local
Blaise Taylor murder trial begins with opening statements
By Amber Jayanth at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· June 23, 2026
· 3 min read
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Opening statements began Tuesday in the murder trial of Blaise Taylor, a former Titans scout accused of poisoning his pregnant girlfriend, 25-year-old Jade Benning.Taylor is facing two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of felony murder.Prosecutors and the defe...
Key takeaway (WSMV) - Opening statements began Tuesday in the murder trial of Blaise Taylor, a former Titans scout accused of poisoning his pregnant girlfriend, 25-year-old Jade Benning.
Why this matters in The Nashville
The trial of Blaise Taylor has significant implications for the Nashville community, particularly in regards to domestic violence and prenatal care. As the case unfolds, it will be crucial to examine the support systems in place for pregnant women in Davidson County, and whether they are adequate in preventing such tragedies. The fact that Benning was five months pregnant when the incident occurred raises questions about the resources available to expectant mothers in potentially abusive relationships. Furthermore, the prosecution's assertion that Taylor was not interested in being a father may resonate with local organizations that provide support for new parents, highlighting the need for increased awareness and education on paternal responsibility and prenatal care. As the trial continues, Nashville residents will be watching closely to see how the justice system responds to this devastating crime.
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: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Opening statements began Tuesday in the murder trial of Blaise Taylor, a former Titans scout accused of poisoning his pregnant girlfriend, 25-year-old Jade Benning.Taylor is facing two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of felony murder.Prosecutors and the defe...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 23, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Amber Jayanth 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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