Former ballerina Ashley Benefield sentenced to 20 years for manslaughter for shooting her husband

A former ballerina, Ashley Benefield, was sentenced to 20 years in prison on Tuesday for the shooting death of her estranged husband, Doug Benefield, in 2020. The sentencing followed a jury’s verdict in which Benefield, 32, was found guilty of manslaughter after initially being charged with second-degree murder. The jury deliberated for approximately seven hours before reaching a verdict.

Manatee County Circuit Court Judge Matt Whyte acknowledged that Benefield had been under significant emotional distress and showed remorse for the incident, which occurred on September 27, 2020, at her Lakewood Ranch home. However, the judge declined to reduce the sentence, and Benefield's attorney, Neil Taylor, stated that they would appeal the ruling.

The fatal shooting occurred after a heated argument between Ashley and Doug Benefield, 58, during which Ashley grabbed a gun in self-defense. According to court documents, Doug had become physical with Ashley, blocking her exit and following her into her bedroom. When he allegedly advanced toward her, she fired. Afterward, Ashley Benefield, visibly distraught, ran to a neighbor’s house with the gun still in hand.

During the trial, Benefield’s defense argued that she acted in self-defense due to the abusive nature of their relationship. They cited past incidents of domestic violence, including Doug's history of carrying firearms and intimidating behavior. Prosecutors, however, maintained that the shooting was not justified.

In addition to the prison sentence, Judge Whyte imposed 10 years of probation, during which Benefield must undergo a mental health evaluation and treatment. The court also ordered the forfeiture of the gun used in the shooting. The case continues to draw attention, with Doug Benefield's family advocating for a longer sentence.