The Ashley Benefield Story

Former model and ballet company founder, Ashley Benefield, is facing a motion hearing on allegations of second-degree murder, a case that has captured national attention. Benefield, 31, is charged in the 2020 fatal shooting of her husband, Douglas Benefield, 58, at their residence in Lakewood Ranch, Florida.    The couple, who met at a Republican fundraiser in 2016 and married two weeks later, had a tumultuous relationship marked by allegations of domestic abuse. Ashley's defense team claims that Douglas, a recently widowed Navy veteran, was abusive, and that the fatal shooting was an act of self-defense. They have filed a motion for dismissal of the case.    Their relationship started with promise. Ashley, a 24-year-old model and ballerina, and Douglas, a technology consultant and entrepreneur, had embarked on a joint venture to establish "The American National Ballet" in Charleston, South Carolina. However, the venture quickly failed, and Ashley became pregnant. Following a challenging pregnancy, the relationship deteriorated and a contentious custody battle ensued.    According to court documents, Ashley repeatedly sought to keep Douglas away from their child, filing multiple claims of domestic violence. However, judges found no substantial evidence to support her allegations.    The shooting occurred on September 27, 2020. Responding to a 911 call, Manatee County officials arrived at the scene to find Douglas had been shot twice. Ashley was the one to call for help, claiming her husband had attacked her. Court documents indicate that Douglas's wounds suggest he was not facing Ashley when she started shooting.    A warrant was issued for Ashley's arrest on November 4, 2020. The arrest affidavit describes Ashley as motivated to keep Douglas away from their child, even after exhausting all legal means.    Ashley’s defense team, however, paints a different picture. They allege that on the day of the shooting, Douglas physically assaulted Ashley, leading her to fear for her life. They argue that Ashley, then preparing to move to Maryland with her daughter, acted in self-defense when Douglas continued to advance on her despite her warnings.    In a striking twist to the case, Douglas’s daughter from his previous marriage, Eva Benefield, has used social media to voice her views on Ashley. In a series of TikTok videos, which have amassed over 3.1 million likes, Eva shares her personal trauma and frustration with the ongoing legal proceedings.    The pretrial immunity hearing on the motion for dismissal is scheduled for July 6 and 7 at the Manatee County Judicial Center in Bradenton, with Circuit Court Judge Matt Whyte presiding.    This case continues to unfold, offering a glimpse into a troubled relationship, the complexities of self-defense claims, and the contentious arena of domestic violence allegations. Follow more of the Ashley Benefield Story Here: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com/category/ashley-benefield/ Want to listen to ALL our Podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for 3 days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on: Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

17 Jul 202328min

Former model and ballet company founder, Ashley Benefield, is facing a motion hearing on allegations of second-degree murder, a case that has captured national attention. Benefield, 31, is charged in the 2020 fatal shooting of her husband, Douglas Benefield, 58, at their residence in Lakewood Ranch, Florida.    The couple, who met at a Republican fundraiser in 2016 and married two weeks later, had a tumultuous relationship marked by allegations of domestic abuse. Ashley's defense team claims that Douglas, a recently widowed Navy veteran, was abusive, and that the fatal shooting was an act of self-defense. They have filed a motion for dismissal of the case.    Their relationship started with promise. Ashley, a 24-year-old model and ballerina, and Douglas, a technology consultant and entrepreneur, had embarked on a joint venture to establish "The American National Ballet" in Charleston, South Carolina. However, the venture quickly failed, and Ashley became pregnant. Following a challenging pregnancy, the relationship deteriorated and a contentious custody battle ensued.    According to court documents, Ashley repeatedly sought to keep Douglas away from their child, filing multiple claims of domestic violence. However, judges found no substantial evidence to support her allegations.    The shooting occurred on September 27, 2020. Responding to a 911 call, Manatee County officials arrived at the scene to find Douglas had been shot twice. Ashley was the one to call for help, claiming her husband had attacked her. Court documents indicate that Douglas's wounds suggest he was not facing Ashley when she started shooting.    A warrant was issued for Ashley's arrest on November 4, 2020. The arrest affidavit describes Ashley as motivated to keep Douglas away from their child, even after exhausting all legal means.    Ashley’s defense team, however, paints a different picture. They allege that on the day of the shooting, Douglas physically assaulted Ashley, leading her to fear for her life. They argue that Ashley, then preparing to move to Maryland with her daughter, acted in self-defense when Douglas continued to advance on her despite her warnings.    In a striking twist to the case, Douglas’s daughter from his previous marriage, Eva Benefield, has used social media to voice her views on Ashley. In a series of TikTok videos, which have amassed over 3.1 million likes, Eva shares her personal trauma and frustration with the ongoing legal proceedings.    The pretrial immunity hearing on the motion for dismissal is scheduled for July 6 and 7 at the Manatee County Judicial Center in Bradenton, with Circuit Court Judge Matt Whyte presiding.    This case continues to unfold, offering a glimpse into a troubled relationship, the complexities of self-defense claims, and the contentious arena of domestic violence allegations. Follow more of the Ashley Benefield Story Here: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com/category/ashley-benefield/ Want to listen to ALL our Podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for 3 days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on: Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

