Ashley Benefield challenges Black Swan murder trial verdict. What to know about new appeal
Ashley Benefield, the Lakewood Ranch woman sentenced to 20 years in prison for killing her husband, has filed an appeal in hopes of reversing the outcome of her high-profile trial.
The appeal, filed Oct. 18 and made public this week, seeks to overturn her manslaughter conviction for the 2020 shooting death of Doug Benefield, according to court records. Her defense argues that errors made by the court throughout the legal process should result in a new trial in front of the Second District Court of Appeal.
“We believe that we have strong grounds for appeal, including that a judgment of acquittal should have been granted. In our opinion, the State failed to prove that Ms. Benefield was not acting in self-defense,” said William Ponall, Benefield’s appellate attorney.
“Additionally, we think all the grounds included in the defendant’s motion for a new trial, including the issue involving juror misconduct, support Ms. Benefield being granted a new trial. We are optimistic that the Second District Court of Appeal will rule in our favor,” Ponall told the Bradenton Herald.
This is not the first time Benefield’s defense team has sought to challenge the outcome of her trial. Defense attorney Neil Taylor previously filed a motion for a new trial, alleging juror misconduct. But that motion was rejected by Circuit Court Judge Matt Whyte just days before sentencing Benefield to 20 years in prison with credit for time served followed by 10 years of probation.
Defense argues for Benefield’s release from prison
Benefield’s legal team is also seeking her release on bond while the appeal is pending. Court records show a bond hearing is scheduled for Jan. 23 at 8:30 a.m.
In a motion filed by Benefield’s defense team, they argue that she should be allowed to remain free during the appeal process, citing guidelines by the Florida Supreme Court. The guidelines include factors such as the defendant’s criminal record, their attachments to the community, the severity of the punishment imposed and any other circumstances that could help determine whether the defendant might flee if granted bond.
Ponall cites that Benefield has no prior felony convictions and had been previously released on a $100,000 bond from Nov. 20, 2020 until the manslaughter verdict was given on July 30, 2024. During that period, Benefield was subject to several provisions, such as electronic monitoring, a curfew, having a child safety plan, surrendering her passport and being prohibited from owning firearms or contacting state witnesses.
Ponall argues that the conditions would be “essentially the same” if Benefield is granted bond again while the appeal is pending.
Family members of Benefield’s slain husband speak out
Tommie Benefield, Doug’s cousin, said after December’s sentencing hearing that he and his family are highly opposed to Benefield’s release while the appeal process plays out.
“We will fight very avidly, very strongly for her to remain in jail during the appeal process,” Tommie Benefield said. “She’s a flight risk.”
Tommie and Eva Benefield, Doug’s daughter from a previous marriage, delivered emotional witness impact statements during December’s sentencing hearing.
“Why did you end my dad’s life knowing he was my only living parent? Why did you willingly take away your daughter’s father? You somehow managed to orphan not one, but two young girls,” Eva said to Ashley at December’s hearing.
Benefield, who had already undergone a Stand Your Ground Hearing in July 2023, conceded alongside her defense attorney that she did shoot her husband. But she argued self-defense throughout the trial. Benefield claimed she was a victim of domestic violence and was in fear for her life when Doug Benefield attacked her and that she was “forced to shoot him.”
New trial could re-examine motives in Lakewood Ranch shooting
Throughout the trial and other hearings, the state and the defense have painted very different versions of events. The prosecution has argued that Benefield was a master manipulator who put on a “ruse” for her husband, law enforcement and the court system to obtain sole custody of their then 2-year-old daughter.
“This entire trial has been about demonizing Doug Benefield and making the defendant the victim when, in fact, it was the opposite,” O’Donnell said.
But Taylor told the Bradenton Herald that his client is just another woman sent to prison by a justice system that “turns a blind eye” to domestic violence.
Taylor said he believes there were “errors” made by the court, such as the alleged juror misconduct, that he believes “may very well result in a new trial.”
When will Florida court make a decision on Black Swan appeal?
In Florida, there is no set time period for appeals to be resolved and the process can take anywhere from months to over a year.
This story was originally published December 19, 2024 at 1:15 PM.
