Football
The murder trial of former Tennessee Titans scout and former Division I football player Blaise Taylor continued Friday, marking the fourth day of testimony in one of the most high-profile criminal cases involving a former NFL employee in recent years.
Taylor is facing two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of felony murder in connection with the deaths of his 25-year-old girlfriend, Jade Benning, and her unborn child.
According to prosecutors, Taylor poisoned Benning on Feb. 25, 2023. Benning, who was pregnant at the time, was allegedly carrying Taylor’s child.
Authorities say Taylor called 911 after claiming his girlfriend appeared to be suffering from an allergic reaction. Benning was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where doctors attempted to save both her and her unborn baby. The fetus died several days later, while Benning died on March 6 before investigators were able to interview her about the incident.
The prosecution alleges Taylor intentionally poisoned Benning, leading to the deaths of both mother and child.
During a court hearing in April 2024, a medical examiner testified that excessive amounts of cocaine were found in Benning’s system, levels that investigators argued were inconsistent with recreational drug use and formed part of the state’s case against Taylor.
Taylor was arrested on March 26, 2024, more than a year after Benning’s death following an extensive investigation.
The first three days of the trial featured opening statements from both the prosecution and defense, along with testimony from several key witnesses. Prosecutors are attempting to convince jurors that Taylor deliberately caused Benning’s death, while the defense has challenged the state’s evidence and maintains that Taylor is not guilty of the charges.
If convicted, Taylor could face life in prison.
Taylor previously played Division I college football before beginning a career in the NFL as a scout, including time with the Tennessee Titans.
The trial is expected to continue as both sides present additional witnesses and evidence in the coming days.
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