17 Jul 202338min

Former model and ballet company founder, Ashley Benefield, is facing a motion hearing on allegations of second-degree murder, a case that has captured national attention. Benefield, 31, is charged in the 2020 fatal shooting of her husband, Douglas Benefield, 58, at their residence in Lakewood Ranch, Florida.    The couple, who met at a Republican fundraiser in 2016 and married two weeks later, had a tumultuous relationship marked by allegations of domestic abuse. Ashley's defense team claims that Douglas, a recently widowed Navy veteran, was abusive, and that the fatal shooting was an act of self-defense. They have filed a motion for dismissal of the case.    Their relationship started with promise. Ashley, a 24-year-old model and ballerina, and Douglas, a technology consultant and entrepreneur, had embarked on a joint venture to establish "The American National Ballet" in Charleston, South Carolina. However, the venture quickly failed, and Ashley became pregnant. Following a challenging pregnancy, the relationship deteriorated and a contentious custody battle ensued.    According to court documents, Ashley repeatedly sought to keep Douglas away from their child, filing multiple claims of domestic violence. However, judges found no substantial evidence to support her allegations.    The shooting occurred on September 27, 2020. Responding to a 911 call, Manatee County officials arrived at the scene to find Douglas had been shot twice. Ashley was the one to call for help, claiming her husband had attacked her. Court documents indicate that Douglas's wounds suggest he was not facing Ashley when she started shooting.    A warrant was issued for Ashley's arrest on November 4, 2020. The arrest affidavit describes Ashley as motivated to keep Douglas away from their child, even after exhausting all legal means.    Ashley’s defense team, however, paints a different picture. They allege that on the day of the shooting, Douglas physically assaulted Ashley, leading her to fear for her life. They argue that Ashley, then preparing to move to Maryland with her daughter, acted in self-defense when Douglas continued to advance on her despite her warnings.    In a striking twist to the case, Douglas’s daughter from his previous marriage, Eva Benefield, has used social media to voice her views on Ashley. In a series of TikTok videos, which have amassed over 3.1 million likes, Eva shares her personal trauma and frustration with the ongoing legal proceedings.    The pretrial immunity hearing on the motion for dismissal is scheduled for July 6 and 7 at the Manatee County Judicial Center in Bradenton, with Circuit Court Judge Matt Whyte presiding.    This case continues to unfold, offering a glimpse into a troubled relationship, the complexities of self-defense claims, and the contentious arena of domestic violence allegations. Follow more of the Ashley Benefield Story Here: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com/category/ashley-benefield/ Want to listen to ALL our Podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for 3 days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on: Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

