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Jurors begin deliberating following closing arguments in Nashville murder trial of former NFL scout
By Chasity Maynard at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· July 1, 2026
· 1 min read
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Jurors began deliberating Wednesday after both prosecutors and defense attorneys delivered closing arguments in the murder trial of Blaise Taylor. The former collegiate athlete-turned-NFL scout is accused of slipping a fatal dose of cocaine into a drink he gave his pregn...
Key takeaway The former collegiate athlete-turned-NFL scout is 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 deliberation of Blaise Taylor's murder trial has significant implications for the Nashville community, particularly in regards to domestic violence and substance abuse. The case has brought attention to the devastating consequences of these issues, which are not uncommon in the city. As the jury weighs the evidence, Nashville residents are reminded of the importance of support systems for victims of domestic violence and the need for education on the dangers of substance abuse. The fact that the trial has been taxing for the jurors, with minimal rest since testimony began, underscores the complexity and emotional toll of the case. The community will be watching closely as the verdict is reached, and it will likely spark further conversations about how to address these critical issues in Nashville. The outcome of the trial may also inform local efforts to prevent similar tragedies from occurring 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: July 1, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Jurors began deliberating Wednesday after both prosecutors and defense attorneys delivered closing arguments in the murder trial of Blaise Taylor. The former collegiate athlete-turned-NFL scout is accused of slipping a fatal dose of cocaine into a drink he gave his pregn...
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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