Blaise Taylor, a former professional scout for the Tennessee Titans and a prominent collegiate athlete, has been found guilty in the murder of his girlfriend and her unborn child. A Nashville jury reached the verdict on Wednesday, recommending that Taylor be sentenced to life in prison. The court has scheduled his formal sentencing for September 9.
Details of the Case and Legal Verdict
The criminal charges against Taylor, 30, stem from the poisoning of his girlfriend, Jade Benning, in February 2023. Benning passed away on March 6, 2023, and the incident also resulted in the death of her unborn child. Prosecutors successfully sought convictions on four counts: second-degree murder for Benning’s death, first-degree murder regarding the unborn child, and two counts of first-degree felony murder.
Taylor was taken into custody in 2024 after a lengthy investigation by local authorities into the circumstances surrounding the deaths. He has remained in custody throughout the trial and will continue to be held until his official sentencing hearing in September.
Background of Blaise Taylor’s Career in Football
At the time of his arrest, Taylor was working in the collegiate ranks as a defensive analyst for the University of Utah. Before joining the Utes, he spent four years working within the scouting department for the NFL’s Tennessee Titans, transitioning into a career in talent evaluation and coaching after his playing days ended.
Taylor was a well-known figure in the Sun Belt Conference during his time as a student-athlete at Arkansas State. From 2014 to 2017, he was a four-year starter for the Red Wolves and served as a team captain. His performance on the field earned him first-team All-Sun Belt honors, recognized for his skills as both a defensive back and a standout punt returner.
Summary of Judicial Proceedings
The conviction of Blaise Taylor brings a close to a high-profile case involving a former NFL staffer and decorated college athlete. With the jury recommending life imprisonment, the focus now shifts to the formal sentencing phase in September. This ruling concludes a legal process that began with the tragic events of early 2023, resulting in a life sentence recommendation for the former scout.
