Ashley Benefield, a former ballerina, is on trial in Florida for second-degree murder in the death of her estranged husband, Doug Benefield. Prosecutors claim she fatally shot him during a contentious custody battle. However, Benefield tearfully testified that she was a victim of persistent abuse and acted in self-defense. The couple’s tumultuous relationship began in 2016 when they married 13 days after meeting at a political event. Benefield later became pregnant but decided to be a single mother, hiding the birth from Doug. She also sought an injunction barring him from seeing the child.
The situation escalated in 2020 when Benefield planned to move to Maryland with her mother, and Doug intended to go as well. Prosecutors allege that the move was a ruse to reconcile the relationship, while Benefield claimed it was another unwanted pursuit. Prior to the move, she sought a second injunction accusing Doug of child abuse. The couple was in the midst of evaluation when Doug was killed on September 27, three days before the hearing.
Benefield testified that the fatal incident occurred when an argument with Doug turned physical, leading her to shoot in self-defense. Prosecutors presented evidence that contradicted her claims of injuries. They argued that Benefield’s motive for the shooting was to win the custody battle “at all costs,” resulting in Doug’s death. The trial continues as both sides present their case.
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