local
Photos show ‘black hole’ former NFL scout painted for nursery night of pregnant girlfriend’s suspected murder
By Li Cohen at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· June 27, 2026
· 3 min read
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - The night 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 sel...
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 residents are not only following the trial's developments but also grappling with the darker aspects of human nature that it reveals. The juxtaposition of the nursery paintings, with Benning's vibrant and hopeful artwork contrasting starkly with Taylor's "black hole," serves as a haunting reminder of the complexities of domestic relationships. For Nashville's community, this trial raises questions about the warning signs of domestic violence and the importance of supporting expectant mothers and their families. As the prosecution presents its case, the city will be watching closely to see how the justice system responds to this tragic event and how it will impact efforts 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 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) - The night 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 sel...
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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