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“48 HOURS” HAS STUNNING NEW DETAILS IN THE MURDER TRIAL OF FORMER BALLERINA ASHLEY BENEFIELD, WHO CLAIMS HER HUSBAND TRIED TO POISON HER WHILE SHE WAS PREGNANT AND THAT SHE SHOT HIM IN SELF-DEFENSE
Two-Part “The Case of the Black Swan” Features Benefield’s Courtroom Testimony
Former ballerina and bikini model Ashley Benefield went on trial in July for killing her husband, Doug Benefield, and 48 HOURS was there for every moment of the gripping testimony. Now, for the first time on network television, viewers will be able to see her tell a jury at length what she says happened, in a special two-part 48 HOURS: “The Case of the Black Swan,” to be broadcast Saturday, Sept. 7 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET; 10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network and streaming on Paramount+.
48 HOURS was the first national program to cover the fatal shooting in 2021. Contributor Jim Axelrod reports on the latest in the case against Ashley Benefield, who was charged with shooting her estranged husband. She maintained it was self-defense and that her husband was abusive. She also claimed her husband tried to poison her while she was pregnant. Prosecutors say it is an act, and Ashley Benefield killed her husband so she would have sole custody of their daughter.
“I thought he was gonna kill me,” Benefield told the jury in a Bradenton, Fla., courtroom. “I, there’s nowhere to go. I was trapped.”
Prosecutor Suzanne O’Donnell told the jury: “This was a custody battle that this mother was going to win at all costs. And the cost was the life of Doug Benefield. And that is murder.”
Observers drew connections between Ashley Benefield and the devious character at the center of the theatrical film “Black Swan.” The story made headlines because it is a tale of a glamorous couple, a failed ballet studio, ugly accusations and a May/December romance. The couple knew each other for 13 days before they married. At the time, Ashley was 24, her husband Doug, 54, and a widower. Four years after they married, he was dead.
Judy Tygard is the executive producer of 48 HOURS, which is broadcast Saturday nights and streams anytime on Paramount+. You can also watch 48 HOURS on CBS News 24/7. 48 HOURS is also available on CBSNews.com, Pluto US, Pluto UK, Pluto Nordics, Pluto Canada, Pluto South Africa and YouTube. Download the CBS News app on your phone or connected TV. Follow 48 HOURS on X, Facebook and Instagram. Listen to podcasts at CBS Audio.
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