Deadly Dance
- Nov 19, 2024
- 40:47
- Full Episode
Dubbed the ‘Black Swan’ case, a former ballerina falls in love with a man 30 years her senior, but when their love story spirals out of control one of them winds up dead. Andrea Canning reports.
Andrea Canning and Blayne Alexander go behind the scenes of the making of this episode in ‘Talking Dateline’:
Listen on Apple: https://apple.co/4g8azvJ Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3PBWoFd5lZN2pLjuSZsaz8
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Brief Summary
Ashley Benefield shot her husband Doug, claiming self-defense amid a tumultuous relationship, but was convicted of manslaughter after a contentious trial.
Key points
- The Black Swan Murder Case. Ashley Benefield shot her husband, leading to a complex investigation of self-defense claims.
- A Frantic 911 Call. On September 27, 2020, a frantic call revealed a domestic shooting incident.
- A Tumultuous Relationship. Investigators uncover a dark side to Ashley and Doug's seemingly perfect marriage.
- Courtroom Drama. In court, Ashley accused Doug of abuse while he denied her claims.
- The Trial of Ashley Benefield. As Ashley's trial begins, public opinion is sharply divided over her actions.
- The Defense's Bold Move. The defense calls Ashley Benefield to testify, marking a pivotal moment in the trial.
Episode highlights
- The Black Swan Murder CaseAshley Benefield shot her husband, leading to a complex investigation of self-defense claims.“Did the dancer choreograph a killing inside the notorious Black Swan murder case?”1:02Nov 19, 2024
- A Frantic 911 CallOn September 27, 2020, a frantic call revealed a domestic shooting incident.“She said that he attacked her, and she shot him.”2:59Nov 19, 2024
- A Tumultuous RelationshipInvestigators uncover a dark side to Ashley and Doug's seemingly perfect marriage.“There was darkness beneath the surface of this relationship.”10:51Nov 19, 2024
- Courtroom DramaIn court, Ashley accused Doug of abuse while he denied her claims.“He was verbally abusive. He would yell and scream at me.”15:56Nov 19, 2024
- The Trial of Ashley BenefieldAs Ashley's trial begins, public opinion is sharply divided over her actions.“Would they think she was a domestic abuse victim or a liar?”23:55Nov 19, 2024
- The Defense's Bold MoveThe defense calls Ashley Benefield to testify, marking a pivotal moment in the trial.“Ashley, for the first time, was finally ready to tell her story and share her secrets.”26:45Nov 19, 2024
- Emotional TestimonyAshley describes her fear and the moments leading up to the shooting.“I was scared to death.”33:01Nov 19, 2024
- A Shocking VerdictAfter hours of deliberation, the jury finds Ashley guilty of manslaughter, not murder.“Guilty of manslaughter, not guilty of second degree murder.”38:53Nov 19, 2024






