The Unplanned Podcast with Matt & Abby

Surviving the Black Swan Murder with Eva Benefield

September 16, 2026·1h 33m
Episode Description from the Publisher

Eva Benefield shares her extraordinary story of loss, survival, and finding a way forward after her family became the center of the infamous “Black Swan Murder” case. She opens up about losing both of her parents at a young age, her complicated relationship with her stepmother Ashley, taking the stand in her father’s trial, and navigating grief while the world watched. Plus, Eva shares how humor, running, writing, and building Ghost Cowboy helped her create a life beyond the headlines. Eva's insta: @evathefreakindiva Link to Eva's memoir: https://www.amazon.com/Ghost-Girl-Surviving-Murder_A-Memoir/dp/1668043351/ Zocdoc: Ready to be seen? Check that appointment off your to-do list with Zocdoc: https://zocdoc.com/unplanned #sponsored NOBL: NOBL gives you real travel peace of mind — security, design, and convenience all in one. Head to https://NOBLTravel.com for 46% off your entire order! #NOBL #ad Vinted: Ready to clean out your closet and make some extra money? Download the Vinted app for free and start listing. There are no seller fees, so you keep every dollar you earn. https://vinted.com Osea: Go to https://oseamalibu.com and get 10% off your first order with code UNPLANNED. Follow The Unplanned Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/unplanned__podcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@unplanned_podcast Listen to the pod on Spotify/ Apple Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/1ToDA4ufQuWuEgMq07zN6t https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-unplanned-podcast/id1669604504 Follow Matt & Abby: Abby's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/abbyelizabethoward/ Matt's Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/_matt_howard_/ TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@matt_and_abby Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/mattandabb YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@MattandAbby Mascara is restocking September 15th! Sign up here for updates: https://www.biswell-beauty.com/ Chapters: 00:57 - Losing my mom at 14 04:34 - Meeting Ashley 07:12 - My father's murder 08:04 - Finding out my dad was dating a 23 year old 13:36 - Getting married after 13 days 14:20 - Life with Ashley 24:50 - Ballet company 32:22 - Escalation to the murder 39:17 - Murder and the aftermath 57:01 - Media attention 01:00:43 - True crime industry 01:03:24 - Testifying in my dad's murder trial 01:09:05 - sentencing 01:12:28 - trial updates 01:16:04 - Response to my book, Ghost Girl Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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