Full Breakdown
Former Titans Scout Convicted of Murdering Pregnant Girlfriend and Unborn Child
7/2/2026, 6:39:43 AM
Conviction Overview
On July 1, 2026, a Nashville jury found former Tennessee Titans scout Blaise Taylor guilty on four murder counts for the deaths of his 25-year-old pregnant girlfriend, Jade Benning, and her unborn child. Jurors recommended life imprisonment without parole; sentencing is set for September 9, 2026.
Background
Taylor, an Arkansas State defensive back and son of Texas A&M coach Trooper Taylor, was a Titans scout (2019-2023) before analyst role at Utah State. Benning, a Little Rock cheer captain, worked as a pastry chef and owned JTB Eatery. They were expecting a child.
Timeline
Feb 25 2023 – Taylor allegedly spiked Benning’s pink lemonade with cocaine; a 911 call described an allergic reaction. Feb 27 – fetal death. Mar 6 (Benning’s 25th birthday) – Benning died at Vanderbilt (some reports list Mar 26). Mar 2024 – Taylor arrested in Utah. Jun 22-Jul 1 2026 – trial; jury deliberated ~3 hours. Jul 1 – verdict. Sep 9 – sentencing.
Legal Findings
The jury convicted Taylor of second-degree murder of Benning, first-degree premeditated murder of the unborn child, and two counts of felony murder (one for each victim). Prosecutors said the poisoning was intentional; the defense disputed intent.
Official Statements & Responses
Prosecutor Jan Norman called the act a “deliberate act to prevent a birth.” Defense attorney Joshua Brand said Taylor maintains his innocence and will “continue working to prove that.” Impact statements from Brandi Moran (aunt) and Bridgette Burks (mother) expressed grief.
Criticism & Opposition
Taylor’s lawyers argue the deaths stem from Benning’s own drug use, citing her marijuana and alcohol consumption and questioning whether cocaine alone caused the fatalities. They label the prosecution’s theory speculative and urge consideration of alternative explanations.
On-the-Ground Reports
Friend Nijaiha Jackson testified Benning told her the drink “tasted funny” and she “couldn’t walk straight,” accusing Taylor of drugging her. Family members described a lasting emotional void.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Benning’s death date (Mar 6 vs. Mar 26) and the unborn child’s gender (daughter Ivy or son). Prosecutors cite cocaine poisoning; defense points to an overdose from Benning’s substance use. No autopsy report has been released.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s destroyed her. When she talked about Jade Benning being her life, she was her life. They talked every day, and aside from the fear and the hurt I know she has, I live with the fear of is she going to get past this,” — Brandi Moran, aunt
- “It’s just a void that will always be there,” — Bridgette Burks, mother
- “It appeared there had been some cleanup done,” — Detective Adam Reese
- “She was saying, 'My drink tasted funny, I can't even walk straight, you did this to do something to the baby,'” — Nijaiha Jackson, friend
What’s Next
The Davidson County court will issue Taylor’s sentence on Sep 9, 2026. Prosecutors seek life without parole; the defense plans to appeal. The case remains a focus for football and domestic-violence advocates.
