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🔴 LIVE | Jurors to hear 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 may start deliberating sometime Wednesday, as both prosecutors and defense attorneys are set to deliver 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 dri...
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 upcoming closing arguments in the Blaise Taylor trial will bring a sense of closure to the Nashville community, which has been following this case closely since 2023. As the jury deliberates, they will be weighing the evidence presented, including the testimony about the comforter found on Jade Benning's bed and the medical examiner's findings on the presence of illicit drugs in her system. The fact that Taylor declined to take the stand in his own defense may also be a factor in the jury's decision. The outcome of this trial will have significant implications for the community, particularly in regards to domestic violence and substance abuse. Nashville residents will be watching closely to see how the justice system handles this tragic case, and the verdict will likely spark important conversations about these issues in the city. The community's attention to this trial reflects a broader concern about public safety and the well-being of its citizens.
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 may start deliberating sometime Wednesday, as both prosecutors and defense attorneys are set to deliver 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 dri...
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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