Will Ashley Benefield Testify? Black Swan Murder Trial Day 2 Recap

Doug Benefield's cousin, Tommie, joins Court TV's Vinnie Politan to discuss what could happen during the former ballerina's possible testimony. Plus, a look into #AshleyBenefield's 'whirlwind romance' that allegedly led to the death of her husband.
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[@COURTTV]

#CourtTV - What do YOU think?

[@thewanderer1139]

I think his Obsession got him killed one way or the other.

[@Tammy_26Irwin]

I think it should all come in if he was abusive in ANYWAY. We all have heard about the gunshot to the ceiling but the judge won’t let her defense to even get into it on cross.

[@TXFireChick1]

Fear is what kept her silent. She told nobody what happened because she wanted her friends and family to honestly say "she never said a word" when this went to court since she knew it was coming. Who can blame her? She will share her story when this is all over or even testify herself at trial but not any sooner. I recognize that fear very well.

[@thewanderer1139]

@@TXFireChick1 He definitely had a obsession

[@jeanP924]

@@TXFireChick1 who can blame her? Eva can.

[@rockfest77]

Getting married 13 days after meeting is the first red flag of an abusive relationship.

[@joycepayne3505]

Yes Ashley was the abuser

[@vmartinp13]

Narcissists love express marriages

[@FOLLOWINGTHETRIAL]

@@vmartinp13 Yes, just like the 'Dirty John' scenario!! And I am sure that she wanted to keep it a secret just like John!!

[@godzillamanstreb524]

Love bombing at its finest

[@lesleyhughes3174]

She thought she'd met her goldmine. All for her ballet company

[@jeanP924]

Ikr 🙄

[@slashp.279]

That’s I think as well! Once she found out he didn’t have all the money she needed she decided to leave him

[@loveforeignaccents]

I'm with you, Vinnie: She needs to take the stand, and I hope she in fact does!

[@COURTTV]

[@jackbuaer3828]

I want her to explain why she decided to go to the bedroom to get the gun instead of leaving the house to call the police (if she thought she was in danger).

[@ironbear53]

It's a self defense trial. I think you have to take the stand if you are saying self defense.

[@loveforeignaccents]

@@ironbear53 Come on... don't you think Vinnie would know that of all people? No, she does not have to take the stand.

[@jeanP924]

Because she said she was going to handle things. If something didn't happen to Doug.​@@jackbuaer3828

[@googie1741]

My daughter was abused by her partner for two years SHE didn’t even hint to me there was an issue with her EX partner …. I saw her EVERY day we were very close and NOT one word from her that she was ABUSED ….. why ?……. because she was concerned for her and their son if my husband or I approached him. She was so scared …. It’s totally believable that Ashley didn’t tell a soul about the abuse .

[@josimpson7999]

I can understand someone who’s being abused not talking - there’s shame and embarrassment attached. But someone who claims to be abused (in this case that’s highly suspect) who then shoots and kill’s someone to still not talk is highly dubious - to say the very least. It’s baffling and I’m not buying it. She’s guilty and that’s the only reason she’s keeping quiet.

[@Spica24]

But they can shoot and k*ll someone?! 😢

[@sandhurstwolves3956]

Does that allow her to kill him

[@Gabriel-hf1yy]

But ur daughter,s case it nothing like this one... that's the trouble.. everyone is bringing in their own story to this case and can relate..

[@angelwings7930]

But she’s not your daughter and it’s not going to automatically be like your daughter’s case.

[@cynthiaosborne6039]

I’m not convinced she didn’t talk to her mom or roommate.

[@julie-nw6ql]

Same

[@timmysargent6810]

Yep, her roommate surely gave her some advice along the way, the mother looks/acts feeble and not as coniving as her daughter.

[@intuitivebootie7961]

Her mom knew what she was gonna do that's why she took the child to the park when Doug came over. Why wouldn't Doug wanna see his child?

[@TheLordOfCatan]

@@cynthiaosborne6039 I'm convinced she told no one. Had she told her story before getting on the stand, she would have done better at telling her lies, because the truth about lies is: the more you repeat them, the better you get at convincing people they're true. Ashley (thankfully) failed miserably at finally telling her lies. It's like she studied 20 minutes before for a test and expected to pass with flying colors. She really thinks she's a master manipulator.

[@Outnabout-gf3nx]

Ashley wanted a baby with a wealthy man, so she could run away with her baby and he will pay.

[@wildmercuryfilms]

He Paid, and Now: She Will Pay

[@applespace150]

except he is not wealthy,though

[@user-vd7mx8nw9r]

​@applespace150 he invested a lot in that ballet company, only for her to basically bail

[@LaurenLively]

lol!!!! He didn’t have any money.

