Hey everyone, it's Jamie. This week, I'm traveling to CrimeCon, so today I'm re-releasing a murderish episode,

covering the case of Doug Benefield, often referred to as the Black Swan murder. In 2020,

Doug was killed by his wife, Ashley Benefield, during a time when the couple were in the midst of a bitter custody dispute.

The prosecution alleged the crime was premeditated,

but Ashley claimed self-defense.

The opinions expressed in this episode

do not necessarily reflect those of the murderish podcast.

Sensitive topics are discussed.

Listener discretion is advised.

Music listener discretion is advised. Sometimes a chance encounter can change your life forever.

In August 2016, 24-year-old Ashley Byers and 54-year-old Doug Benefield got married,

just 13 days after meeting.

To a hopeless romantic, a whirlwind romance can seem like a dream.

From a more practical standpoint, marrying someone you barely know can be perceived as impulsive and reckless.

People close to the couple wondered,

how well can you know someone in such a short span of time?

In this case, it's not clear whether Doug and Ashley's rushed nuptials had anything to do

with the relationship's tragic end.

And to this day, there remains much debate over the reasons why one of them would end up dead.

This is Jamie, and you're listening to Murderish. Join me as I highlight Doug Benefield's story, also known as the Black Swan case.

This case takes us to Bradenton, Florida, about 45 miles south of Tampa.

The mid-sized city, known for its beaches and nature preserves,

...