Ashley Benefield trial: Jury seated in ex-ballerina murder case
BRADENTON, Fla. - Before jury selection began on Monday morning for the former ballerina accused of killing her husband, Judge Matt Whyte heard another round of last-minute motions for Ashley Benefield.
"I think the state has every right to and is ready to go to trial. I think both sides are and should be at this point," shared Judge Whyte.
Ashley Benefield is preparing to stand trial for the murder of her husband, Doug Benefield.
Picutred: Ashley and Doug Benefield
Protestors, organized by her Pastor Mike Brown, have shown their support for the former ballerina.
"We really are standing for Ashley," explained Pastor Brown. "We have a group of domestic violence survivors who are standing with us and we really want to see justice prevail."
The Benefield's daughter was among those protesting to keep Ashley Benefield out of jail.
On September 27, 2020, Manatee County deputies said Ashley Benefield shot and killed her estranged husband.
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She claimed self-defense, saying Doug Benefield attacked her. However, investigators said there were no signs of abuse.
They believe it was Ashley Benefield’s last resort to gain custody of their then-two-year-old daughter.
Ashley Benefield
Judge Whyte dismissed her stand-your-ground claim last year.
"We really just want the truth to come out. I’ve known Ashley for some time. I’ve been able to walk through this with her as a counselor and a chaplain. I’ve seen a different side of Ashley," said Pastor Brown.
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Doug Benefield was a Navy veteran. His family has waited nearly four long years for this day in court.
Ashley Benefield appears in court as jury selection begins for her murder trial.
"It’s 1,394 days," explained Tommie Douglas Benefield Jr., Doug Benefield’s cousin. "We have known the facts of the case from very early on. We knew all along he had been fooled. That's because he didn’t want to lose a wife and a second child. He did everything he could."
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Tommie Benefield plans to testify against Ashley Benefield. He said Doug Benefield, who was nearly 30 years older than his wife, was just trying to do the right thing.
"Just a good guy who fell in love with a woman. Made a really bad choice to marry in 13 days. He did everything he could do to put a family together with his daughter, on very short notice. Bringing a young woman into a home and none of it went well," Tommie Benefield said.
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