A Florida jury convicted Ashley Benefield of manslaughter for the 2020 fatal shooting of her husband, Douglas Benefield, after six hours of deliberation.

The 33-year-old former ballerina, initially charged with second-degree murder, claimed she acted in self-defense during a custody battle over their young daughter, alleging domestic violence.

However, prosecutors argued that the evidence did not support her claims and that she killed Douglas to gain sole custody.

After the shooting, Benefield ran to a neighbor, stating she shot her husband in self-defense, The Guardian has reported.

Douglas was found with two gunshot wounds, and authorities noted that his injuries did not suggest he was facing her or in a defensive stance when shot. Benefield’s sentencing is pending.

Written by B.C. Begley