[@user-vd7mx8nw9r]

@LaurenLively there was more involved than just his money or lack thereof. Don't you know when you have investors involved, they need to get their paycheck too? So this ballet co didn't just involve Doug and Ashley only. She screwed other people off too.

[@TandC9876]

She sounds like a control freak

[@jeanP924]

She looks like one too.

[@lovepet4565]

She is that way w her lawyers too I can tell by her involvement in the court Listening so intensely As if she has a law degree too

[@dawnatkinson7704]

Look what i dont understand is why the prosecution is working so hard to keep out evidence of him stalking her and domestic abuse. That, surely, is very important in this case. Also, what kind of man marries a woman 30 YEARS younger than him? Just 9 months after his own wife dies? Only 13 days after meeting her? Tells his daughter 1 day after meeting her he's married her? Really strange behaviour.

[@cwilliams7955]

It goes both ways…what kind of young woman marries a man old enough to be her father…I do like this double standard that allows women to get pass for bad decisions

[@Gabriel-hf1yy]

I'll educate u...this isnt a DV case...

[@cwilliams7955]

@@Gabriel-hf1yy agreed

[@SS11660]

Same reason a girl marries someone much older.

[@Gabriel-hf1yy]

@dawnatkinson7704 he never abused her.. he stalked her to find his baby once he found the baby he filed for divorce get ur facts right ur disgusting spreading lies

[@flopicarello313]

Guilty. Manipulator.

[@naychagirl2389]

When a man wants a young woman, 30 years his junior, what is he wanting if not control?

[@lovepet4565]

Totally A malignant sociopath

[@jeanP924]

@@flopicarello313 yes she's a man-ipulator big t!

[@jeanP924]

@@lovepet4565 malignant narcissist too.

[@angelwings7930]

@@naychagirl2389 Uh wrong. That’s not automatic 🙄. What he obviously wanted was her body.

[@m.g.2645]

✨AB said to LE, mental health professionals, and the court that she was going to take the law into her own hands. And, she did! She is guilty as charged⚖️

[@tyreseforren6721]

That's just heresy

[@TheLordOfCatan]

Here's what happened: Ashley wanted to be successful, rich, and a mother, but she knew she couldn't do this by herself. The only way she could get these three is if she used Doug (a successful, wealthy, man with the means to give her what she was looking for). When she got all three she decided she didn't need him anymore and tried to remove him from her life but kept failing, so she finally resorted to killing him, and is now trying to get away with it. Ashley saw Doug as the perfect target because of how vulnerable he was; being that his wife had recently died. Instead of earning her success, Ashley decided to use Doug to try and succeed at what she had always wanted; by any means necessary. It's scary the lengths she went to, to try and ruin Doug's reputation and life. She is a danger to society, and should not be free ever again to live among free society.

[@gmimi2]

Oh so you know her and have inside information? 🙄

[@Peace-tk3gr]

​@@gmimi2It's an opinion so your eye-rolling is ludicrous

[@taraA1976]

@@TheLordOfCatan on point! Me and my sis warned him of her motives. He was a pretty naive and sweet man. That said, he admitted Renee was the love of his life. She was a classy and kind woman , unlike Ashley , who was pure evil. That was mine and my sister’s first observation, when we saw a pic of her- her eyes are evil

[@TheLordOfCatan]

@@taraA1976 by all accounts he seems/looks like a great person. I feel so sorry for those that knew and loved him.

[@godzillamanstreb524]

I 💯 % agree with everything you said

[@karencollins2661]

I think she is playing everybody.

[@nychic2387]

She thinks she is….

[@cwilliams7955]

Not everyone is buying her lies…therefore she’s only trying to play everyone…

[@Gabriel-hf1yy]

I think she might just get away with it..alot of people believe he done all these things to her and think she's a battered wife... the DA hasn't made it clear enough he didn't actually hit her fingers crossed the jury see,s it...

[@COURTTV]

[@nadinegiagnacovo5453]

She looks like she did her hair like that on purpose. makes her look older with all that gray hair😅she looks older then Mr Benefield now .SHE USED HIM 😢😢😢😢

[@taraA1976]

I love that her inner black soul shows in her lined face and grey hair. She has deep set eyes, no lips and a pan face- love how she’s old and haggard because this was premeditated murder and as a friend of Doug’s- I hope this evil beast gets life!

[@onimendez7735]

She appears to be 50 not 30.

[@taraA1976]

@@onimendez7735 exactly. She is gross and miserable looking . The media love salacious and made it like she was beyond gorgeous. She had a hydrocephalic head, no lips , lines and puff and deep set, evil eyes w wirey , grey hairs. She’s a hag w a black soul!

[@Munaluv3]

That’s all you got? How despicable of you to talk on someone’s appearance. If Doug was your friend then you would have had some interaction w/her and you would be able to speak on her character but you don’t so you speak on her looks. FYI: A lot of abusers come off as caring, charming, etc to their friends and family and only their spouses truly know the monster they are.

