Family of Ashley Benefield victim pleased with guilty verdict

Ashley Benefield found guilty of manslaughter
Estranged spouse of victim claimed self-defense
She faces up to 30 years because firearm was used

Updated: Aug 1, 2024 / 10:20 PM CDT

MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. (NewsNation) — Doug Benefield’s family is “very pleased” with Ashley Benefield’s guilty verdict.

“She’s up to a 30-year maximum sentence,” Doug’s cousin Tommie Benefield said Wednesday night on “Banfield.” And we’ll go through the pre-sentencing investigation over the next two months. But we believe we’ll get in above 20 years.”

Ashley Benefield was found guilty of manslaughter by a jury late Tuesday night in the killing of her estranged husband, Doug Benefield. A sentencing hearing has not been set, but she faces up to 30 years in prison because a firearm was used.

The 32-year-old former ballerina was accused of second-degree murder for the Sept. 27, 2020, shooting death of Doug Benefield. The jury found her guilty on a lesser charge.

Deliberations started late Tuesday afternoon after the jury heard closing arguments from both the defense and prosecution.

Last week, when she took the stand before the jury, Ashley said she and Doug got into an argument that turned violent as he was helping her move boxes into a U-Haul ahead of a move to Maryland.

NewsNation affiliate WFLA contributed to this report.