A Nashville date night on February 25, 2023, ended with professional chef Jade Benning unresponsive at her apartment. Former Tennessee Titans assistant scout Blaise Taylor was subsequently convicted in connection with the deaths of Benning and their unborn child, drawing national attention as the case reached a television special.
On the night of Feb. 25, 2023, outside Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee, Blaise Taylor answered police questions about an evening that shifted abruptly from dinner plans to a medical emergency. Blaise Taylor told police bodycam officers that he and Jade Benning were together having a quiet date night when she suddenly fell ill.
A Date Night That Turned Fatal at a Nashville Apartment
Jade Benning, a 24-year-old professional chef, had planned a special evening at her apartment, moving from Little Rock to Nashville to pursue her career. She intended to cook dinner and paint pictures for the bedroom of her expected child.
As the evening progressed, however, the mood shifted. According to accounts, Jade began shaking and showing alarming symptoms. After a brief conversation lasting approximately 30 seconds with his father, a college football coach, Taylor called 911. Emergency medical responders found Jade unconscious and without a pulse, lying face down on her bed before transporting her to the hospital.
Friend Recalls Victim Asking About Her Drink
The investigation turned significantly on a telephone conversation Jade held with her childhood friend, Nijaiha Jackson, while the medical crisis unfolded. Nijaiha Jackson testified that Jade sounded frightened and questioned Taylor about something in her drink during the call.
Nijaiha Jackson recounted that Jade Benning asked, What did you put in my drink?
and told Blaise Taylor, Blaise, you're scaring me.
Jackson reported that Jade’s voice faded at the end and then, the call was disconnected. Jackson subsequently contacted Jade’s mother, Bridget Benning Burks, and rushed to the apartment. Jackson shared what she had heard with law enforcement officers and medical personnel.
Prosecutors Argue Defendant Poisoned the Victim
Following her admission to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Jade remained hospitalized. Prosecutors stated Taylor poisoned Benning’s drink with a fatal dose of cocaine.
In June 2026, the case went to trial before Davidson County prosecutors Jan Norman, Roger Moore, and Kendall Ponchillia. Defense attorney Letitia Quinones-Hollins argued during the proceedings that nobody wanted to victim-blame, but they were there to determine whether a drug overdose was accidental or intentional. Throughout the seven-day trial, the defense pointed to Jade’s history, asserting that she was the only person between the two with experience and a connection to drugs.
In closing arguments, prosecutor Jan Norman reminded the jury of the final words captured by the victim’s friend.
Jury Finds Defendant Guilty of Murder Charges
Following the trial, a jury convicted Taylor on charges of first-degree murder and felony murder. A judge later ordered Taylor, 30, to serve two consecutive life sentences.
The case gained broader public attention through investigative television reporting. CBS featured the case on its 48 Hours program in an episode titled Jade Benning's Final Call,
incorporating interviews with Jackson, both of Benning’s parents (Dennis Browning and Bridget Benning Burks), and Taylor’s mother (Evi Taylor) and sister (Starr Taylor).
