SALT LAKE CITY, UT – Blaise A. Taylor, 27, an ex-college football player known for his exceptional academic and athletic performance, was apprehended in Utah on Thursday. He is charged with the murder of his pregnant girlfriend in Tennessee, officials reported.
According to a Nashville police statement, Taylor was taken into custody following his indictment by a Nashville grand jury on two counts of murder. Notably, he is the son of Texas A&M associate head coach Trooper Taylor and had recently joined the team’s staff.
Police identified the victim as Jade Benning, who did not survive her 25th birthday on March 6, 2023, and died at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center. She was admitted there on the 25th of February following a 911 call by Taylor claiming Benning was experiencing a severe allergic reaction.
The investigation carried out by homicide detectives holds Taylor accountable. They argue he poisoned Benning during a visit to her Lebanon Pike apartment without her knowledge. Police confirm that both the mother and her unborn baby, reportedly fathered by Taylor, died as a result.
After the incident, Taylor moved to Utah. In his earlier life, he had a satisfactory football career at Arkansas State as a defensive back and had run back for four seasons. During this phase, he scored four punts and one kickoff for touchdowns. Known for his scholastic prowess, he was awarded the National Football Foundation National Scholar-Athlete Award in 2017 for completing his bachelor’s and master’s degrees within four years.
He served as a defensive analyst for Utah State from July 1 till March 1 before moving to Texas A&M. He assumed this role after Benning’s death, according to a Utah State spokesperson.
Following Taylor’s arrest, he was suspended by Texas A&M, pending investigation. As of now, it remains unknown whether Taylor has secured a defense attorney.
Expressing his sentiments on the tragic incident, Texas A&M football head coach Mike Elko emphasized the need for the courts to accord the necessary focus and fairness to this case. He also shared his condolences with affected parties, particularly the family and friends of the late Jade Benning.