Sheriff’s investigators said the victim was shot twice during a confrontation inside the couple’s home.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — A Florida woman was arrested after deputies said she shot her boyfriend between the eyes and in the back of the neck during an argument after he allegedly told her to shoot him.
Authorities identified the suspect as 32-year-old Ashley Marie Bennett, who was charged with second-degree murder following the fatal shooting. Volusia County sheriff’s investigators said deputies responded to the residence after receiving a 911 call reporting gunfire inside the home. The victim, identified as 38-year-old Daniel Harper, was pronounced dead at the scene despite emergency medical efforts. Court records showed Bennett remained in custody Tuesday while prosecutors reviewed the case.
According to investigators, the confrontation began late Sunday night after the couple argued inside the residence they shared near Daytona Beach. Sheriff’s officials said witnesses described escalating tension between the pair before the shooting occurred. Detectives alleged Bennett retrieved a handgun during the dispute while Harper continued arguing with her inside the home. Investigators said Bennett later told deputies that Harper repeatedly taunted her and told her to “go ahead and shoot.” Authorities alleged Bennett fired one round that struck Harper directly between the eyes before another bullet hit the back of his neck. Deputies arriving at the scene recovered the firearm and secured the residence while homicide detectives began interviewing witnesses and collecting forensic evidence. Sheriff Mike Chitwood said the injuries showed “extreme violence” during what investigators believe was a heated domestic confrontation that escalated within moments.
Investigators said Bennett initially appeared distraught when deputies arrived and cooperated with questioning after the shooting. According to arrest documents, she admitted firing the weapon but claimed the incident happened during an emotionally charged argument fueled by alcohol consumption and ongoing relationship problems. Detectives said evidence collected at the scene included shell casings, blood evidence and witness statements from nearby residents who reported hearing shouting before the gunshots. Authorities also examined cellphone records and prior calls for service connected to the address as part of the investigation. Sheriff’s officials did not publicly disclose whether the couple had previous domestic violence reports involving law enforcement. Prosecutors said forensic testing and autopsy findings would play a significant role as the criminal case moves forward through court proceedings.
The case drew attention because of investigators’ allegations that the victim verbally encouraged the shooting moments before he was killed. Legal experts have noted that statements made during arguments generally do not eliminate criminal liability in homicide investigations involving firearms. Florida law permits prosecutors to pursue second-degree murder charges when authorities believe a killing resulted from a depraved act demonstrating disregard for human life. Domestic violence incidents involving firearms remain a major concern for law enforcement agencies across the state because disputes inside homes can become deadly within seconds once weapons are introduced. Public safety officials have repeatedly warned that emotionally volatile confrontations involving alcohol, threats and firearms create especially dangerous conditions for everyone involved. Authorities have not indicated whether additional individuals were present inside the home at the exact time of the shooting.
Bennett appeared before a judge Monday for an initial hearing where prosecutors outlined the allegations and requested that she remain detained pending further proceedings. Court officials said the judge ordered Bennett held without bond while the homicide investigation continues. Defense attorneys representing Bennett had not publicly commented on the allegations as of Tuesday afternoon. Investigators also have not released body-camera footage, 911 recordings or crime scene photographs connected to the case. Detectives said additional forensic analysis involving the handgun and ballistic evidence is underway. A future hearing in Volusia County court is expected later this month as prosecutors continue reviewing evidence and witness testimony connected to the shooting.
Neighbors described the area surrounding the residence as typically quiet and said they were shocked by the violence reported overnight. Several residents told local television crews they heard loud arguing followed by two rapid gunshots shortly before deputies arrived. Crime scene investigators remained outside the home for several hours collecting evidence and photographing the property Monday morning. Authorities did not release additional personal details about the victim beyond his age and identity. Sheriff Chitwood urged the public to avoid spreading unverified rumors online while investigators continue piecing together the sequence of events that led to the shooting.
The homicide investigation remains active as detectives review forensic evidence and prepare the case for prosecutors. Additional court proceedings are expected in the coming weeks in Volusia County.