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Black Swan Murder

Wondery
  • 3.2 (11)
  • TRUE CRIME
  • WEEKLY SERIES

In the summer of 2016, 24-year-old ballerina Ashley Byers and 54-year-old veteran-turned-entrepreneur Doug Benefield struck up a conversation at a party for a presidential contender. They say it was love at first sight – despite the thirty year age gap. And within just thirteen days of meeting – shocking everyone they knew – the two were married. A family wasn’t the only thing they set out to build; together, they dream up a wave-making ballet company: the American National Ballet. With a mission and a promise to turn the ballet world upside down with dancers of varying ethnicities, body types, and racial backgrounds, in just two years, the Benefields assembled a troupe of nearly 50 dancers from across the globe, with an annual budget of $2.5 million dollars to back their dance revolution. But just months into the company’s formation, it collapses. And the money isn’t the only thing unaccounted for: Ashley is nowhere to be found. And when she finally emerges, Ashley forges a violent path that leaves two young girls without a father. From Law and Crime, BLACK SWAN MURDER is the story of a seemingly picture-perfect marriage that turned out to be anything but. Over the course of six episodes, a tale of betrayal and desire unfolds: a woman pushed to her limits, culminating in a gripping crime of passion. But was it an act of vengeance—or a desperate fight for survival? The answer depends on who you ask.  In key interviews with investigators, attorneys and those with a front row seat to the Benefields’ turbulent partnership, BLACK SWAN MURDER traces the twisted path of Ashley and Doug Benefield, weaving a years-long timeline of violent behavior and conspiracy-fueled tendencies that ultimately turned a poised and disciplined ballerina into a cold-blooded killer.

Episodes

  1. EPISODE 1

    Leap of Faith

    Ballet dancers from across the globe unite in Charleston, SC for a groundbreaking mission: to diversify an art form historically fraught with rigid standards. At the helm is Ashley Benefield, a 25-year-old former ballerina, who has hand-selected each dancer to fulfill her wave making vision - The American National Ballet. In just five months she had formed a fully-fledged dance company boasting a $2.5 million dollar budget, promising perks like health insurance, American visas, and discounted housing. Dancers leapt at the opportunity to bring on the dance revolution, but come their inaugural day, they’re confronted with the age-old lesson: all that glitters isn’t gold. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    34 min

  2. EPISODE 2

    A Dream Unraveling

    An absent founder, faulty contracts, and no paychecks – and that’s just the first week at this new “revolutionary” dance company. Doug Benefield is left with some serious explaining to do for the 48 dancers who had uprooted their lives to join the American National Ballet. And just when their anxieties begin to quell, shoes begin dropping left and right. Had the American National Ballet bitten off more than it could chew? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    34 min

  3. EPISODE 3

    Meet the Benefields

    Ashley and Doug’s relationship takes off just as swiftly as their ballet company, and similarly begins experiencing tumult from the jump. As Ashley struggles to connect with Doug’s daughter, Eva, home life takes a violent turn. Complicating matters further, amidst building a business and attempts to patch things over at home, the Benefields learn they’ll soon be making room for one more. Overwhelmed by all the moving parts, Ashley makes a sudden move, but not without throwing another iron into the fire. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    33 min

  4. EPISODE 4

    Mama Bear Mode

    Ashley’s on a warpath. Her allegations against Doug don’t end with the note she left for him in Charleston. In fact, she’s just getting started. And when their child is born, the battle between them intensifies, culminating in a shocking final showdown. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    43 min

  5. EPISODE 5

    The Silent Witness

    The investigation into Doug’s death begins. While Ashley claims self-defense, evidence suggests premeditation. She embarks on an uphill battle to make her case as prosecutors simultaneously build one against her. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    39 min

  6. EPISODE 6

    Facing the Music

    Nearly four years after the death of Doug Benefield, Ashley finally has her day in court. Her fate hinges on whether the jury believes Ashley’s claims of abuse and fear, or if the prosecution successfully shows that Doug’s death was unjustified and perhaps premeditated. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 11m

