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

[twall]

I find manslaughter to be a really difficult charge to predict what the sentence will be in every jurisdiction I can think of, or how long before parole becomes an option. Sometimes the sentence is decades, sometimes it's astonishingly low!

I'm also wondering (well ahead of time) if AB will be allowed to wear street clothes at her sentence hearing or if she'll have to wear prison scrubs and shackles in court?

JMO

I thought Florida abolished parole and now do mandatory minimums which the convicted has to serve 85% of sentence before being considered for release. IMO

She will be in jail clothes and restraints at sentencing since she has been convicted.

 

[MTW2011]

I remember that and have mentioned it many times here..one juror had some issues this week and once you start deliberating you can't take a day off...it was no doubt today. Personally I find that situation troubling to get a verdict under that pressure. I thought that person should be an alternate...judge mentioned that attorneys took them knowing this. I don't think it is "partly why they continued so late". I think it is the reason. It might have even been the juror who changed? At the late hour I wanted judge to send them home but not the way it worked out. I suspect Taylor knew what was behind this late deliberation as did the judge. I guess there is nothing that can be done but this fact bothered me. They can adjust court times and days based on important appointments for jury but once deliberations start no way and they were right up to the wall on this one.

I agree with you.

Did you hear the juror who asked if “there’s no other options?” after the Judge told them they need to decide if they wanted to go home for the evening and return tomorrow. I don’t know what she meant by that, but from the Judge’s immediate reply to her, it didn’t give an answer as to whether they were “other options”. Who knows what she could’ve been referring to though.

I think if some of them wanted to return the next day, and some of the jurors couldn’t - they surely would’ve mentioned that to them, right? At least I think so.

If I couldn’t come in the next day, I wouldn’t be agreeing with the group “let’s come back tomorrow”, I would let them know that I’m not able to do that. Now whether that happened, and/or if the unavailability of several jurors affected the timeline and decision making - no idea. I’m not saying they did anything wrong either. JMOO

 

[Wishbone]

Agreed - she will likely end up at Lowell Correctional in Ocala - a ~2 hour drive from Bradenton so mom can bring her daughter up to see her on weekends. More important question is how she'll make out in a max security women's prison with some really nasty women.

She will seduce a protector for herself and carry on.JMOO

 

[turaj]

I agree with you.

Did you hear the juror who asked if “there’s no other options?” after the Judge told them they need to decide if they wanted to go home for the evening and return tomorrow. I don’t know what she meant by that, but from the Judge’s immediate reply to her, it didn’t give an answer as to whether they were “other options”. Who knows what she could’ve been referring to though.

I think if some of them wanted to return the next day, and some of the jurors couldn’t - they surely would’ve mentioned that to them, right? At least I think so.

If I couldn’t come in the next day, I wouldn’t be agreeing with the group “let’s come back tomorrow”, I would let them know that I’m not able to do that. Now whether that happened, and/or if the unavailability of several jurors affected the timeline and decision making - no idea. I’m not saying they did anything wrong either. JMOO

my guess is it is one juror and again my guess it is medical in nature...could be a long waited very important meeting, procedure or surgery. The attorneys took this juror knowing this. I would not be surprised if that juror is the one that asked that question maybe thinking they could take a day off deliberations??? I mean these people don't follow trials like we do and are probably not attorneys so maybe thought they could. I would not want to have been that person (I am thinking one) that changed. Usually the judge will give them a pep talk and talk about sticking with your convictions but being able to listen to others thoughts etc. They were just told to go back and see if they want to go home. This was very unusual. Most are ignoring this because more or less she was convicted but if the result had been NG with the same lead up I bet there would be more talk about this. Why they let a juror deliberate with that kind of deadline I just don't know. Did this trial run much longer than expected? It seemed pretty fast if not rushed to me.

 

[scapa]

Verdict makes the news across the pond via The Guardian:

(Nothing really new in the article but not many US verdicts get covered here -- certainly a dubious "honour," but there it is)

Former ballerina convicted in Florida over shooting death of husband

Ashley Benefield had been charged with second-degree murder with a firearm, but was convicted of manslaughter

www.theguardian.com

 

[MTW2011]

my guess is it is one juror and again my guess it is medical in nature...could be a long waited very important meeting, procedure or surgery. The attorneys took this juror knowing this. I would not be surprised if that juror is the one that asked that question maybe thinking they could take a day off deliberations??? I mean these people don't follow trials like we do and are probably not attorneys so maybe thought they could. I would not want to have been that person (I am thinking one) that changed. Usually the judge will give them a pep talk and talk about sticking with your convictions but being able to listen to others thoughts etc. They were just told to go back and see if they want to go home. This was very unusual. Most are ignoring this because more or less she was convicted but if the result had been NG with the same lead up I bet there would be more talk about this. Why they let a juror deliberate with that kind of deadline I just don't know. Did this trial run much longer than expected? It seemed pretty fast if not rushed to me.

just want to say I completely agree with you. You’ve said a lot of my thoughts much more eloquently than I could articulate

 

[ilovewings]

BBM:
The fight over the shadowbox led to the gun being thrown and hitting the wall.
AB claims DB threw the gun at her and missed.
The shot in the ceiling was a different time

AB's testimony on the fight/shadowbox .

4:51:40 prosecutor.

She will seduce a protector for herself and carry on.JMOO

uh-huh- that is exactly what she will do

 

[turaj]

Tommie Benefield is making the circuit this morning.

 

[Wishbone]

Doug Benefield’s 23-year-old daughter, Eva, Tommie Benefield, and Doug Benefield’s younger brother, Dave, all took time to comment.

