Ex-NFL scout Blaise Taylor accused of fatally poisoning pregnant girlfriend

A former NFL scout and Arkansas State football star has been arrested and charged in connection with the poisoning deaths of his girlfriend and her unborn baby. Per ESPN, Blaise Taylor, who has also held the role of an analyst on college football staffs, allegedly poisoned Jade Benning in Nashville, Tennessee, in February 2023.

The 27-year-old suspect, who has since been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, was arrested in Utah on Thursday. Benning is said to have succumbed to the poisoning on March 6, 2023, while her 5-month-old fetus passed away on February 27, 2023. The baby’s father is believed to be Taylor.

Benning was hospitalized on February 25, 2023, after Taylor in a 911 call reported that his girlfriend had suffered an allergic reaction. Benning could not communicate with police before her death as her condition exacerbated after she was taken to the hospital.

Authorities said Taylor allegedly poisoned Benning during a visit to the victim’s home. Benning, who died on her 25th birthday, was unaware Taylor had poisoned her. Authorities in Nashville said arrangements are being made to return Taylor to the city. 

Taylor was a Tennessee Titans pro scouting department employee. He also worked as a senior defensive analyst for Utah State during the 2023 season and is named as a Texas A&M worker in the university’s directory, ESPN reported. The 27-year-old suspect’s father, Trooper Taylor, is also a veteran college coach and Texas A&M coaching team member.

“Our thoughts are with all those affected by this heartbreaking situation, including the family and friends of the victim,” Texas A&M’s head coach Mike Elko, said. “It’s essential to allow the courts to handle this situation with the diligence and fairness it demands. We also would like to extend our prayers and support to Coach Trooper Taylor, Dr. Evelyn Taylor and their family as they navigate this extremely difficult time.”

Texas A&M said Taylor has been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation into the fatal incident. Taylor holds several records and honors from his playing time with Arkansas State.