- Local authorities determined that Taylor had poisoned Benning without her knowledge
- Taylor was a football star at Arkansas State and was recently recruited to Texas A&M
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Ex-college football star and current Texas A&M staffer Blaise Taylor has been arrested by US Marshals on two counts of first-degree murder.
Taylor was charged Thursday evening in connection with the alleged poisoning of his then-girlfriend, Jade Benning, and her five-month-old fetus in Nashville, Tennessee.
On February 25, 2023, Taylor reportedly called 911 and reported that Benning was having an allergic reaction.
Benning’s fetus, which Taylor allegedly fathered, died two days later on February 27. Benning himself died on March 6.
After months of investigation by police, scientists and the medical examiner, local authorities determined that Benning was “poisoned without her knowledge” after Taylor visited her home.
Ex-college football star and current Texas A&M employee Blaise Taylor (right) is charged with the murder of Jade Benning, who was allegedly pregnant with his child
Taylor is accused of poisoning his then-girlfriend and her five-month-old fetus last year
Benning was rushed to the hospital for what Taylor called an “allergic reaction” before he died
Taylor started four years as a defensive back and returner at Arkansas State, where he set the school’s record for punt return yards.
During his time at Arkansas State, he was a team captain and a first-team All-Sun Belt selection.
Taylor later worked as a scout for the Tennessee Titans, who play their home games at Nissan Stadium in Nashville.
Before joining Texas A&M, Taylor was a defensive analyst at Utah State in 2023.
Texas A&M running backs coach Trooper Taylor is Blaise’s father.
Taylor was charged Thursday evening in connection with the alleged poisoning of his then-girlfriend, Jade Benning (pictured), and her five-month-old fetus in Nashville, Tennessee
Blaise has been suspended during the investigation.
Meanwhile, Aggies head coach Mike Elko released a statement on Friday.
“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this heartbreaking situation, including the victim’s family and friends,” Elko said in the statement.
‘It is essential that the courts are able to deal with this situation with the care and fairness it requires. We would also like to extend our prayers and support to Coach Trooper Taylor, Dr. Evelyn Taylor and their family as they navigate this extremely difficult time.”