[@taraA1976]

@@Munaluv3 oh , I have tons more but I love how her evil soul caught up to her exterior!

[@taraA1976]

@@Munaluv3 bc that’s all she got, Pontiff

[@shawnawilliams6536]

Eva and Emerson are the true victims here. I pray that jury sees through the BS. Hopefully they see how Ashley and her mother are putting Emerson out there at 6 years old with a freaking sign

[@Canirishgal]

Exactly. This is a theatrical production not a court case . This woman is a master manipulator and knows it

[@edu456]

Yes, emotional abuse of that 6 year old. So selfish

[@Ricaaa13]

This just shows what a horrible mother she is ! Everything is me me even putting her child in a extremely stressful situation

[@effinhellfire]

I hope this woman never gets near that child ever again. Making an innocent child do this is utterly unforgivable. The child will grow up as mentally unstable as her.

[@ph6560]

In my opinion, currently Vinnie Politan is second to none (what I know of) when it comes to breaking down and in simple terms formulating the key topics of (complex) trials in these types of daily recaps. I'm in awe by the level of performance and clarity. The man is worthy of all praise.

[@lucyluzhuerta]

Yeah he is really good!

[@mac7659]

Someone with martial arts experience make only small scratches when angry? No way.

[@sandraperkins7706]

She had her next door neighbor convinced she was a little bird falling from the nest . Doug had every reason to be afraid of Her !!! He didn't see her coming & going!

[@SS11660]

Using him.... part of the plan

[@Samman-007]

She took someone's life .Why would she want to talk about it . She didn't wear makeup so that was because she was trying to make the jury sympathize with her. If she wore makeup then she would be called a whor% . F if you do F if you don't !

[@josimpson7999]

She’s claiming self defence against the man she murdered. For her own sake she should take the stand but I’ll stake my life on the fact that she won’t. She is guilty, her story has too many inconsistencies in it, and her lies will be revealed and she’ll be found guilty - and she knows it!

[@tyreseforren6721]

​@@josimpson7999 she been consistent with her story

[@josimpson7999]

@@tyreseforren6721 Consistent with her lies, yes. She took the stand and was found guilty - she was not remotely credible. End of!

[@tyreseforren6721]

@@josimpson7999 the evidence was overwhelmingly on her side

[@user-py6xv2er8u]

She killed him and it WASNT SELF DEFENSE & WE ALL KNOW THAT !

[@sandrad4099]

Speak for yourself!

[@Gabriel-hf1yy]

I agree...some of these people wants to believe her so don't listen to the evidence

[@LettieB75]

​@@Gabriel-hf1yy imo there is evidence for both sides. Are they going to put the medex and/or the forensic pathologist on the stand? Are they going to show text messages? Right now i am at 50/50. What is the jury going to decide?

[@Gabriel-hf1yy]

@LettieB75 this isnt a DV case... alot of people are thinking it is... but he never actually hit her by her own words.. the bad stuff happened 4 years prior she hadn't lived with him for 3 years it's all about the child and she is lying about he poisoned her also about dv on baby... that's why nobody could help her lawfully...

[@SunnyDays70s]

@@sandrad4099No we don’t all know that. Are you familiar with domestic violence? I can see it from both sides.

[@timmysargent6810]

Dudes worst nightmare...she gives me shivers...

[@salomehart8833]

Ashley did not want to be with Doug, but she wanted to control the situation. She lied to him and the court about reconciliation of the marriage in fear of Doug getting to spend time alone with the baby. She wanted to be rid of him and have the baby to herself. She had tried the legal route and failed. The night of the shooting was a desperate act to get rid of her problem for good.

[@Gabriel-hf1yy]

Totally agree

[@Megs108]

👏👏👏👏100%

[@westbrook3371]

it’s ridiculous to see this mass hysteria accusing her of faking dv when there’s a real track record of his shortcomings - even by his on admission. We see history repeating over and over again - when this phenomenon happens ppl get blindsided and refuse to see facts.

[@Gabriel-hf1yy]

She herself said he never hit her if u watched the trial u would know this

[@westbrook3371]

@@Gabriel-hf1yy DV IS NOT JUST physical, the threat of physical harm is DV, shooting, punching holes in the wall and cowardly knocking out a dog - that’s DV. And yes I’m watching the trial

[@Gabriel-hf1yy]

@westbrook3371 yes but she didn't live with him for 3 yrs it was her that invited him over.. he was there helping her pack up her stuff for a week..the things he done wrong were 4years prior...

[@tyreseforren6721]

​@@westbrook3371 he also threw the cat and threw a loaded gun at Ashley

[@lgroves336]

she didn't love him. IT was about manipulation / using him. She is a sociopath

[@lovepet4565]

100% and her inability to even change her facial expression in front of jury to me indicates she's delusional and evil

[@danaetscorn9203]

He looks younger than 54, and she looks older than 24. Just my observation.

