Black Swan Trial Update: Ashley Benefield Sentenced for Shooting Husband

Ashley Benefield was sentenced to 20 years in prison Tuesday, following the “Black Swan murder trial” over the fatal shooting of her husband.

Benefield, a 33-year-old former ballerina, had been charged with second-degree murder following the death of her husband Doug Benefield, 58, in 2020, but was convicted of the lesser offense of manslaughter.

At her trial, she admitted to fatally shooting her Navy veteran partner at a home in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, in September, 2020. She claimed that he had attacked her and she shot him in self defense.

Ashley Benefield faced a minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum sentence of 30 years. The defense asked the court for a lenient downward departure, which means the judge would impose a sentence below the sentencing guidelines.

But Judge Matt Whyte, sitting at Manatee County Judicial Center, Florida, determined that this was not a downward departure case. He sentenced Ashley to 20 years in prison and 10 years of probation, with credit for time served. She was also ordered to forfeit her firearm.

“It’s an absolute tragedy that we’re even here today,” Whyte said. “And I often, in these situations, sit back and wonder, how did we get here? How did life bring us to this point, not only here in court, but between the Benefields?”

The defense called psychologist Dr. Barbara Russell to testify about the mental states of both Ashley and Doug Benefield. Russell said Doug exhibited signs of “narcissistic and anti-social personality disorder.”

“He had little to no empathy. He really lacked the capacity to take responsibility for his behavior. He had a desire to be admired, to have constant attention,” Russell said. “He felt very entitled and demanding to the attention and admiration of other people, whether or not he did anything to deserve it, and he had little regard for the rights of other people.”

Russell also said that Ashley Benefield was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, caused by an “abusive relationship” with her husband.

David King Benefield, Doug’s brother, spoke about their close relationship.

“God blessed me with two great brothers and Doug, two years older than me, was such a gift to me,” David said. “He was truly a hero in my life. Every day, I feel a kick in the gut from the loss of my brother.”

He said Doug was not the “monster” Ashley Benefield claimed he was.

“Doug patiently endured Ashley’s verbal, emotional and legal abuse for over three years, and was still willing to reconcile with her,” David said.

Eva Benefield, Doug’s daughter, addressed her stepmother at the proceedings, saying: “Ashley, since the day you shot my father, I’ve only had one question to ask you: why? Why did you end my dad’s life knowing he was my only living parent and the only person I could confide in and count on for everything I needed as I turned into a young adult?”

Eva said her father had given Ashley “everything he had.”

“He wanted nothing more [than] to show you what true acts of love are,” Eva said. “You took advantage of his willingness to give, and he gave you his life.”

Doug’s brother, Wes Benefield, and cousin, Tommie Benefield, also provided victim impact statements.

Neil Taylor, Ashley Benefield’s attorney, said she maintains her innocence and that she had acted in self-defense.

Prosecutor Suzanne O’Donnell said Doug Benefield was never an “abusive” husband. “That is a fictitious idea that Ashley Benefield has put forth and guided through this entire process,” O’Donnell said.

Ashley Benefield declined to address the court during sentencing.

The trial, which began on July 23, was often referred to as the “Black Swan Murder Trial,” a nod to the 2010 psychological thriller film Black Swan.

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