SALT LAKE CITY, UT – A former NFL scout who previously played college football has been charged with poisoning his girlfriend, resulting in the death of both her and their unborn child. Blaise A. Taylor, 27, was apprehended in Utah and is set to be extradited to Tennessee, as stated by Nashville police.
On the night of February 25, 2023, Taylor dialed emergency services, claiming that his girlfriend Jade Benning was experiencing an allergic reaction. However, her condition quickly deteriorated, and she was transported by ambulance to the hospital. Sadly, Benning’s unborn fetus passed away on February 27, allegedly fathered by Taylor. Tragically, Benning herself succumbed to her condition on her 25th birthday, March 6.
According to law enforcement, Benning was unable to provide a police statement prior to her demise. Taylor, once a Tennessee Titans scout, left his job in May 2023, as indicated on his LinkedIn profile. The team declined to comment on the situation.
Following the deaths, Taylor relocated to Utah, taking up a position as a senior defensive analyst for the Utah State University football team. However, this working relationship had already ended by the time of his arrest. Amanda DeRito, a spokesperson for Utah State University, confirmed Taylor’s departure.
Law enforcement alleged that Taylor poisoned Benning unknowingly during one of his visits to her apartment. On Thursday, Deputy U.S. Marshals arrested Taylor on a grand jury indictment, charging him with two counts of first-degree murder. Currently, he is in custody in Cache County, Utah.