On Thursday, Utah authorities apprehended a former collegiate football player accused of murdering his pregnant girlfriend in Tennessee. The U.S. Marshals Service arrested 27-year-old Blaise A. Taylor after a Nashville grand jury indicted him on two murder counts, according to Nashville police.
Taylor, son of Texas A&M associate head coach Trooper Taylor, joined the College Station staff recently.
Police stated 25-year-old Jade Benning died at Vanderbilt University Medical Center on March 6, 2023. Police claimed Taylor contacted 911 after Benning had an allergic reaction while hospitalized since Feb. 25.
Homicide detectives alleged Taylor "poisoned Benning without her knowledge while visiting her Lebanon Pike apartment on" Feb. 25.
The police statement said Benning and her 5-month-old fetus, "which Taylor is alleged to have fathered," perished.Taylor moved to Utah after Benning died. Taylor was an Arkansas State defensive back and kick returner for four years. He returned four punts and one kickoff for scores throughout his academically successful college career.
Taylor received a 2017 National Football Foundation National Scholar-Athlete Award for earning his bachelor's and master's degrees in four years. A Utah State representative stated he was a defensive analyst from July 1 last year until March 1 of this year, when he left for Texas A&M.
"I can confirm Mr. Taylor has been placed on suspension pending an investigation," said Texas A&M.On Friday, it wasn't apparent if Taylor had hired or been assigned a defense attorney.
“Our thoughts are with all those affected by this heartbreaking situation, including the family and friends of the victim,” Texas A&M football head coach Mike Elko said Friday night. “It's crucial to let the courts handle this situation fairly and diligently.” "We also pray and support Coach Trooper Taylor, Dr. Evelyn Taylor, and their family during this difficult time," Elko said.
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