Digest

Ashley Benefield, a former ballerina, recounts her relationship with Doug Benefield, which ended with his death and her subsequent trial for murder. The podcast delves into their whirlwind romance, the creation of a ballet company, and the unraveling of their marriage amidst allegations of abuse and poisoning. Ashley's passion for ballet began at a young age, but her height and a hamstring injury hindered her professional aspirations. She later became involved in politics, joining the Trump campaign and expressing her desire for a family in her diary entries. Ashley met Doug at a fundraiser and they quickly married, sharing common interests in politics, faith, and guns. Doug's previous life is explored, including his marriage to Renee and the birth of their daughter Eva. Doug's marriage to Renee is described as happy and close-knit, but Renee tragically died from an underlying heart condition. Ashley and Doug established American National Ballet, but the company faced financial difficulties and ultimately dissolved. Ashley claims she left the company due to Doug's abusive behavior. Ashley alleges that Doug's behavior became increasingly erratic and abusive, culminating in an incident where he fired a gun in their home. She claims he threatened to kill himself and physically abused their dog. Ashley also claims that Doug poisoned her during her pregnancy, citing toxicology tests that revealed high levels of heavy metals in her and her daughter's system. Doug denies these allegations, and a judge ultimately dismisses Ashley's request for a protection order. Despite their tumultuous relationship, Doug and Ashley moved to Maryland together, but their arguments escalated, leading to a confrontation that ended with Doug's death and Ashley's arrest for murder. Ashley's trial for Doug's murder is dubbed the "Black Swan Murder Trial." Ashley claims she shot Doug in self-defense, while the prosecution argues that she planned his death. The trial features testimony from both sides, including Doug's family, law enforcement, and mental health experts.

Outlines

00:00:00

Ashley Benefield's Nightmare

Ashley Benefield, a former ballerina, recounts her tumultuous relationship with Doug Benefield, culminating in his death and her subsequent trial for murder. The story delves into their whirlwind romance, the creation of a ballet company, and the unraveling of their marriage amidst allegations of abuse and poisoning.

00:01:15

Ashley's Early Life and Career

Ashley's passion for ballet began at a young age, inspired by a family member on Broadway. However, her height and a hamstring injury hindered her professional aspirations, leading her to pursue other interests. Ashley's interest in politics led her to join the Trump campaign, where she attended rallies and interacted with the crowd. She felt a connection with candidate Trump and expressed her desire for a family in her diary entries.

00:06:32

Meeting Doug Benefield and the Early Years of Their Marriage

Ashley met Doug Benefield at a fundraiser at Dr. Ben Carson's home. They shared common interests in politics, faith, and guns, leading to a quick courtship and marriage just 13 days after meeting. Doug's previous life is explored, including his marriage to Renee, the birth of their daughter Eva, and Renee's tragic death from an underlying heart condition. Doug's marriage to Renee is described as happy and close-knit.

00:15:44

The Ballet Company and the Beginning of the Relationship's Decline

Ashley and Doug's shared passion for ballet led them to establish American National Ballet. However, the company faced financial difficulties, leading to layoffs and ultimately its demise. Ashley claims she left the company due to Doug's abusive behavior. Ashley alleges that Doug's behavior became increasingly erratic and abusive, culminating in an incident where he fired a gun in their home. She claims he threatened to kill himself and physically abused their dog.

00:31:52

The Poisoning Allegations and the Move to Maryland

Ashley claims that Doug poisoned her during her pregnancy, citing toxicology tests that revealed high levels of heavy metals in her and her daughter's system. Doug denies these allegations, and a judge ultimately dismisses Ashley's request for a protection order. Despite their tumultuous relationship, Doug and Ashley decide to move to Maryland together. However, their arguments escalate, leading to a confrontation that ends with Doug's death and Ashley's arrest for murder.

00:40:23

The Black Swan Murder Trial

Ashley's trial for Doug's murder is dubbed the "Black Swan Murder Trial." Ashley claims she shot Doug in self-defense, while the prosecution argues that she planned his death. The trial features testimony from both sides, including Doug's family, law enforcement, and mental health experts.

Keywords

Q&A

• What led to the breakdown of Ashley and Doug's relationship?

  Ashley alleges that Doug's behavior became increasingly abusive, culminating in an incident where he fired a gun in their home. She claims he threatened to kill himself and physically abused their dog. Doug denies these allegations.

• What is the "Black Swan Murder Trial"?

  The trial of Ashley Benefield for the murder of her husband, Doug Benefield, dubbed the "Black Swan Murder Trial" due to its sensational nature and the unexpected turn of events.

• What is the Stand Your Ground Law, and how does it apply to Ashley's case?

  The Stand Your Ground Law in Florida allows the use of deadly force if a person believes that force is necessary to prevent imminent death or a violent crime, without any expectation to retreat. Ashley's defense team argued that she acted in self-defense under this law.

• What evidence was presented at the trial?

  The trial featured testimony from both sides, including Doug's family, law enforcement, and mental health experts. Ashley's defense team presented evidence of Doug's alleged abusive behavior, while the prosecution argued that Ashley planned Doug's death.

• What was the outcome of the trial?

  The jury found Ashley guilty of manslaughter, a lesser charge than second-degree murder. She is scheduled to be sentenced next month and faces up to 30 years in prison.

Show Notes