Episode 70: Smoke And Mirrors

The Murder of Doug Benefield

A whirlwind romance between a young ballerina and a successful businessman led to big dreams and even bigger allegations. This golden couple seemed to be finally working things out, when it all came crashing down. Was it all a series of unfortunate events beyond their control or was it really one big game of smoke and mirrors from the beginning?

Conjure Tip of The Week

Scrying is a form of divination that involves using a reflective object of some sort as a meditation tool to see visions. Those visions can be of the past, the present, or a possible future. Of all methods of scrying, mirror scrying is arguably the easiest. Arrange a mirror so that you sit directly in front of it and have a candle on each side, between you and the mirror. Make sure there are no additional light sources in the room. Wear clothing that is dark and does not reflect in the mirror. Sit approximately 18-24 inches from the mirror and you can light incense or play meditative music if you wish. As the candles burn, relax your entire body. When you have relaxed completely, work to still your mind. Focus on the surface of the mirror and the reflections you see from the candlelight and occasional wafts of smoke. Do not strain your eyes to see anything or work too hard. Relax and let it come to you. With mirror scrying, you will sometimes see physical images. You may see your features shift and change until you look like someone else or you may have images appear in your mind. Pay attention to any impressions you receive when you are in this state.

Ep. 70 Sources

48 Hours, CBS News; "Did a former ballerina accused of murder shoot her husband in self-defense?"

48 Hours, CBS News; "The troubled marriage of Ashley and Doug Benefield"

Associated Press, ABC 7 News; "As trial looms in Lakewood Ranch death, both sides speak"

Steve Helling, People; "Did a Former Ballerina Kill Her Wealthy Husband Because His Money Ran Out — Or Was It Self-Defense?"

Jill Sederstrom, Oxygen True Crime; "‘He Was Her Mark’: Victim’s Cousin Says Former Ballerina Allegedly Seduced, Then Killed Her Wealthy Husband"

Alice Robb, Vanity Fair; "When Doug and Ashley Benefield Started a Ballet Company, It Wasn’t Supposed to End in Death"

Paul Larosa, 48 Hours CBS News; "Is Ashley Benefield the real-life "Black Swan"?"