Ashley Benefield Verdict: Jury makes decision in ballerina case

After a Manatee County jury found Ashley Benefield guilty of manslaughter, she was remanded into the custody of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

www.heraldtribune.com

 

[Linda7NJ]

Yes, but one consolation. She will not look like she does now. She will be FAT after having no choice but to eat prison food and buy junk food from the prison commissary. I know it's not much, but at least she won't be allowed to hunt for a new man for several years.

I think you’re wrong.
She will have no shortage of men writing to her or money to spend at the commissary.

I think her snotty, cold attitude isn’t going to make her very popular in prison. It’s gonna be quite expensive to pay for any type of protection.
I bet she thinks starting a PRISON BALLET is a great idea

 

[turaj]

I think you’re wrong.
She will have no shortage of men writing to her or money to spend at the commissary.

I think her snotty, cold attitude isn’t going to make her very popular in prison. It’s gonna be quite expensive to pay for any type of protection.
I bet she thinks starting a PRISON BALLET is a great idea

I believe there have been reports of a boyfriend. She has aged a lot and of course had that librarian look in court. She is a very pretty girl and purposefully wore no makeup and frankly dowdy clothes. She has not been living like this in the past few years. I honestly cannot figure out what her relationship is with her mother. They will see that she has the kind of snacks etc. that she wants. I don't think she will get fat and might be some sympathy from other inmates that have experienced the alleged "abuse" and killed spouse. I don't think any chance of appeal. Sentencing will be next time we see her. What a dismal future just because DB wanted some involvement with his daughter. This case was really one without any valid motive. She did not need to be near him if she was scared of him. What did the mother know? I have so many questions unanswered in this case.

 

[MTW2011]

It appears that a new Order has been entered today, dismissing the defense’s petition for writ of certiorari. It is not clear to me if this order was from Judge Whyte or the higher Court, but going by the “FROM THE DISTRICT COURT” language I believe it may be Whyte who dismissed this by defense. Please correct me if I’m incorrect.

It is noted as “ORDER FROM THE DISTRICT COURT -PETITIONER'S PETITION FOR WRIT OF CERTIORARI IS DISMISSED” on the docket.

 

[Wishbone]

I think you’re wrong.
She will have no shortage of men writing to her or money to spend at the commissary.

I think her snotty, cold attitude isn’t going to make her very popular in prison. It’s gonna be quite expensive to pay for any type of protection.
I bet she thinks starting a PRISON BALLET is a great idea

Men may write to ab in prison but that won't change her daily life of eating fattening unhealthy food and cavorting with other women especially the more manly ones to protect her.JMOO

 

[ilovewings]

Men may write to ab in prison but that won't change her daily life of eating fattening unhealthy food and cavorting with other women especially the more manly ones to protect her.JMOO

Eventually she will lose her looks like Jodi Arias for example-- female prisoners take on a pasty look to their complexion-----

 

[Weki]

I think her new mugshot shows what a toll these last few years have taken on her as she awaited her trial. 10 years in prison will change her for sure. She also seems to be a cold, detached, immature personality. I think prison will be tough for her because she’s bratty and wants her way. She will lose some of that brattiness.

But I have learned people like her bounce back and are able to manipulate their way into relationships where ppl help them and do things for them endlessly. As someone else said she will find a protector type of guy eventually.

Also, Tommie Benefield said she had researched Doug prior to meeting him! On his CourtTV post- verdict interview. He said there were search results showing this. She’s more calculating than I thought .

JMO

 

[ar3593]

When all is said and done I would not be surprised if she only ends up doing 7-10 years. She’ll be out early 40s still a full life ahead of her. She will play wrongly convicted poor little DV victim. She will remarry.

JMO

I disagree, her life is over regardless of how long she serves. She will not be able to land a decent man after this. I am relieved she was found guilty even though manslaughter. MOO

 

[ilovewings]

I disagree, her life is over regardless of how long she serves. She will not be able to land a decent man after this. I am relieved she was found guilty even though manslaughter. MOO

I am not so sure she won't land a decent man- she is young and will still be relatively young when she exits prison- I don't see a sentence past 10 years, if that. She is very pretty-- think about men who still date and hang out with Casey Anthony: think of Karla Homolka who is married with kids with this guy. Think of Sherri Pappini- she will have many suitors--- These attractive women attract men and will continue to do so. They are also charming liars and manipulative. Will the man be necessarily decent? who knows, but you never know with women like this.

 

[turaj]

I am not so sure she won't land a decent man- she is young and will still be relatively young when she exits prison- I don't see a sentence past 10 years, if that. She is very pretty-- think about men who still date and hang out with Casey Anthony: think of Karla Homolka who is married with kids with this guy. Think of Sherri Pappini- she will have many suitors--- These attractive women attract men and will continue to do so. They are also charming liars and manipulative. Will the man be necessarily decent? who knows, but you never know with women like this.

I agree completely...she will have no problem finding a man when out if not before.

 

[Weki]

She won’t have a problem finding a man. Perhaps not a wealthy one though. She’s clearly not that savvy at picking wealthy men. But perhaps she was just young and naive. Although I doubt that wealthy, well-connected men are looking among the 40yo felon pool for wives. Lol. She had her chance and she blew it for sure. I don’t know why she would’ve been so desperate to have a child with Doug. When she could’ve divorced him and found someone wealthy easily, I think. JMO

ETA: Her motivations from start to finish are baffling to me. She’s not a borderline like Jodi Arias because she would’ve never left Doug if she were. She seems to be delusional certainly.

 

[Weki]

I also need to correct something I said before. It seems Doug didn’t abandon Eva at 15 to run off to be with AB. By the time Doug was planning his move to Maryland via Florida Eva was 18 and heading to college. So it makes sense that he was desperate to work things out with AB. He likely didn’t want to be alone and wanted a family again. It’s all very sad!

JMO