Ashley Benefield, a former ballerina convicted of manslaughter in the high-profile "Black Swan" murder case, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison. The sentencing took place on Monday, with Benefield receiving credit for time served and an additional 10 years of probation. Her stepdaughter, Eva Benefield, delivered a poignant victim impact statement, expressing the profound emotional toll of her father's death. 

The case stems from the 2020 shooting death of Doug Benefield, Ashley's 58-year-old husband, in their Florida home. The incident occurred amidst a contentious custody dispute over their daughter. While initially charged with second-degree murder, Benefield was ultimately convicted of the lesser charge of manslaughter.

Throughout the trial, Benefield maintained that she acted in self-defense, claiming that Doug Benefield had become physically aggressive after she asked him to leave her residence. However, investigators reported finding no visible signs of injury on Benefield following the shooting. She also alleged a history of psychological abuse and unsubstantiated claims of poisoning and other harmful actions by her husband. The prosecution countered that these allegations were fabricated in an attempt to secure sole custody of their child.

Following her PTSD diagnosis, the court mandated a mental health evaluation for Benefield upon her release from prison and during her probation period. The case has drawn significant attention due to its dramatic circumstances and the conflicting narratives surrounding the events leading up to Doug Benefield's death.