Suncoast: Ashley C. Benefield has been arrested and charged with Second Degree Murder in the shooting death of her husband
In the course of the investigation detectives determined Ashley shot Doug, during what she had described was as a domestic argument. However detectives found no evidence that she was acting in self-defense when she fired multiple shots at her husband. She claimed he was attacking her, but detectives found no signs that she had been physically abused.
The couple had been separated and were in the midst of a custody battle involving their daughter. Ashley was staying at her mother’s home in the Central Park neighborhood, while Doug resided at another address. Doug came over to see Ashley that day and were the only ones at the Central Park home when the shooting occurred.
Detectives spent weeks reviewing the case and developed probable cause to issue a Second Degree Murder warrant for Ashley Benefield’s arrest. Her attorneys were notified and she turned herself in at the Manatee County Jail last night.
Since Ashley’s arrest, Doug’s family decided to release his name. Previously they wanted his identity withheld under Marsy’s Law.
The case is still being investigated.
UPDATE 09/29/20 (Name Released)
Detectives believe Ashley C. Benefield was involved in a domestic related argument with her. husband when she shot him twice at a Central Park home Sunday night. He died at a local hospital a short time later. (Victim’s name withheld under Marsy’s Law)
The circumstances that led up to the shooting are still being investigated.
Case Number: 2020-024250
Incident Type: Homicide Investigation
Business/Subdivision: Central Park
Location: 11300 block of White Rock Ter, Bradenton, Fl 34211 Zone: N70
Victim(s): (Withheld – Marsy’s Law) Race/Sex: W/M Victim(s) D.O.B: 10/2/61
Suspect(s): Ashley C. Benefield Race/Sex: W/F Suspect(s) D.O.B: 12/5/91