In a dramatic turn of events, former ballerina Ashley Benefield has been found guilty of manslaughter in the 2020 shooting death of her estranged husband. The 32-year-old, who had been dubbed the “Black Swan” due to her past in ballet, was convicted on July 30, just hours after a jury began deliberating her case in Manatee County, Florida.

Benefield shot her 58-year-old husband, Doug Benefield, during a heated argument at her mother’s home. The couple had been estranged, and Ashley had recently moved to Florida from South Carolina, leaving Doug behind. The shooting occurred on September 27, 2020, as Doug arrived at Ashley’s home to help her move to Maryland with their daughter.

Initially charged with second-degree murder, Ashley was found guilty of the lesser charge of manslaughter. The jury’s verdict led to the immediate revocation of her $100,000 bond, and she was taken into custody by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office. She now faces up to 30 years in prison for using a firearm in the crime.

The case, widely referred to as the “Black Swan Murder Trial,” drew its nickname from the 2010 film “Black Swan,” which features a ballerina experiencing a psychological breakdown. Ashley, a former dancer with the Maryland Youth Ballet, was handcuffed in court following her conviction.

Prosecutors argued that Ashley’s self-defense claim did not match the evidence, suggesting she had an ulterior motive. “She did not have to shoot him,” said Suzanne O’Donnell, assistant state attorney. “She had an agenda. She got what she wanted.”

Defense attorney Neil Taylor countered that Doug had been physically abusive and had aggressively confronted Ashley when she drew her gun. Taylor emphasized that Ashley had repeatedly sought help from authorities regarding Doug’s behavior without any relief.

A sentencing hearing will be scheduled to determine Ashley Benefield’s fate.

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