Former Ballerina Sentenced to 20 Years in Florida for Manslaughter in Husband’s Killing

Defendant Ashley Benefield glances back after the jury retired to deliberate during her trial at the Manatee County Judicial Center in Bradenton, Fla., on July 29, 2024. Tiffany Tompkins/The Bradenton Herald via AP

BRADENTON, Fla.—A former Florida ballerina has been sentenced to 20 years in prison following her manslaughter conviction for fatally shooting her estranged husband in 2020.

Manatee County court records show Circuit Judge Matt Whyte imposed the sentence Tuesday on Ashley Benefield, 32, after rejecting her request for a new trial based on allegations of juror misconduct.