  7. 2024-10-01

    Introducing: BLACK SWAN MURDER

    In the summer of 2016, 24 year old ballerina Ashley Byers and 54 year old veteran-turned-entrepreneur Doug Benefield struck up a conversation at a party for a presidential contender. They say it was love at first sight – despite the thirty year age gap. And within just thirteen days of meeting – shocking everyone they knew – the two were married. A family wasn’t the only thing they set out to build; together, they dream up a wave-making ballet company: the American National Ballet. With a mission and a promise to turn the ballet world upside down with dancers of varying ethnicities, body types, and racial backgrounds, in just two years, the Benefields assembled a troupe of nearly 50 dancers from across the globe, with an annual budget of $2.5 million dollars to back their dance revolution. But just months into the company’s formation, it collapses. And the money isn’t the only thing unaccounted for: Ashley is nowhere to be found. And when she finally emerges, Ashley forges a violent path that leaves two young girls without a father. From Law and Crime, BLACK SWAN MURDER is the story of a seemingly picture-perfect marriage that turned out to be anything but. Over the course of six episodes, a tale of betrayal and desire unfolds: a woman pushed to her limits, culminating in a gripping crime of passion.  But was it an act of vengeance—or a desperate fight for survival? The answer depends on who you ask.  In key interviews with investigators, attorneys and those with a front row seat to the Benefields’ turbulent partnership, BLACK SWAN MURDER traces the twisted path of Ashley and Doug Benefield, weaving a years-long timeline of violent behavior and conspiracy-fueled tendencies that ultimately turned a poised and disciplined ballerina into a cold-blooded killer.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    5 min
  8. NEW from Law&Crime: The Rise and Fall of Diddy

    2024-12-04

    NEW from Law&Crime: The Rise and Fall of Diddy

    For decades Sean Combs was hip-hop’s reigning mogul—the mastermind who redefined what it meant to have fame, fortune, and dominion over the music industry. But as Combs reached new heights in music, fashion, and business, allegations of misconduct and abuse began to surface, casting a dark shadow over his legacy. Hosted by Jesse Weber, this series uncovers how Combs built an empire that shaped a generation while navigating a trail of scandals, lawsuits, and criminal allegations. The Rise and Fall of Diddy explores the intersection of power, fame, and accountability in the life of a man who once called himself a “bad boy for life.”  Will his empire survive, or is this truly the end of an era? Listen to The Rise & Fall of Diddy exclusively on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting www.wondery.com/shows/the-rise-and-fall-of-diddy See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    2 min
  9. Listen Now: KAREN: THE RETRIAL

    APR 28

    Listen Now: KAREN: THE RETRIAL

    A blizzard in Massachusetts. A Boston police officer found dead in the snow. His girlfriend, Karen Read, accused of murder.  After last year's mistrial left the country divided, the courtroom drama is back in the spotlight—this time with higher stakes, new prosecutors, and explosive evidence emerging as the case unfolds in real time. Law and Crime’s hit podcast series returns with a brand new season: KAREN: THE RETRIAL. Hosted by Emmy Award-winning investigative reporter Kristin Thorne, each episode delivers exclusive analysis, behind-the-scenes access, and expert interviews you won’t find anywhere else.  With both sides fighting to control the narrative and new revelations coming to light, the search for truth is more urgent—and more complicated—than ever. Listen to episodes of KAREN: THE RETRIAL, exclusively and ad-free, right now on Wondery+. Start your free trial in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    10 min

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Ratings & Reviews

3.2
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

In the summer of 2016, 24-year-old ballerina Ashley Byers and 54-year-old veteran-turned-entrepreneur Doug Benefield struck up a conversation at a party for a presidential contender. They say it was love at first sight – despite the thirty year age gap. And within just thirteen days of meeting – shocking everyone they knew – the two were married. A family wasn’t the only thing they set out to build; together, they dream up a wave-making ballet company: the American National Ballet. With a mission and a promise to turn the ballet world upside down with dancers of varying ethnicities, body types, and racial backgrounds, in just two years, the Benefields assembled a troupe of nearly 50 dancers from across the globe, with an annual budget of $2.5 million dollars to back their dance revolution. But just months into the company’s formation, it collapses. And the money isn’t the only thing unaccounted for: Ashley is nowhere to be found. And when she finally emerges, Ashley forges a violent path that leaves two young girls without a father. From Law and Crime, BLACK SWAN MURDER is the story of a seemingly picture-perfect marriage that turned out to be anything but. Over the course of six episodes, a tale of betrayal and desire unfolds: a woman pushed to her limits, culminating in a gripping crime of passion. But was it an act of vengeance—or a desperate fight for survival? The answer depends on who you ask.  In key interviews with investigators, attorneys and those with a front row seat to the Benefields’ turbulent partnership, BLACK SWAN MURDER traces the twisted path of Ashley and Doug Benefield, weaving a years-long timeline of violent behavior and conspiracy-fueled tendencies that ultimately turned a poised and disciplined ballerina into a cold-blooded killer.

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