Blaise A. Taylor is shown in this photo during the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl on Saturday, January 20, 2018, at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA. Authorities in Nashville, Tennessee, stated that he fatally poisoned his girlfriend, Jade Benning, and their unborn baby on Feb. 25, 2023. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire) (Icon Sportswire via AP Images)
A former college football player who became an NFL scout is accused of poisoning his girlfriend, resulting in the death of her and her unborn child.
Blaise A. Taylor, 27, was taken into custody on Thursday in Utah and is anticipated to be extradited to Nashville. Tennessee, according to law enforcement officials in Nashville.
Authorities say that Taylor dialed 911 on the night of Feb. 25, 2023, claiming that his girlfriend, Jade Benning, seemed to be having an allergic reaction, and he requested assistance. Her condition rapidly deteriorated, and she was transported to the hospital by ambulance, as per authorities.
“Her unborn fetus passed away on February 27, 2023,” officers stated. They mentioned that Taylor is suspected to be the father of the baby.
Benning passed away at Vanderbilt University Medical Center several days later, on March 6, her 25th birthday.
“Benning was unable to be interviewed by police before she died,” officers stated.
According to his LinkedIn account, Taylor departed from his position as a scout for the Tennessee Titans in May 2023. The team declined to comment to Law&Crime.
As officers noted, Taylor relocated to Utah after the deaths.
He joined the Utah State University football team as a senior defensive analyst. In a July 28 announcement, the school highlighted his background as a state defensive back and punt returner for Arkansas State from 2014 to 2017.
However, that professional association had already ended when he was arrested on Thursday.
“He departed on March 1 for another organization, so he was no longer employed with us at that time,” Utah State spokesperson Amanda DeRito informed Law&Crime in an email.
Now, after months of investigation, police allege that Taylor secretly poisoned Benning during a visit to her apartment.
Nashville authorities stated that Deputy U.S. Marshals apprehended Taylor on Thursday on a grand jury indictment. He is facing two charges of first-degree murder. Records indicate that he is currently in custody in Cache County, Utah.
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