[@suheylaa1769]

Same

[@lesleyhughes3174]

That's what she wants the jury to see and think. Why no makeup.

[@suheylaa1769]

@@lesleyhughes3174 good observation

[@startrooper1619]

She is 32 now.

[@myp0h]

​@@startrooper1619 she looks 40ish. Make up does wanders for some women.

[@kittym6071]

Ashley is deceptive.

[@veronicalass5350]

No way. She's not taking the stand. Unfortunately.

[@gmimi2]

Did the family tell you this?

[@CountessKitten]

Ooof

[@user-py6xv2er8u]

Rigjttttt- she NEVER talked to her MOTHER ? She MURDERED HIM IN COLD BLOOD!!

[@josimpson7999]

Agreed.

[@Gabriel-hf1yy]

Agreed

[@taraA1976]

@@user-py6xv2er8u her mother is a psycho, who thinks her daughter can do no wrong. Ashley is a spoiled brat and I hope she pulls brat fits in her 2x2 cell!

[@MG-ot2yr]

She's going to have to take the stand, the dry tears and fake sniffling theatrics aren't going to cut it.

[@user-vd7mx8nw9r]

And having her daughter picketing out in front of the court house isn't either

[@beatabeata2905]

@@user-vd7mx8nw9r It's deplorable!

[@cwilliams7955]

I have yet to see one tear…

[@CountessKitten]

They sure didn't

[@billyjewett5006]

Another horrible woman making it hard for real victims.

[@sandrad4099]

How do you decide who Is a 'real' victim?

[@Gabriel-hf1yy]

​@sandrad4099 a victim will recognise another victim...I'm one and she's definitely not one....

[@sandrad4099]

@@Gabriel-hf1yy But there are many other victims who believe her, so...

[@Cochita322]

Oh please

[@TandC9876]

She orders Doug to stop. We can’t know that for sure can we. Unfortunately Doug is not here to tell us what really happened. This is all HER STORY

[@jesusisgod4992]

Exactly.

[@Gabriel-hf1yy]

Agree

[@oldonetwoable]

Something about Ashley's face and expressions annoys me, she always looks like she's holding back a smirk or she's bored. Can't put my finger on it, i just don't like her.

[@SS11660]

Agree. Acting. But shes not good at showing any emotion.

[@katgurl5119]

How does someone keep 💯 quiet after killing someone in self defense. Doesn't fear kick in & one start jabbering typically out of the fear from defending yourself. 🤔🤔🤔

[@mandy2117]

i think she kept quiet cause cops use ur words against you. try twist what u say ect.

[@Gabriel-hf1yy]

​@mandy2117 her mother and friends wouldn't twist her words though

[@katgurl5119]

Just the immediate trauma, though, i dont understand how one can keep from rambling on​ & no one has mentioned that she was in shock.🤷‍♀️@mandy2117

[@googie1741]

My daughter was abused by her partner for two years SHE didn’t even hint to me there was an issue with her EX partner …. I saw her EVERY day we were very close and NOT one word from her that she was ABUSED ….. why ?……. because she was concerned for her and their son if I my husband or I approached him. It’s totally believable that Ashley didn’t tell a soul about the abuse .

[@Gabriel-hf1yy]

Ur forgetting the fact he never hit her though.. she herself said that..even on the night she killed him so ur situation is far off this...

[@googie1741]

@@Gabriel-hf1yy you don’t have to be hit ….. verbal abuse is ABUSE . The intimidation and threats etc.

[@Gabriel-hf1yy]

@googie1741 yes but that happened yrs ago..she moved away while pregnant and never lived with him again...so she's using it now to make out it just happened..

[@Scouty159]

She is conniving

[@January.]

Who paid for her expensive OB visits and expensive childbirth/hospital bills.

[@OahuGizzy]

Great point Vinnie. Very strange to not say a word...

[@SS11660]

My guess is that her attorney has done a mock testimony and she failed miserably.

[@bianca4931]

your “ think tank “ is bile…as an abused mom…you won’t know what you would do- there is no right answer

[@madziull]

so killing someone is ok with you?

[@jamesbillington9280]

I find this trial to be the complete opposite of what is portrayed online. Ashley looking more innocent every day.

[@jenniferlong651]

I agree

[@TandC9876]

Really? So if she was so afraid of him, why did she agree to MOVE with him? Put her belongings with his? She is the classic, come here, no get away viper. How can she even claim she was afraid of him yet agreed to load a uhaul with him😂🙄😂

[@misskhalia]

100% I’m starting to wonder if people are actually paying attention.

