local
Blaise Taylor, former NFL scout, convicted of murdering pregnant girlfriend in Nashville
By Chasity Maynard at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· July 1, 2026
· 2 min read
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - After only two hours of deliberation, jurors unanimously decided to convict Blaise Taylor of murder.The group began deliberating just before noon Wednesday on whether they would convict the former collegiate athlete-turned-NFL scout of two counts of first-degree murder a...
Key takeaway He was accused of slipping a fatal dose of cocaine into a drink he gave his pregnant girlfriend, Jade Benning, in 2023.
Why this matters in The Nashville
The conviction of Blaise Taylor for the murder of his pregnant girlfriend, Jade Benning, and their unborn baby, sends a somber message to the Nashville community about the devastating consequences of domestic violence. As the city continues to grapple with issues of public safety, this case highlights the need for increased support and resources for victims of intimate partner violence. The fact that Taylor was able to slip a fatal dose of cocaine into Benning's drink, resulting in her death and the loss of their pregnancy, raises questions about the effectiveness of existing safeguards and the need for greater awareness and education. The verdict, while bringing some measure of justice to Benning's family, also underscores the importance of addressing the root causes of domestic violence in Nashville, and ensuring that those who perpetrate such crimes are held accountable. The community will be watching as Taylor's sentencing unfolds.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 1, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - After only two hours of deliberation, jurors unanimously decided to convict Blaise Taylor of murder.The group began deliberating just before noon Wednesday on whether they would convict the former collegiate athlete-turned-NFL scout of two counts of first-degree murder a...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 1, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Chasity Maynard at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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