Former Tennessee Titans scout Blaise A. Taylor has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the poisoning deaths of his girlfriend Jade Benning and her unborn child. A former college football coach and member of the Tennessee Titans' staff, he started at Auburn High School in Alabama and then played at Arkansas State University, where he was a team captain for four seasons and had a successful career.
Blaze Taylor charged with murdering girlfriend and unborn child
On February 25, 2023, Taylor allegedly went to Benning's apartment and poisoned her, leading to her unborn child's death on February 27. Jade Benning died nine days later, on her 25th birthday, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, investigators said. .
Taylor called 911 on February 25, 2023, reporting Benning's allergic reaction. Benning was unable to provide information to investigators until after his death. After the incident, he was hired by Texas A&M's defensive staff, and his father, Trooper Taylor, is a running backs coach after being a defensive analyst at Utah State.
Who is Jade Benning?
According to Marca, the 25-year-old victim was a “beloved” member of the Nashville community. She began cheerleading at the age of seven and became captain of the junior varsity and varsity teams at Central High School. In 2020, Benning graduated from Brightwater Culinary Arts. She was head pastry chef at Mirabellas Table and chef at Earnest Bar & Hideaway.
Following her tragic death, Texas A&M head football coach Mike Elko said, “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this heartbreaking situation, including the victim's family and friends. It is imperative that we allow the courts to address this situation with the required diligence and fairness. We also wish to extend our condolences to Coach Trooper Taylor, Dr. Evelyn Taylor, and their families as they navigate this extremely difficult time. I would like to send my prayers and support.”