[@Munaluv3]

@@TandC9876Cleary you’re not paying attention. He was not invited to Maryland. AB was moving w/her mother and child. He chose to get a home there and follow her there. He didn’t even have belongings in that garage. Those were solely AB’s and he was forcing her to open her bin for which she didn’t have the key.

[@Gabriel-hf1yy]

​@@Munaluv3everything u just said is wrong

[@jshuffield]

She has the right to remain silent. She should tell her story on the stand.

[@edu456]

Her mom could take care of her because she's pregnant with morning sickness? Grow up! She's always got the , "Oh, poor me look." Nothing to do with the facts of the case, but I'm guessing she was spoiled and catered to by her mother.

[@freeburlington1]

To be fair, when my daughter who is tough as nails (lives in remote Alaska) was first pregnant, she was horribly sick. Her husband encouraged her to fly down to be with me in MS during that time as he could not be home during the day to care for her. It’s not that unusual.

[@Kathy670]

Do you see her in court room poor me acting like a victim how can he come at her if she shot him in the back

[@hersheyssmith2104]

Her kid should be taken away from her custody because they’re obviously USING her to get the sympathy of others which doesn’t work for me but might work for others! And it’s not healthy for the kid to be in that situation!

[@jeanP924]

I agree it's terrible they have this little girl holding up a poster "Keep my mommy free " and a bullhorn! The jury won't know though. Its like Ashley was mocking Karen Read protectors

[@CarriUSA]

That is F cked up! Who does that to a child?! 😡

[@RachaunaX]

Agree. Only a narcissistic manipulative person would think that is okay & is completely normal thing to do to your 6 year old daughter.

[@veragreen9725]

Guilty... If she was really fearful of being abused, on the contrary, rather than have her mother leave to take the wee girl to the park, she would and should, have kept her mother nearby... Guilty... Her demeanour reeks of arrogance...

[@marthienel2190]

Hmmm, woulnt a mother want her baby girl REMOVED from a scene of potential unpleasantness?

[@No.more.3am]

I don’t think she will take the stand… she needs prison to humble her.

[@josimpson7999]

I don’t think she will either, because she’s guilty and her story will get ripped to shreds by the prosecution - and she knows it!

[@littlegreen5845]

That cousin is indeed a creep. Not name calling but description of behavior “to flirt with or make persistent sexual advances toward someone.” Gross.

[@cwilliams7955]

I don’t think that is what was testified about…he was not trying to “make” advances on her - this is a total misrepresentations of facts of the case

[@Gabriel-hf1yy]

​@@cwilliams7955yes i agre the DA hasn't made a lot of facts clear that's why I think she will get away with it hope not

[@lisabergman3779]

Why are we even giving her a trail? You’ve all decided she is guilty, the public and Court TV.

[@elainemackenzie9651]

If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck......I hope the jury see right through her dramatics!

[@timmysargent6810]

whats wrong with giving our opinions? This is social media ffs...We have enough info to form opinions.

[@Gabriel-hf1yy]

That's because she is guilty..

[@RachaunaX]

Because Doug can't tell his side but idk ijs

[@rochelle962]

What an evil woman! Guilty, guilty, guilty!!!

[@dazza2024]

She's pulling the wool over everyone's eye's guilty to the law.

[@frielallen2289]

I don’t think so .

[@josimpson7999]

She’s trying to look doe eyed, sweet and innocent - and she’s anything but!

[@TandC9876]

It’s quite remarkable that she didn’t want him anywhere near her, that she was afraid for her life and yet they’re gonna pack up a U-Haul and move together? It doesn’t hold water. As a woman if you’ve been domestically violated and you’re in fear of your life the last person that you’re going to even associate with is somebody that you’re afraid of. You’re not going to move to another state with them and put your belongings in the same U-Haul as them and put yourself in that kind of a position if you’re truly afraid for your life, this chick is a mental case.

[@christiemeninick46]

He followed her. Pay attention.

[@Munaluv3]

You left an important detail out…he wasn’t moving in w/her. She was moving to Maryland w/her mother and child. He was following her there. He was moving to a separate residence. They said it in court. Were you not listening that day ?!

[@Gabriel-hf1yy]

​@@Munaluv3he was still moving there but separately..

[@missmerbella]

@@christiemeninick46 he filed for divorce and she was seeing another man with a new ring on her finger. How about YOU pay attention.

[@babybowbay]

Her injuries are LAUGHABLE!!!!!

[@FOLLOWINGTHETRIAL]

I get scratches like that when I am gardening....

[@janhill2079]

I can't see anything on her ear and I've got bigger scratches playing with my dog or even catching a door handle as I walk past. Easily done boxing and carrying boxes to the U-Haul

[@sd560]

13days was all it took for fate to decide his death/murder, sadly 😢 Lock her up! Guilty! RIP Doug 😭💔💔💔

[@SS11660]

She cant even muster a real tear. No feelings.

