Nashville, Tennessee — A Nashville jury has found former college football player and NFL scout Blaise Taylor guilty in the deaths of his pregnant girlfriend, Jade Benning, and her unborn child, bringing a closely watched murder trial to a dramatic conclusion.
The verdict was returned Wednesday after approximately three hours of jury deliberations following an eight-day trial. Taylor, 30, now faces the possibility of spending the rest of his life in prison.
The case centered on prosecutors’ allegations that Taylor intentionally poisoned Benning, while the defense argued her death resulted from an accidental drug overdose.
Jury Convicts Taylor on Four Murder Charges
Court records show the jury found Taylor guilty on all four charges filed against him.
The convictions include:
- Second-degree murder in the death of Jade Benning.
- First-degree felony murder during the commission of a felony in Benning’s death.
- First-degree premeditated murder in the death of the unborn child.
- First-degree felony murder during the commission of a felony involving the unborn child.
The guilty verdict means Taylor could receive a life sentence when he is formally sentenced.
Following the decision, defense attorney Letitia Quinones-Hollins said Taylor intends to challenge the verdict.
“While we respect the jury system and the process, we must also respectfully disagree with today’s verdict and plan to appeal the decision because Blaise did not do this.”
She added that Taylor continues to maintain his innocence.
Prosecutors Alleged Drink Was Deliberately Poisoned
The criminal case stemmed from events on Feb. 25, 2023, when Taylor called 911 requesting medical assistance for Benning, who was approximately five months pregnant.
Taylor reportedly told emergency dispatchers that she appeared to be suffering from an allergic reaction.
When first responders arrived at Benning’s Nashville apartment, they found her unconscious and without a pulse.
She was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in critical condition.
Doctors later testified that Benning suffered severe brain damage, while her unborn baby experienced a dangerously low heart rate.
The unborn child died two days later, and Benning died several days afterward on March 6, 2023, her 25th birthday.
During the trial, prosecutors alleged Taylor secretly mixed cocaine dissolved in alcohol into Benning’s pink lemonade, arguing he did not want her to continue the pregnancy.
Medical experts testified that Benning died from a fatal combination of cocaine and alcohol.
Witnesses and Investigators Presented Key Evidence
Prosecutors presented testimony from investigators and witnesses who described circumstances they argued supported a theory of premeditated murder.
One of Benning’s friends testified that shortly before she became critically ill, Benning questioned whether her drink had been tampered with.
“My drink tasted funny, I can’t even walk straight, you did this to do something to the baby,” the witness recalled Benning saying.
Investigators also testified that a drinking cup visible in photographs taken before emergency responders arrived could not be located during the police search of the apartment.
According to investigators, that missing evidence raised additional questions about what occurred inside the residence.
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Defense Argued Death Was Accidental
Throughout the trial, Taylor’s attorneys denied that he intentionally poisoned Benning.
Instead, the defense argued that her death resulted from her own drug use rather than any deliberate act by Taylor.
Defense attorneys questioned witnesses about Benning’s reported recreational use of marijuana and alcohol in an effort to challenge the prosecution’s theory.
Despite those arguments, jurors ultimately found prosecutors had proven the charges beyond a reasonable doubt.
With the verdict now entered, the case will move into the sentencing phase while Taylor prepares to pursue an appeal.
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If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, confidential help is available through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or by visiting thehotline.org.