Supporters of woman accused of fatally shooting her husband rally outside of courthouse

The woman accused of fatally shooting her husband during a custody dispute received a show of support from family and friends on Wednesday.

A few dozen supporters gathered outside the Manatee County Courthouse in Downtown Bradenton, waving signs and chanting for Ashley Benefield. Among the demonstrators were Benefield’s daughter and mother.

“How horrible, to want to destroy a mother and daughter, who did not do what they said she did,” said Benefield’s mother, Alicia Byers. “How horrible,” she reiterated.

“I want her to be free because I love her,” expressed Benefield’s 6-year-old daughter, Emerson.

Benefield’s trial is scheduled to begin on July 22.

She is charged with shooting her estranged husband, Doug Benefield, during an argument at her home in 2021. The couple was in the midst of a divorce and a custody battle over their young daughter.

Ashley Benefield has invoked the Stand Your Ground Law, asserting that she acted in self-defense. Meanwhile, supporters of Doug believe the shooting was intentional.

She is set to appear in court on Thursday, July 11, for a motion hearing.