[@pearlskid8425]

It’s really disturbing to hear of her husbands violence to their dog 🐕 and cat 🐈. That is shocking to me. The more I listen to this case the more he sounds like an abuser and she is definitely a manipulator. Does anyone know if DB had any prior abuse charges with his first wife? I have heard rumors but haven’t read anything about that.

[@jesusisgod4992]

Doug isn't here to defend himself. It could just be a smear campaign.

[@salomehart8833]

Great question

[@Gabriel-hf1yy]

The daughter said her parents and her was very happy normal family

[@pearlskid8425]

@@Gabriel-hf1yy I know! That what makes this so confusing. I have heard the daughter being interviewed on court TV a few times and she does not present as someone that was abused. She seems lovely and very articulate. But the fact that her dad could marry so quickly after his wife/her moms death. Sounds like a red flag to me. Even if they fell in love quickly wouldn’t you want your new wife to have at least met your only child before your marriage? It doesn’t sound like his daughter’s emotional well being was of any concern to him. All the DV victims comments made me realize we don’t know what goes on behind closed doors 🚪. He could have been abusive mentally without the physical abuse. My father was a rage-aholic, but never layed a hand on us. That said there were holes in the walls from where he threw shoes and many holes in wastepaper baskets. Even a ping pong table thrown down a couple of flights of stairs. That said he never did that in front of our family. We would come home and see the aftermath. But I can’t get out of my head DB’s abuse of the family cat and their dog. When I accidentally step onto our cat or bump him when I don’t he’s around I feel so horrible. I can’t even fathom what is going on in your head to throw your cat into a wall.

[@tyreseforren6721]

​yeah his former wife was found face down in the bed to

[@JulieCarroll-bo7jx]

If doug was doing all thus abuse to her she wouldn't of wanted to be on her own with him she planned 🤔 all of this most definitely 🤔

[@Scouty159]

The abuse of hitting the dog and knocking the dog out is animal abuse. He is an abuser.

[@salomehart8833]

I don't necessarily believe her story, but I can't get past the dog either. Poor innocent soul.

[@edu456]

Yes, if true...horrific

[@SS11660]

You dont kill someone for abuse of a dog

[@Scouty159]

@@SS11660 some people kill for all reasons look at our society sad state of affairs

[@SS11660]

And. MOm never said to her "what happened "?? Unbelievable

[@PeggyWright-ys1sc]

Doug didn't do a very good job of isolating Ashley. He set her up with a ballet studio where she would be front and center. That's no form of isolation.

[@tobydean7097]

And she moved in with her mother?!!!! He never tried to isolate her?! 🙄

[@shelleyagua2864]

Seems like her mental well-being went downhill once she got pregnant.

[@suheylaa1769]

Good observation

[@dawnwheeler2649]

She wanted to be a single mom. Husband wanted to be a dad and take care of his child. This was the only way she could get what she wanted.

[@timmysargent6810]

well..starting out with a guy who could be her father, i'd say the mental health ball was already rolling...

[@edu456]

Mental health has nothing to do with murdering him. She's sane.

[@angelwings7930]

@@edu456 She’s nuts. And she’s a B.

[@nychic2387]

Vinnie doin the Warrior stance Lol 😂

[@cynthiaosborne6039]

I found the mother in a discrepancy.

[@kwalla123kw]

Of course its planned why would you send your mom away to be alone with him doesn't make sense seems like you would want someone around

[@SS11660]

Love this judge. Not going to be bullied by the high paid defense attorney .

[@adriennem7927]

Bud, if you think that scratch was ptsd, I hope no one pays you for law advice for their side...

[@jackbuaer3828]

Warrior Pose is a Yoga move. She shot him for practicing Yoga.

[@jackbuaer3828]

According to Peloton, Warrior Pose is great for opening your chest, your hip flexors, and the entire front side of your body. It also strengthens your glutes, thighs, core, and shoulders.

[@suheylaa1769]

😂

[@Canirishgal]

😆

[@DaPhlyymamee]

😂🤣 I wonder if it was Warrior 1, 2, or 3? 🤔

[@FOLLOWINGTHETRIAL]

Please keep in mind that this was not Ashley's first marriage! At 24, she was divorced from her first husband. She claimed abuse in that one too but there wasn't any evidence for that claim either. The reason for that divorce was that she cheated on him. Then at 28 when she claimed that she wanted to get back together with Doug, she got engaged to potential husband #3. I do hope that #3 ran for the hills.....

[@tobydean7097]

😮

[@tobydean7097]

How did you find out all this information????

[@FOLLOWINGTHETRIAL]

@@tobydean7097 It was on the Manatee County Courthouse website before the trial. There was an interview with her first husband Keaton by a private detective in the supporting documentation. The county took down all of the evidence because the trial had started. You can look on there for any ongoing investigation and look to see what paperwork was filed with the county for a particular person.

