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Stepmother's Obsession Led to Fatal Shooting
25 Jul
Summary
- Stepmother convicted of manslaughter in husband's 2020 shooting death.
- Daughter suspected stepmother due to 'countless allegations' against father.
- Ashley Benefield sentenced to 20 years in prison for the killing.
In her memoir, 'Ghost Girl,' Eva Benefield details the tragic events surrounding her father Doug Benefield's 2020 death, fatally shot by his estranged wife, Ashley Benefield. Eva had long suspected her stepmother, citing Ashley's history of making baseless accusations against her father.
Doug Benefield was killed in September 2020 at Ashley's Florida home amidst a custody dispute. Ashley claimed self-defense, asserting Doug attacked her. Investigators found no evidence of physical abuse on her. Prosecutors argued her claims were to gain sole custody of their daughter, Emerson.
Ashley Benefield, a former ballerina, was convicted of manslaughter in 2024 and received a 20-year prison sentence. Eva Benefield, who has shared her story on TikTok, aims to honor her father's memory and move forward, carrying his lessons.
