Ballerina and aspiring model Ashley Benefield stands trial for shooting her then-husband, Doug Benefield, to death. After her claim of self-defense fails, she is sentenced to 20 years in prison.

The couple married just 13 days after meeting. They had a child, but their relationship was rocky, with frequent arguments reported between Ashley and Doug Benefield.

Ashley Benefield claims her husband was abusive and volatile. As her pregnancy progressed, she moved in with her mother, denying Doug Benefield access to information about the baby, including her birth.

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

Ashley Benefield claims that Doug became angry while loading the truck, "body checked" her twice, hit her hip with the corner of a box, and caused her head to hit the wall. Fearing for her life, Ashley ran to her bedroom and retrieved a gun.

She turned around and saw Doug standing in the doorway. Claiming Doug lunged toward her, Ashley fired the gun, shooting him twice—once in the leg and once in the chest, causing damage to his lungs and severe bleeding. It was determined that Doug was not directly facing Ashley at the time he was killed.

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
Dr. Chloe Carmichael – Clinical Psychologist, Women’s Health Magazine Advisory Board;’ Author: ‘Nervous Energy: Harness The Power of Your Anxiety;’ X: @DrChloe
Chris Byers – Former Police Chief -Johns Creek Georgia, Private Investigator and Polygraph Examiner
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
Sophia Vitello – Reporter WWSB - ABC 7 News Sarasota, Florida Insta - @sophiavitellotv; FB - Sophia Vitello

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