Former Tennessee Titans scout Blaise Taylor has been convicted of murder.
Taylor, 30, is facing a potential sentence of life in prison for allegedly poisoning 24-year-old Jade Benning, who was five months pregnant with a child authorities say Taylor fathered, with a lethal dose of cocaine in 2023. The former scout faced four total counts of murder – two for first-degree murder and two for felony murder – in the trial.
In total, Taylor’s trial lasted eight days after beginning on Tuesday, June 23. After both sides delivered their closing arguments on July 1, the jury deliberated for just under three hours before delivering their verdict.
The jury returned a guilty verdict on all counts.
Prosecutors alleged that Taylor gave Benning a drink laced with cocaine in February 2023, then called 911 and claimed she was suffering an allergic reaction. The defense argued that Benning had a history of drug use and was using drugs and alcohol during her pregnancy.
During the trial, jurors heard from many witnesses, including Benning’s stepmother, one of her coworkers, one of Taylor’s coworkers and medical experts including a forensic toxicologist. The jury ultimately reached a unanimous guilty verdict.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Former Titans scout Blaise Taylor guilty of murdering pregnant woman with cocaine
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