NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — Blaise Taylor, a former Titans scout, has been found guilty of the murder of his former girlfriend and her unborn child.
Taylor, 30, pleaded not guilty to the two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Jade Benning and her unborn daughter in 2023.
On Wednesday, July 1, the eighth day of the trial, the jury found Taylor guilty of:
– 1 count of second-degree murder of Jade Benning
– 1 count of premeditated first-degree murder of Benning’s unborn child
– 1 count of felony murder for Jade Benning
– 1 count of felony murder for the unborn child
Prosecutors allege he fatally poisoned Benning by lacing her pink lemonade with cocaine dissolved in alcohol because he did not want the child. Benning died on March 6, 2023, while the unborn girl died Feb. 2.
During closing arguments, the defense argued that the case is tragic, but tragedy alone cannot equal guilt. The defense says the state has the burden of proof, Blaise does not have to prove innocence and the medical examiner listed the manner of death as “undetermined.” The defense adds the state is asking the jury to make a leap the medical examiner would not make.
The prosecution argues that Benning’s last words directly identify Taylor as the person responsible for her death. In a phone call to her best friend Nigeya Jackson, Benning said “I know you put something in my drink” and “You did this.” Additionally, the prosecution’s final conclusion is that Taylor intentionally put cocaine in Benning’s drink, he acted with premeditation and he wanted to end the pregnancy.
Jade Benning was pregnant when she was rushed to the hospital. She died on her 25th birthday from an alleged poisoning. (Photo courtesy family of Jade Benning)
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The prosecution is asking the jury to return guilty verdicts on all four counts of the indictment. Taylor is not testifying in the case; a decision made Tuesday in court. Closing arguments began Tuesday afternoon and concluded Wednesday morning. The jury is currently deliberating a verdict.
The bond for Taylor was set at $2,500,000. He bonded out of jail in April 2024 and is required to wear a GPS monitor. The district attorney’s office is pursuing life in prison without parole for Taylor.
FOX 17 News is in the courtroom Wednesday. Check back as we continue to update this story.
