moved to Florida to dwell along with her mom after turning into pregnant in 2017.
The Occasions Resulting in the Capturing
On the day of the capturing, September 27, 2020, Doug arrived at Ashley’s house in Manatee County to assist her transfer to Maryland. He believed that they’d all transfer collectively, although they’d dwell individually. The scenario escalated into an argument whereas they had been packing, and in accordance with Ashley’s protection lawyer Neil Taylor, Doug turned bodily aggressive. Ashley, feeling threatened, grabbed a gun and shot Doug as he superior in direction of her.
Ashley Benefield’s Testimony
Throughout her testimony, Ashley Benefield recounted the night of the capturing. She described feeling an imminent risk to her life as Doug approached her in a preventing stance after she retrieved the gun. In a state of panic, she fired the gun a number of occasions, and when Doug fell, she ran to her neighbor’s home with the weapon.
Allegations towards Doug Benefield
Ashley Benefield portrayed her estranged husband as possessive, controlling, manipulative, aggressive, and risky all through their marriage. Testifying on their preliminary assembly, she talked about that he appeared charming and so they shortly clicked on an emotional stage. Nonetheless, lower than two months into their marriage, Doug’s alleged violent outbursts started, adopted by regret and apologies.
Prosecutors’ Perspective
The prosecution argues that Ashley’s main goal was to develop into a single mom and deny the daddy, Doug, visitation with their little one. They allege that she deliberately shot him to forestall him from acquiring a psychological analysis report that will reveal her intentions. The prosecution claims that Ashley was decided to win a custody battle in any respect prices, even when it meant taking Doug’s life.
