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"BLACK SWAN" BALLERINA LOSES SELF-DEFENSE BID: SENTENCED 20 YEARS
Ballerina and aspiring model Ashley Benefield stood trial for shooting her then-husband, Doug Benefield, to death. After her self-defense claim failed, a court sentenced her to 20 years in prison.
The couple married just 13 days after meeting. They had one child, but their relationship was tumultuous, with frequent arguments reported between Ashley and Doug.
Ashley Benefield alleged that Doug was abusive and volatile. As her pregnancy progressed, she moved in with her mother, denying Doug access to information about the baby, including the child's birth.
Ashley planned to move out. Doug…
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