A Davidson County Criminal Court jury convicted former Tennessee Titans scout Blaise Taylor on all four counts of murder on July 1, 2026, following deliberations that lasted less than two hours [1][2]. The case reached trial on charges of second-degree murder in the death of his pregnant girlfriend, Jade Benning, first-degree premeditated murder of her unborn child, and two counts of first-degree felony murder covering both victims [1]. Prosecutors alleged that Taylor intentionally administered a lethal dose of cocaine by lacing Benning's drink, a theory the jury accepted unanimously [2][3].
At trial, the state built its case around toxicological and circumstantial evidence establishing that Taylor caused Benning's death through deliberate poisoning [1][2]. The defense contested the charges throughout, and defense counsel Letitia Quinones-Hollins and Joshua Brand indicated after the verdict that they intend to appeal [3]. The jury returned its verdict without extended deliberation, convicting Taylor on every count charged [2].
Because the conviction includes a first-degree murder count, the jury recommended a life sentence [2]. Formal sentencing is scheduled before Judge Steve Dozier on September 9, 2026 [1][2]. Under Tennessee law, a life sentence carries a mandatory minimum before parole eligibility; the sentencing hearing will give both sides the opportunity to address the record before the court imposes its final judgment.
Defense counsel's announced intent to appeal sets the stage for post-conviction proceedings in which the sufficiency of the evidence and any preserved trial errors will be the likely focal points [3]. The case drew sustained national media coverage throughout trial, given Taylor's former role with the Titans and the prosecution's theory of deliberate poisoning of a pregnant victim [1][2][3].