A 27-year-old former Tennessee Titans scout was arrested on Thursday, March 14, 2024, following an indictment by a grand jury on two counts of first-degree murder in the death of his girlfriend, Jade Benning, and her unborn child.

Blaise Taylor, a one-time NFL scout and defensive analyst for four years, was arrested by Deputy U.S. Marshals in Utah.

On the night of February 25, 2023, Taylor dialed 911 from Benning’s home, asserting she was experiencing what seemed like an allergic reaction. This prompted an urgent medical response, transporting Benning to Vanderbilt University Medical Center. There, her condition declined, leading to the unfortunate loss of her five-month-old fetus on February 27, 2024, with Benning dying on March 6, 2023, her 25th birthday.

According to authorities, they were unable to interview Benning before she died.

Detective Adam Reese spearheaded the investigation that led to Taylor’s indictment by a Nashville grand jury on two counts of first-degree murder. The indictment accuses Taylor of administering poison to Benning without her knowledge during his visit, hinting at a deliberate act.

Taylor started as a defensive back and return specialist for four years at Arkansas State, from 2014 to 2017. He was a team captain and earned first-team All-Sun Belt honors, breaking the school’s record for career punt-return yards with 1,151 and scoring a touchdown from returns each season.

Following his college career, Taylor spent four years scouting for the NFL’s Titans, then took on a role as a defensive analyst at Utah State in 2023. This month, he was added to the defensive coaching team at Texas A&M, joining his father, Trooper Taylor, who coaches the running backs for the Aggies.

Family and friends remember Benning for her culinary prowess as a head pastry chef and the owner of JTB Eatery. She leaves behind a legacy of creativity and passion.