A former Tennessee Titans scout has been convicted of murdering his ex-girlfriend and her unborn child in 2023. Blaise Taylor was found guilty of second-degree murder in the death of Jade Benning and first-degree premeditated murder in the death of her unborn child.
Taylor, a former Arkansas State football player, faces sentencing on September 9 for the second-degree murder and felony murder charges. The first-degree murder conviction carries an automatic life sentence.
Prosecutors argued that Taylor spiked Benning’s drink with a lethal dose of cocaine on February 25, 2023, when she was five months pregnant. Medical examiners later confirmed Benning died from a fatal combination of cocaine and alcohol.
Nijaiha Jackson, a friend of Benning’s, testified that Benning knew her drink had been tampered with. During a phone call, Jackson said Benning accused Taylor of spiking her beverage and stated, “I know you put something in my drink. I knew my drink tasted funny.”
Jackson testified that Benning repeated her claims before losing consciousness. Prosecutors said these statements were among Benning’s final words.
When first responders arrived, Taylor claimed Benning was experiencing an “allergic reaction.” However, investigators later determined the killings appeared premeditated, noting evidence of cleanup and inconsistencies at the crime scene.
A detective testified that a cup seen in photos of Benning was not present when officers arrived, suggesting deliberate removal. The detective emphasized that poisoning someone’s drink is not a spontaneous act.
Taylor’s defense attorney, Letitia Quinones-Hollins, confirmed plans to appeal the verdict. She stated that Taylor maintains his innocence and criticized the verdict as unjust.
“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,” Quinones-Hollins said. “He maintains that he is innocent and we will continue working to prove that.”
The attorney acknowledged the pain felt by Benning’s family and friends but argued that convicting an innocent person is also a grave injustice.