[@lynettekrick2324]

I learned that pose in self-defense. I've been tactically trained. Former Law Enforcement. My spouse when he was alive used to mock me and make fun of me in a silly way using that pose when I would get angry. He was one of our snipers and more trained than me. If he did that to her, he was mocking her and saying bring it, you don't have the balls.

[@ansanchez2001]

EVERYONE IS MAKING THEIR ASSUMPTIONS BASED ON THEIR OWN LENSE…NOBODY IS TAKING INTO ACCOUNT HER OWN TRAUMA PREVIOUSLY AND WHAT TRIGGERS SHE HAS!!!

[@aztec0112]

Is that YOUR lens?

[@Gabriel-hf1yy]

No just the opposite.. some are feeling sorry for her and believe her lies...

[@markweatherill]

Either Ashley testifies or the jury must surely be told that the defence opening statement is to be disregarded.

[@deniseharris2982]

I from the first time I heard about this (I DON'T BELIEVE HER)!!!!!!!

[@SS11660]

The angle of those scratches is not right for a frontal attack. They look front to back.

[@SS11660]

How come nobody knew any facts of this alleged abuse?

[@daynatorngren7699]

She was too immature to be married to man that much older than her!

[@josimpson7999]

What defendant on trial for murder who claims self defence, doesn’t take the stand? If she doesn’t, that should speak loud and clear to the jury of her guilt - which IMO she is anyway. It will be interesting to see what she decides.

[@timmysargent6810]

I don't think Doug would abuse her knowing her mother was right down the street and coming back. i'm a firm believer the psycho wife sent her mother there so she could set up doug to kill him.

[@KaitlynJaney]

My ex did this with his parents in the house knowing they would not stand for it and got away with far too much with them right there. One time his dad did hear and literally beat up his own son defending me. We can’t really know this unless we were there. Also perhaps he knew how long the mother would generally be and knew he had enough time to do whatever he wanted, I’m not saying he did but just another idea. We just don’t know

[@Gabriel-hf1yy]

@@KaitlynJaneythat's your story not hers he never hit her so maybe not compare ur story to this case

[@KaitlynJaney]

@@Gabriel-hf1yy My whole point was literally that we don’t know. To assume it’s ridiculous someone you don’t know would do something in a certain time frame also unknown is actually ridiculous, furthermore basing your position on such an assumption does not show critical thinking. I was informing this human that people are crazy and you just don’t know. You might want to calm down btw did my comment offend you?

[@Gabriel-hf1yy]

@@KaitlynJaney i go by the fscts of each case.. and it is known ..the defence lawyer said in opening statement doug never hit her this case is about the sharing of the baby not DV she has also said he never hit her Iv been following this case for years

[@KaitlynJaney]

@@Gabriel-hf1yy My response has nothing to do with what is true or not, just opening a closed door for a fellow human. You also do realise that shooting the ceiling is a form of abuse because he got frustrated right? Or punching a hole in the wall? Punching a dog. Things like that will absolutely cause another to not feel safe around you. He has a past of things I would deem red flags. This still doesn’t tell us what happened that night however and I doubt anyone will ever know what truly happened because Doug cannot tell his side. He followed her wherever she went but they also had a baby together almost everything can go both ways and that is the problem with these issues. So far though there isn’t anything pointing to her being manipulative imo. If you know how she was manipulative I genuinely would like to know.

[@priyaramdin839]

She’s guilty and she didn’t love him. He didn’t deserve that

[@tigerlancer]

Why does Ashley benefield have gray hairs at 34 years old? The years have not been kind.

[@edu456]

A lot of people do, even younger.

[@americansunbeam]

He knocked the dog out? ANIMAL ABUSE WHICH IS A FELON!

[@onimendez7735]

This is an old German proverb: "You can see a man's true character by the manner that he treats animals." BTW, I don't buy her theatrics and she should take the stand.

[@Scouty159]

He is a felon and in most states he would be jailed

[@jesusisgod4992]

Is it her defaming the dead, someone who can't defend themselves?!!

[@KaitlynJaney]

@@jesusisgod4992Nope, Doug admitted to it.

[@Gabriel-hf1yy]

So she had every right to kill him cause he hit the dog ok

[@donnachampion3169]

Maybe she stayed quiet to keep her story straight less chance of incriminating herself

[@Gabriel-hf1yy]

Yes my thoughts exactly

[@tobydean7097]

The year 2024!!!! You need a bodycam if you are married?! 😮

[@MrMikeTauber]

She has a stiffness, a creepy expression and shifty eyes.

