"BLACK SWAN" BALLERINA SHOOTS HUBBY DEAD, CLAIMS SELF-DEFENSE
Digest
This podcast delves into the murder trial of Ashley Benefield, a ballerina accused of killing her wealthy husband, Doug. The episode explores the whirlwind romance, the 30-year age gap, and the conflicting narratives surrounding the incident. The relationship between Ashley and Doug is examined, highlighting their quick marriage after 13 days of meeting and Ashley's financial struggles. The 911 call made after the shooting is analyzed, focusing on the neighbor's account and Ashley's emotional state. The episode also discusses the importance of 911 calls as evidence in court. The forensic evidence, including the autopsy report, which reveals that Doug was shot in the back, is examined. This contradicts Ashley's claim that he lunged at her, raising questions about her self-defense claim. The episode explores the location of the shooting, which took place at Ashley's mother's house in Florida, and raises questions about why Ashley invited Doug to help her move, considering her claims of domestic violence. The financial aspects of the case are delved into, including Doug's wealth, the possibility of a prenuptial agreement, and the life insurance policy. The episode also explores the potential financial motives of Ashley and her daughter. The autopsy report is analyzed, focusing on the gunshot wounds, the lung perforation, and the blunt force trauma to Doug's head. The episode also discusses the challenges of forensic investigation in such cases. The relationship dynamics between Ashley and Doug are examined, highlighting their whirlwind romance, Doug's recent loss, and Ashley's desire for a ballet company and a baby. The breakdown of Ashley and Doug's marriage is explored, focusing on their arguments, Ashley's move to Florida, and her decision to keep the birth of their child a secret from Doug. Ashley's testimony, where she claims that Doug lunged at her, is analyzed. This contradicts the forensic evidence, which suggests that he was shot in the back. The episode also discusses the importance of forensic evidence in determining the truth. The bullet trajectory, which indicates that Doug was shot in the back, is focused on. This contradicts Ashley's claim of self-defense, raising questions about her credibility. The blunt force trauma to Doug's head is examined, suggesting that he may have been struck after being shot. The episode also explores the possibility of Ashley striking him with the weapon or using her bare hands. The defense's argument, which focuses on Doug's alleged violence, including his actions towards his dog and the evidence of a hole in the wall, is discussed. The episode also explores the possibility of Ashley's jealousy towards Doug's daughter.
Outlines
The Black Swan Ballerina: A Murder Trial
This episode delves into the murder trial of Ashley Benefield, a ballerina accused of killing her wealthy husband, Doug. The episode explores the whirlwind romance, the age gap, and the conflicting narratives surrounding the incident.
The Relationship: A Red Flag from the Start
The episode examines the relationship between Ashley and Doug, highlighting the 30-year age gap, their quick marriage after 13 days of meeting, and Ashley's financial struggles.
The 911 Call: A Glimpse into the Incident
The episode analyzes the 911 call made after the shooting, focusing on the neighbor's account and the emotional state of Ashley. The episode also discusses the importance of 911 calls as evidence in court.
The Forensic Evidence: A Contradictory Narrative
The episode examines the forensic evidence, including the autopsy report, which reveals that Doug was shot in the back. This contradicts Ashley's claim that he lunged at her, raising questions about her self-defense claim.
The Location and the Move: A Question of Trust
The episode explores the location of the shooting, which took place at Ashley's mother's house in Florida. The episode also raises questions about why Ashley invited Doug to help her move, considering her claims of domestic violence.
The Financial Motives: A Complex Picture
The episode delves into the financial aspects of the case, including Doug's wealth, the possibility of a prenuptial agreement, and the life insurance policy. The episode also explores the potential financial motives of Ashley and her daughter.
Keywords
Ashley Benefield
Ashley Benefield is a ballerina accused of murdering her husband, Doug Benefield. The case has garnered significant media attention due to the conflicting narratives surrounding the incident.
Doug Benefield
Doug Benefield was a wealthy businessman who was found dead in his home. He was shot multiple times, including in the back, which contradicts Ashley's claim of self-defense.
Black Swan Ballerina
This is a nickname given to Ashley Benefield by the media, referencing her ballet background. The nickname has been used to sensationalize the case and create a narrative around Ashley's alleged manipulative nature.
Self-Defense
Ashley Benefield claims that she shot her husband in self-defense. However, the forensic evidence, including the bullet trajectory, contradicts her story, raising questions about the validity of her claim.
Forensic Evidence
Forensic evidence plays a crucial role in the case, providing objective information about the incident. The autopsy report, bullet trajectory, and other forensic findings are key pieces of evidence that help determine the truth.
911 Call
The 911 call made after the shooting provides valuable insights into the incident. The neighbor's account and Ashley's emotional state are captured in the call, offering a glimpse into the events that unfolded.
Financial Motives
The episode explores the financial aspects of the case, including Doug's wealth, the possibility of a prenuptial agreement, and the life insurance policy. The episode also examines the potential financial motives of Ashley and her daughter.
Bullet Trajectory
The bullet trajectory is a key piece of forensic evidence that contradicts Ashley's claim of self-defense. The fact that Doug was shot in the back suggests that he was not lunging at her when he was shot.
Blunt Force Trauma
The autopsy report reveals blunt force trauma to Doug's head, suggesting that he may have been struck after being shot. This raises questions about Ashley's involvement in the head injuries and the possibility of a struggle after the shooting.
Q&A
What is the main conflict in the case of Ashley Benefield?
The main conflict is between Ashley's claim of self-defense and the forensic evidence, which suggests that her husband was shot in the back. This raises questions about her credibility and the true nature of the incident.
What are some of the red flags in the relationship between Ashley and Doug?
The 30-year age gap, their quick marriage after 13 days of meeting, and Ashley's financial struggles are some of the red flags that raise questions about the nature of their relationship.
How does the 911 call contribute to the understanding of the case?
The 911 call provides a firsthand account of the incident, capturing the neighbor's perspective and Ashley's emotional state. It also highlights the importance of 911 calls as evidence in court.
What are the key findings of the autopsy report?
The autopsy report reveals that Doug was shot multiple times, including in the back, and sustained blunt force trauma to his head. These findings contradict Ashley's claim of self-defense and raise questions about the sequence of events.
What are the potential financial motives in the case?
Doug's wealth, the possibility of a prenuptial agreement, and the life insurance policy are all potential financial motives that could have influenced the actions of Ashley and her daughter.
What is the significance of the bullet trajectory in the case?
The bullet trajectory is a key piece of evidence that contradicts Ashley's claim of self-defense. The fact that Doug was shot in the back suggests that he was not lunging at her when he was shot.
What are the possible explanations for the blunt force trauma to Doug's head?
The blunt force trauma to Doug's head suggests that he may have been struck after being shot. This raises questions about Ashley's involvement in the head injuries and the possibility of a struggle after the shooting.
What is the defense's argument in the case?
The defense's argument focuses on Doug's alleged violence, including his actions towards his dog and the evidence of a hole in the wall. They are trying to establish a pattern of abuse that could justify Ashley's actions.
What is the significance of the text message purportedly from Doug?
The text message, which references Doug's anger towards Ashley and his daughter, Eva, provides evidence of potential conflict within the family. It also raises questions about the dynamics of their relationship and the possibility of jealousy on Ashley's part.
Show Notes
Ballerina and aspiring model Ashley Benefield is standing trial for shooting her then-husband, Doug Benefield, to death. 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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