Ashley Benefield, a former ballerina and co-founder of the American National Ballet, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the 2020 killing of her estranged husband, Doug Benefield. The sentencing took place Tuesday in a Manatee County courtroom, marking the latest chapter in a high-profile case that gripped the Bradenton, Florida, community.
Manslaughter Conviction in Estranged Husband’s Death
Ashley Benefield, 32, was convicted in July of manslaughter, a lesser charge than the second-degree murder for which she was originally indicted. The jury deliberated for nearly seven hours before deciding on the manslaughter conviction.
Doug Benefield, 58, was fatally shot during an argument at Ashley’s Bradenton home. Ashley claimed she acted in self-defense, but prosecutors argued that her actions were premeditated. The maximum sentence for manslaughter involving a firearm is 30 years, but Circuit Judge Matt Whyte imposed a 20-year term.
Court Rejects Defense Motions for a New Trial
Before sentencing, Judge Whyte dismissed motions by Ashley’s defense team requesting a new trial. The motions were based on allegations of juror misconduct, including claims that a juror failed to disclose personal experiences with domestic violence and another brought a cellphone into the jury room during deliberations. The judge found no merit in either claim.
A Marriage Turned Tragic
The Benefields co-founded the American National Ballet, with Ashley serving as a dancer and Doug as a financier. Their relationship, however, was marred by allegations of domestic discord. The defense portrayed Ashley as a victim of abuse who acted to protect herself during the fatal encounter.
Prosecutors countered by highlighting inconsistencies in her account and arguing that her estranged husband posed no immediate threat at the time of the shooting.
Plans for Appeal
Ashley Benefield’s attorney announced plans to appeal both the conviction and the sentence. The defense maintains that Ashley acted in self-defense and argues that the trial was tainted by the alleged juror misconduct.
