Supporters of Ashley Benefield March in Bradenton Ahead of Ex-Ballerina Murder Trial

More than two dozen protesters gathered outside the Manatee County Courthouse in downtown Bradenton on Wednesday morning to support Ashley Benefield, a former ballerina accused of murdering her estranged husband. Benefield, 32, faces charges of second-degree murder for the death of her husband, Doug Benefield, a case set to go to trial on July 22.

The case has garnered significant media attention, inspiring podcasts, true-crime TV shows like CBS’s “48 Hours,” and drawing Court TV coverage. Ashley Benefield’s supporters argue that she acted in self-defense and that there should not be a murder trial.

Supporters, holding signs that read “We stand with Ashley,” “There is nothing illegal about defending your life,” and “Believe victims of domestic violence,” gathered to voice their disapproval of the charges. Barbara Russell, a social worker and mental health professional among the demonstrators, stated, “Ashley Benefield was doing what every American has a right to do, and that is defend her life in her own home.” She described the charges as a “miscarriage of justice,” adding, “That’s why people are out today demanding justice.”

On September 27, 2020, Ashley Benefield ran to a neighbor’s house in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, claiming she had shot her husband in self-defense. Doug Benefield, who was 58 at the time, had gunshot wounds to his right leg, right arm, and chest. He died later that night in the hospital. Four .45 caliber casings were found on the floor of Ashley's bedroom, along with a bullet on the floor and two more embedded in the walls.

Court documents reveal the Benefields had a history of domestic issues, including a contentious custody battle over their child. Ashley Benefield and her lawyer have argued she was a victim of Doug's repeated abuse, including stalking, physical violence, and an incident where Doug allegedly shot a gun into the ceiling.

However, Judge Whyte, following a Stand Your Ground hearing, ruled that Ashley was not entitled to immunity from prosecution. Prosecutors Suzanne O’Donnell and Rebecca Freel argued that Doug’s death was not a singular act of self-defense but the result of a "lengthy, concerted effort."

Catherine Dolan, who marched alongside her 13-year-old daughter, Carolina, expressed concern that prosecuting Ashley could discourage other domestic violence survivors from defending themselves. “This outcome is disheartening for survivors of domestic violence and victims’ advocates,” Dolan said. “I hope this case can lead to some positive change.”

Ashley Benefield’s lawyer, Neil Taylor, stated, “Our law firm supports and stands behind Ashley Benefield 100%,” emphasizing that “domestic violence is an epidemic in America and bias against women permeates all our institutions.”

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office previously stated that detectives found “no evidence that” Ashley Benefield “was acting in self-defense when she fired multiple shots at her husband” and that there were “no signs that she had been physically abused.”

Ashley Benefield appeared in court for a hearing this week, with her trial scheduled for July 22 at 8:30 a.m. If convicted, she faces up to life in prison for second-degree murder with a firearm, according to Florida Statutes.

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