2024-07-31 19:50:02
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) – A jury has found Ashley Benefield guilty of manslaughter.
Ashley was on trial for the murder of her estranged husband Doug Benefield in 2020.
The prosecution argued that this was a planned murder so Ashley could have full custody of their daughter, while the defense claimed Ashley shot her husband in self-defense.
Ashley had alleged that Doug had lunged at her when she shot and her attorney had presented multiple events as evidence of his abusive behavior. The prosecutor in the case accused Ashley of manipulative behavior and said Ashley’s moves were calculated as the two argued over custody of a child.
A jury found her guilty on the lesser charge of manslaughter.
Ashley is facing 30 years in prison.
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