FL - Doug Benefield, 58, shot and killed by estranged wife, Manatee County, 27 Sept 2020

[arielilane]

Defense described Doug as 30 years older than Ashley and was obsessed with her. Defense says during an argument Doug shot a hole in the ceiling. Another time he punched the dog and knocked him out during an argument with Ashley.

Prosecution: Ashley killed Doug over custody of their daughter.
Defense: Ashley killed Doug in self-defense.

Already contention inside the #AshleyBenefield courtroom with Doug Benefield's cousin under cross-exam. After multiple sidebars, the judge just sent the jury out.

@cathyrusson

 

[Derph]

Yikes! One sidebar after another and audio is glitchy. Getting really hard to watch and maintain continuity.

It's been quite a lot. Have a feeling there is going to be a lot of these. Defense is already annoying the judge.

 

[arielilane]

@cathyrusson

JURY BREAKDOWN in #AshleyBenefield: 5 women, 1 man. Alternates- 2 women, 1 man.

10:39 AM · Jul 23, 2024

 

[arielilane]

In the state of FL, jury trial are 6 person jury with 3 alternates. moo

 

[nodamselindistress]

Defense finishes with Tommie Benefield. State has no more questions.

Next witness: Eva Benefield, Doug's daughter by his 1st wife.

 

[ilovewings]

Unsure if you ever watched the American version of the show Shameless but there's this character Ethel from a cult who dresses like that and that's all I see when I look at that picture.

I an not familiar with that show. I think the prosecution is foolish if they don't show Ashley as she really is instead of that mousey thing----

 

[arielilane]

Another option to watch trial live:

WATCH: “Black Swan” murder trial begins in Manatee County

The former ballerina accused of murdering her husband, Ashley Benefield, set to have her trial this week in Manatee County. Jury selection begins Monday.

www.mysuncoast.com

 

[nodamselindistress]

Eva Benefield excused. She is not released, however.

Lunch break until 1:10

 

[Wishbone]

Who will the defense attorney try to disparage next?

 

[nodamselindistress]

Next witness John Sant, former neighbor of Ashley and her mother when they lived in Lakewood Ranch.

ETA: Also the 911 caller.

 

[arielilane]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1815790225680957648

https://twitter.com/x/status/1815803760318562637

 

[nodamselindistress]

AB pretending to be upset upon hearing the 911 call, looks like she is in some kind of trance with her eyes closed and trying to make herself cry. Obviously fake.

 

[arielilane]

Last year, the judge also denied a motion to dismiss on the basis of immunity from prosecution as provided by Florida's "stand your ground" law.

If convicted, Benefield could face a minimum of 25 years to life in prison.

'The Black Swan murder?' '48 Hours' dives into case of Florida woman accused of killing estranged husband

In 2020, Ashley Benefield turned herself in at the Manatee County Jail and was charged with 2nd-degree murder for shooting and killing her husband.

www.wtsp.com

1:05 PM EDT July 23, 2024

 

[nodamselindistress]

Manatee County Deputy Thomas Baurle up next.

ETA: AB was placed in his cruiser in handcuffs and he drove her to Bradenton PD.

 

[nodamselindistress]

AB claims DB attacked her prior to her shooting him. Neighbor Sant and Deputy Baurle both observe she had no obvious injuries and no ripped clothing.

 

[nodamselindistress]

Next witness is John Jones of Sheriff's Office Violent Crimes unit

ETA: He is the one who found DB's body in the bedroom after he had been shot.

 

[nodamselindistress]

Detective Tyler Ackerman up next, Manatee County Sheriffs Office. He appears to be in charge of the fire arm.

 

[arielilane]

There is no wasteful of time here. Trial is moving along.
Questions being asked that are relevant to advance the case forward.
Curious if the defendant will testify.

My thoughts. moo.

 

[arielilane]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1815821528770175023

 

[arielilane]

Mid-afternoon break: 10-15 minutes