local
Photos show ‘black hole’ former NFL scout painted for nursery hours before pregnant girlfriend’s suspected murder
By Li Cohen at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· June 27, 2026
· 3 min read
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Hours before Jade Benning died from a suspected poisoning, she and her boyfriend took photos as they painted canvases for their unborn child’s room. Now on trial for her murder, testimony reveals he had a “dark demeanor” that night — and that his painting was an alleged ...
Key takeaway During Thursday’s hearing, Nijaiha Jackson, who had known 24-year-old Benning from the time she was 6, testified about what she experienced when she went to Benning’s apartment the night her best friend died.
Why this matters in The Nashville
The trial of Blaise Taylor, a former NFL scout accused of murdering his pregnant girlfriend Jade Benning and their unborn daughter, has sent shockwaves through the Nashville community. As the case unfolds, it's clear that the city's close-knit neighborhoods and social circles are grappling with the reality of domestic violence and its devastating consequences. The fact that Taylor's alleged crime occurred in a private residence, behind closed doors, serves as a stark reminder that such tragedies can happen anywhere, even in seemingly ordinary and peaceful surroundings. The contrast between Benning's vibrant and hopeful artwork for the nursery and Taylor's ominous "black hole" painting is a haunting metaphor for the darkness that can lurk beneath the surface of relationships. As the trial continues, Nashville residents are left to wonder how such a heinous crime could have occurred in their own backyard, and what signs may have been missed.
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 27, 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) - Hours before Jade Benning died from a suspected poisoning, she and her boyfriend took photos as they painted canvases for their unborn child’s room. Now on trial for her murder, testimony reveals he had a “dark demeanor” that night — and that his painting was an alleged ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 27, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Li Cohen 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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