December 3rd 2024.
In a recent court ruling, a former ballerina from Florida has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for the fatal shooting of her estranged husband in 2020. The records from Manatee County Court show that Circuit Judge Matt Whyte handed down the sentence to 32-year-old Ashley Benefield. This decision came after her request for a new trial was denied due to allegations of juror misconduct.
Benefield had claimed that she acted in self-defence when she shot her estranged husband, 58-year-old Doug Benefield, during an argument at her home in Bradenton, Florida. The couple were known for being co-founders of the American National Ballet, and Ashley had a background as a dancer.
Initially, Benefield was charged with second-degree murder, but the jury ultimately decided on a less severe charge of manslaughter after nearly seven hours of deliberation in July. The maximum sentence for this crime is 30 years in prison when a firearm is involved, while the murder charge carries a potential life sentence.
Before the sentencing, Judge Whyte dismissed the defence's motions for a new trial, which were based on claims that a juror failed to disclose their personal history with domestic violence and that another juror brought a mobile phone into the deliberation room. The judge found these claims to be without merit.
Benefield's attorney has stated that they plan to appeal the conviction and sentence. In the meantime, the public can stay updated on this case and other breaking news, sports, politics, and weather by downloading the 9News app. It is available for both Apple and Android devices, and users can receive notifications straight to their smartphones.
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