Blaise Taylor, a former Tennessee Titans scout, has been indicted on two counts of first-degree murder for the deaths of his girlfriend, Jade Benning, and her 5-month-old unborn child. The 27-year-old was arrested by U.S. Marshals in Utah following the grand jury indictment on Wednesday.
According to authorities, Taylor is accused of poisoning Benning on February 25, 2023, resulting in the tragic loss of her unborn baby, which he allegedly fathered, just two days later. His girlfriend, who was rushed to Vanderbilt University Medical Center after he called 911, succumbed to her injuries the following month on March 6.
Subsequent to the deaths of Benning and her unborn child, Blaise Taylor relocated to Utah, where he briefly held a position as a senior defensive analyst at Utah State University under former Arkansas State Coach Blake Anderson.
The police released a statement following the recent indictment of the Texas A&M analyst. They said,
“Months of investigation, led by Homicide Unit Detective Adam Reese and involving scientists from crime laboratories and doctors from the Medical Examiner’s Office, led to Wednesday’s return of the murder indictment against Taylor.”
The case has sent shockwaves through the sports community, with many expressing disbelief and outrage over the allegations against the former scout. Mike Aiko, Texas A&M head football coach, issued a statement saying,
“Our thoughts are with all those affected by this heartbreaking situation, including the family and friends of the victim. It’s essential to allow the courts to handle this situation with the diligence and fairness it demands. We also would like to extend our prayers and support to Coach Trooper Taylor (Blaise’s father), Dr. Evelyn Taylor and their family as they navigate this extremely difficult time.”
Nashville authorities are now working with Utah officials to facilitate Blaise Taylor extradition to Nashville.
