According to a Nashville police report, “Blaise A. Taylor, 27, (was arrested) in Utah on a Nashville grand jury indictment charging him with two counts of first-degree murder for the poisoning deaths of his girlfriend and her five-month-old fetus which Taylor is alleged to have fathered.”
Former Tennessee Titans scout Blaise Taylor was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder on Thursday in connection with the poisoning deaths of his pregnant girlfriend and unborn child, according to a statement from the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department.
“Deputy United States Marshals, at the request of the MNPD, arrested Blaise A. Taylor, 27, in Utah this evening on a Nashville grand jury indictment charging him with two counts of first-degree murder in the poisoning deaths of his girlfriend and her five-month-old fetus, which Taylor is accused of fathering.
“Jade Benning died at Vanderbilt University Medical Center on March 6, 2023, her 25th birthday,” said the Nashville Police Department. “She was rushed to the hospital by ambulance on the night of February 25, 2023, after Taylor called 911 at 9:38 p.m. to report that Benning appeared to be having an allergic reaction and requested paramedics.”
Benning’s medical situation grew critical right away. Her fetus died on February 27, 2023. Benning was unable to be interviewed by authorities before her death (March 6, 2023).
“After months of investigation led by Homicide Unit Detective Adam Reese and involving scientists from crime laboratories and doctors from the Medical Examiner’s Office, Taylor’s murder indictment was returned on Wednesday.” He is accused of poisoning Benning without her knowledge when visiting her Lebanon Pike apartment on the night of February 25.
Taylor relocated to Utah following the tragedies.
Deputy US Marshals apprehended Taylor in Utah at the request of the MNPD. According to the Cache County Jail, he was arrested and held without bond.
Taylor is accused of poisoning Benning without her knowledge in her Lebanon Pike apartment. The MNPD is working with Utah police to extradite Taylor to Nashville.
Taylor began working as a scouting assistant for the Titans in May 2019, according to his LinkedIn page. He held that position for two years before the Titans promoted him to pro scout.
Taylor was a defensive analyst for Utah State in 2023 and is expected to join the Texas A&M football staff.
Lauren Weber, the assistant general manager of Earnest Bar and Hideaway, told WSMV.com that Jade Benning was a mother and an aspiring chef.
“She was constantly inviting. Always kind, always interested in your tale. Jade had a bright future ahead of her,” said Weber, who has a tattoo on her arm commemorating the date Benning died. “She would have been the most amazing mom you could have ever imagined.”
Thursday’s arrest was “relieving,” Weber stated. “We know it’s not the end, but it’s definitely relieving to know there has been another step made in this process and Jade will have the justice she needs.”
