Trooper Taylor’s son charged with double murder, poisoning pregnant girlfriend

Former Auburn assistant coach Trooper Taylor’s son was arrested Thursday night on two charges of first-degree murder.

According to Nashville Police, Blaise A. Taylor, who was named an analyst earlier this month at Texas A&M where his father is currently the running backs coach, has been indicted for the deaths of his girlfriend and her unborn child. U.S. marshals arrested Blaise Taylor, 27, on Thursday night in Utah.

Per the police report, Blaise Taylor poisoned his girlfriend, Jade Benning, who was five months pregnant at the time. Police believe Blaise Taylor is the father of the 5-month-old fetus.

On Feb. 25, 2023, Benning was sent to the Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville after experiencing what Blaise Taylor called an “allergic reaction.” The unborn child died two days later, while Benning died on March 6.

“Our thoughts are with all those affected by this heartbreaking situation, including the family and friends of the victim,” Texas A&M coach Mike Elko said in a released statement. “It’s essential to allow the courts to handle this situation with the diligence and fairness it demands.

“We also would like to extend our prayers and support to coach Trooper Taylor, Dr. Evelyn Taylor and their family as they navigate this extremely difficult time.”

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Blaise Taylor moved to Utah after the deaths. The MNPD will be working with Utah authorities to arrange for Taylor’s return to Nashville. At the time of Benning’s death, he worked in the NFL’s Tennessee Titans’ scouting department, but left that position soon after.

Blaise Taylor was a four-year starter at Arkansas State 2014-17, where Trooper Taylor coached defensive backs at the time. He later was hired as a defensive graduate assistant at Duke under David Cutcliffe in 2018-19, before leaving to join the Titans.

Trooper Taylor was formerly an assistant coach at Auburn from January 2009 until December 2012 where he served as assistant head coach and wide receivers coach under former head coach Gene Chizik.

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.