17 Jul 202353min

Former model and ballet company founder, Ashley Benefield, is facing a motion hearing on allegations of second-degree murder, a case that has captured national attention. Benefield, 31, is charged in the 2020 fatal shooting of her husband, Douglas Benefield, 58, at their residence in Lakewood Ranch, Florida.    The couple, who met at a Republican fundraiser in 2016 and married two weeks later, had a tumultuous relationship marked by allegations of domestic abuse. Ashley's defense team claims that Douglas, a recently widowed Navy veteran, was abusive, and that the fatal shooting was an act of self-defense. They have filed a motion for dismissal of the case.    Their relationship started with promise. Ashley, a 24-year-old model and ballerina, and Douglas, a technology consultant and entrepreneur, had embarked on a joint venture to establish "The American National Ballet" in Charleston, South Carolina. However, the venture quickly failed, and Ashley became pregnant. Following a challenging pregnancy, the relationship deteriorated and a contentious custody battle ensued.    According to court documents, Ashley repeatedly sought to keep Douglas away from their child, filing multiple claims of domestic violence. However, judges found no substantial evidence to support her allegations.    The shooting occurred on September 27, 2020. Responding to a 911 call, Manatee County officials arrived at the scene to find Douglas had been shot twice. Ashley was the one to call for help, claiming her husband had attacked her. Court documents indicate that Douglas's wounds suggest he was not facing Ashley when she started shooting.    A warrant was issued for Ashley's arrest on November 4, 2020. The arrest affidavit describes Ashley as motivated to keep Douglas away from their child, even after exhausting all legal means.    Ashley’s defense team, however, paints a different picture. They allege that on the day of the shooting, Douglas physically assaulted Ashley, leading her to fear for her life. They argue that Ashley, then preparing to move to Maryland with her daughter, acted in self-defense when Douglas continued to advance on her despite her warnings.    In a striking twist to the case, Douglas’s daughter from his previous marriage, Eva Benefield, has used social media to voice her views on Ashley. In a series of TikTok videos, which have amassed over 3.1 million likes, Eva shares her personal trauma and frustration with the ongoing legal proceedings.    The pretrial immunity hearing on the motion for dismissal is scheduled for July 6 and 7 at the Manatee County Judicial Center in Bradenton, with Circuit Court Judge Matt Whyte presiding.    This case continues to unfold, offering a glimpse into a troubled relationship, the complexities of self-defense claims, and the contentious arena of domestic violence allegations. Follow more of the Ashley Benefield Story Here: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com/category/ashley-benefield/ Want to listen to ALL our Podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for 3 days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on: Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

17 Jul 202341min

Former model and ballet company founder, Ashley Benefield, is facing a motion hearing on allegations of second-degree murder, a case that has captured national attention. Benefield, 31, is charged in the 2020 fatal shooting of her husband, Douglas Benefield, 58, at their residence in Lakewood Ranch, Florida.    The couple, who met at a Republican fundraiser in 2016 and married two weeks later, had a tumultuous relationship marked by allegations of domestic abuse. Ashley's defense team claims that Douglas, a recently widowed Navy veteran, was abusive, and that the fatal shooting was an act of self-defense. They have filed a motion for dismissal of the case.    Their relationship started with promise. Ashley, a 24-year-old model and ballerina, and Douglas, a technology consultant and entrepreneur, had embarked on a joint venture to establish "The American National Ballet" in Charleston, South Carolina. However, the venture quickly failed, and Ashley became pregnant. Following a challenging pregnancy, the relationship deteriorated and a contentious custody battle ensued.    According to court documents, Ashley repeatedly sought to keep Douglas away from their child, filing multiple claims of domestic violence. However, judges found no substantial evidence to support her allegations.    The shooting occurred on September 27, 2020. Responding to a 911 call, Manatee County officials arrived at the scene to find Douglas had been shot twice. Ashley was the one to call for help, claiming her husband had attacked her. Court documents indicate that Douglas's wounds suggest he was not facing Ashley when she started shooting.    A warrant was issued for Ashley's arrest on November 4, 2020. The arrest affidavit describes Ashley as motivated to keep Douglas away from their child, even after exhausting all legal means.    Ashley’s defense team, however, paints a different picture. They allege that on the day of the shooting, Douglas physically assaulted Ashley, leading her to fear for her life. They argue that Ashley, then preparing to move to Maryland with her daughter, acted in self-defense when Douglas continued to advance on her despite her warnings.    In a striking twist to the case, Douglas’s daughter from his previous marriage, Eva Benefield, has used social media to voice her views on Ashley. In a series of TikTok videos, which have amassed over 3.1 million likes, Eva shares her personal trauma and frustration with the ongoing legal proceedings.    The pretrial immunity hearing on the motion for dismissal is scheduled for July 6 and 7 at the Manatee County Judicial Center in Bradenton, with Circuit Court Judge Matt Whyte presiding.    This case continues to unfold, offering a glimpse into a troubled relationship, the complexities of self-defense claims, and the contentious arena of domestic violence allegations. Follow more of the Ashley Benefield Story Here: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com/category/ashley-benefield/ Want to listen to ALL our Podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for 3 days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on: Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