[@otyvarietesballet3259]

@@MrMikeTauber And his left eye is smaller or he always looks low-headed.🤔🤔🤔

[@kikipania9690]

Weird theory: has anyone read It Ends with Us? Did Ashley read it? My theory, the book was published in 2016 and was an instant hit. She read it and internalized it, letting herself become the character. The main character was abused by the man she loved, Ashley claims she was abused, main character got pregnant, she got pregnant in 2017. Both her baby and the baby in the book are named Emerson…coincidence?

[@courtgood52588]

These guest are terrible about talking over each other sheww

[@karencollins2661]

She wanted to question the people on the stand herself??? Is that what you said Vinnie or did I misunderstand??,

[@adriennem7927]

Doug didn't want to kill her or the baby.. she's demented. Nothing scary about Doug, and it's funny she kept his nàme.. she was SO SCARED, SO AFRAID AND Couldn't wait to get away from Doug.

[@slashp.279]

I think Doug was a creep infatuated and desperate for Ashley even though she turned him down multiple times.. something is not right here.

[@taraA1976]

You’re very wrong. He was a beautiful human and wanted to keep the family for the baby . He was privy to Ashley’s mental illnesses and absolutely not infatuated with her. He was open to meeting my sister for a date . He was a great friend!

[@Gabriel-hf1yy]

​@@taraA1976I'm so glad that someone can speak on his behalf..as everyone hates him cause of her lies hope she's found guilty..

[@slashp.279]

@@Gabriel-hf1yy I don’t hate him lol I didn’t know him, I don’t know Ashley, how could I possibly hate someone I don’t know ?? 😂 I could care less if Ashley Bennefield is convicted or not! Trust me my life wouldn’t change a bit regardless of what happens.. It’s just simply my opinion love 🙂

[@taraA1976]

@@Gabriel-hf1yy Hi love! It’s sick- none of these people know a thing about him. I set him up , on a date w my sister, because I was so fond of him. We spoke about Ashley and after ALL she put him through, he was still classy about her. He was kind , God fearing and put both his girls first. My sis would be on the phone w him and Eva called a time or 2 and he had to go. He spoke of Renee and how she was a beautiful human and the love of his life. He just wanted to make things work. He was the ultimate romantic and was naive to Ashley’s utter darkness. I have no ill words to say of Doug and my sis reached out and submitted all her correspondences as even after their date, they remained friends. He told my sis he decided to move to MD and was hoping for the best. Ashley is pure evil and this was premeditated. I hope only life for her. Let her sit and ponder the life she wasted and the one she snuffed out!

[@SS11660]

​@@taraA1976thank you

[@kittym6071]

Ashley saw $$$!

[@frielallen2289]

I think he saw a young woman and was manipulating her , same as a pedo .

[@FionaH-sv2iy]

Warrior stance can be a sideway stance hence the bullet path. She will not take the stand

[@DavidIMusic]

I wouldn’t say anything either! All people want is a show. If I did something so terrible I would keep it to myself tbh. Why would you tell your story if historically you’re not believed??

[@queeniz59]

I need to know if she has a Eastern European background not everyone can be stereotyped but we had many cases here in Europe of young women coming from Eastern block backgrounds marrying elderly men some for pensions some for house inheritance and some maybe genuinely fell in love who knows! But there were many questionable stories coming out after the first child came along! All is guess work but who knows! I have an issue with putting the child outside begging to free mom I think this is unacceptable!

[@SS11660]

She wanted to have child support and money , but live with her. mommy

[@dorindawegwitz293]

What about Doug’s older daughter? She has no parents now yet she’s not being brought up 😞. Ashley should have left him when he was displaying so much an*er in the beginning of the relationship. She’s guilty and I hope they throw the book at herguilty

[@January.]

Prosecutor: *living separateLY

[@kimward5746]

23:12 Her best friend, Bob/Barry /"Barbara," looks evil also.

[@tobydean7097]

I didn’t see him/her?!!!!! Where can I see the testimony of her Bff???

[@suheylaa1769]

State will rest tomorrow!?? 🤦‍♀️

[@dorindawegwitz293]

Ya, and Ashley told her NOTHING about the killing 🤦‍♀️

[@brightmoon7132]

I think he told her he would take her daughter away from her and he had the big bucks to do it with. I think she was already unstable even before she married him. I think she became even more unstable after her baby was born. I think she was genuinely afraid of losing her daughter. I think she may have truly afraid for herself. Whether that fear was grounded in reality and facts is another question. All of that is well and good. None of it justifies shooting him. She had other options. She could have taken her daughter and disappeared even if only temporarily. She could have fought for him to have supervised custody only, etc. She had options.

[@dawnwheeler2649]

She DID NOT want to share the child.

[@aztec0112]

But she took his daughter and refused access. That's facts in evidence.

[@brightmoon7132]

Ok, so what?

[@brightmoon7132]

Yes and she told him she was going out of state and invited him to come along.

[@mac7659]

Covert narcissists are very good in staying silent 🤐