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Cocaine that killed pregnant TN woman ‘suspicious,’ medical examiner testifies in murder trial of former NFL scout
By Caleb Wethington at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· June 26, 2026
· 2 min read
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - A Davidson County medical examiner testified that Jade Benning died from acute cocaine toxicity in the murder trial of former Tennessee Titans scout Blaise Taylor.Taylor is accused of poisoning Benning, his pregnant girlfriend, in February 2023. He faces two counts of fi...
Key takeaway Erin Carney, said that she could not recall ever seeing cocaine levels as high as Benning’s in any of the more than 3,000 autopsies she’s performed.
Why this matters in The Nashville
The ongoing murder trial of Blaise Taylor has significant implications for the Nashville community, particularly in regards to domestic violence and substance abuse. The medical examiner's testimony that the circumstances surrounding Jade Benning's death were "suspicious" raises concerns about the potential for hidden dangers in relationships. The fact that Benning had no history of illicit drug use, according to the police investigation, suggests that her death may have been a result of external factors rather than personal choices. This trial serves as a stark reminder of the need for continued support and resources for victims of domestic violence and substance abuse in Davidson County. As the trial continues, Nashville residents will be watching closely to see how the justice system responds to this tragic case and whether it will lead to increased awareness and action to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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 26, 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) - A Davidson County medical examiner testified that Jade Benning died from acute cocaine toxicity in the murder trial of former Tennessee Titans scout Blaise Taylor.Taylor is accused of poisoning Benning, his pregnant girlfriend, in February 2023. He faces two counts of fi...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 26, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Caleb Wethington 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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