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🔴 LIVE | Will Blaise Taylor testify? Defense continues arguments in Nashville murder trial
By Chasity Maynard at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· June 30, 2026
· 1 min read
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - The defense is continuing Tuesday morning to try to convince a jury there is not enough evidence to convict Blaise Taylor of murder. The former NFL scout is in the second week of his trial. He is accused of fatally poisoning his pregnant girlfriend, Jade Benning, in 2023...
Key takeaway He is accused of fatally poisoning his pregnant girlfriend, Jade Benning, in 2023.
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 substance abuse. As the defense continues to argue that there is not enough evidence to convict Taylor, residents are watching closely to see how the justice system handles a case involving a high-profile defendant and a tragic crime. The fact that the defense is attempting to establish a history of drug use by the victim, Jade Benning, raises questions about how the city's law enforcement and social services respond to cases of substance abuse and intimate partner violence. The revelation of text messages showing Benning arranging an exchange of a substance for her coworker also highlights the complexities of this case and the need for a nuanced understanding of the circumstances surrounding Benning's death. As the trial resumes, Nashville residents will be looking for a fair and just outcome that takes into account the severity of the crime and the impact on the community.
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 30, 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) - The defense is continuing Tuesday morning to try to convince a jury there is not enough evidence to convict Blaise Taylor of murder. The former NFL scout is in the second week of his trial. He is accused of fatally poisoning his pregnant girlfriend, Jade Benning, in 2023...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 30, 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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