17 Jul 202348min

As the trial of Ashley Benefield, the former model and ballerina accused of shooting and killing her husband, Douglas Benefield, unfolds, questions surrounding her self-defense claim arise. Benefield's defense team has filed a motion for dismissal, asserting that she shot her husband in self-defense due to his alleged abusive behavior. However, proving self-defense can be a complex legal challenge, and Benefield may face obstacles along the way. The Allegations of Abuse According to court documents, Ashley Benefield had accused Douglas Benefield of being an abusive husband. She claimed that he had been physically and psychologically abusive towards her, even going as far as attempting to poison her. Ashley Benefield filed domestic violence claims in court, seeking protection and custody of their child. However, these claims were dismissed by the judge, who found no evidence to support her allegations. The Incident and the Defense's Narrative On September 27, 2020, Ashley Benefield made a frantic 911 call, stating that her husband had attacked her, leading her to shoot him in self-defense. In their motion for dismissal, the defense presents a detailed account of the events leading up to the shooting. They describe a volatile situation in which Douglas Benefield exhibited aggressive behavior, including physically assaulting Ashley Benefield, driving a moving box into her, and striking her head. They argue that she feared for her life and shot him when he continued to advance towards her, assuming a threatening posture. Proving Self-Defense and the Challenges Ahead Establishing self-defense in court requires meeting specific legal criteria. The defense team faces several challenges in substantiating Ashley Benefield's claim: Burden of Proof: The burden falls on the defense to demonstrate that Ashley Benefield reasonably believed she was in imminent danger, and the use of force was necessary to protect herself from serious harm or death. Eyewitness Testimony: The prosecution may present witnesses who offer a conflicting account of the events, challenging the self-defense narrative. Eyewitness testimonies and their credibility will play a crucial role in shaping the jury's perception. Forensic Evidence: The prosecution may scrutinize forensic evidence to determine if the actions were consistent with self-defense. The absence of Douglas Benefield's DNA on Ashley Benefield or vice versa could raise questions about the sequence of events. Previous Incidents: The defense's case may be affected by any history of violence or altercations between the couple. Prosecutors may attempt to portray Ashley Benefield as the aggressor, undermining her self-defense claim. Emotional Bias: Jurors may be swayed by emotional factors, making it critical for the defense to present a compelling narrative that highlights Ashley Benefield's fear, the history of abuse, and the potential psychological impact on her state of mind. Conclusion As Ashley Benefield's trial proceeds, her defense team will face the daunting task of proving that she shot her abusive husband in self-defense. While they have outlined a compelling narrative, challenges lie ahead. Overcoming the burden of proof, countering potential conflicting testimonies, and presenting strong forensic evidence will be crucial in establishing her claim. The court will ultimately decide whether Ashley Benefield's actions were justified by her fear for her own safety. Follow more of the Ashley Benefield Story Here: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com/category/ashley-benefield/ Want to listen to ALL our Podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for 3 days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on: Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

17 Jul 20237min