Ex-college football star Blaise Taylor is arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder, accused of ‘poisoning his girlfriend and their unborn child’ before she died on her 25th birthday

Former college football star and current Texas A&M employee Blaise Taylor has been arrested by U.S. Marshals on two counts of first-degree murder.

Taylor was charged Thursday night in connection with the alleged poisoning of his then-girlfriend, Jade Benning, and her five-month-old fetus in Nashville, Tennessee.

On February 25, 2023, Taylor allegedly called 911 and reported that Benning was having an allergic reaction.

Benning’s fetus, who Taylor allegedly fathered, died two days later on February 27. Benning himself died on March 6.

After months of investigation by police, scientists and the coroner, local authorities determined that Benning had been ‘poisoned without her knowledge’ after Taylor visited her home.

Taylor started four years as a defensive back and returner at Arkansas State, where he set the school’s all-time record for punt return yards.

During his time at Arkansas State, he was a team captain and a first-team All-Sun Belt selection.

Taylor later worked as a scout for the Tennessee Titans, who play their home games at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium.

Prior to joining the staff at Texas A&M, Taylor served as a defensive analyst at Utah State in 2023.

Texas A&M running backs coach Trooper Taylor is Blaise’s father.

Blaise has been suspended pending the investigation.

Meanwhile, Aggies head coach Mike Elko released a statement Friday.

“Our thoughts go out to all those affected by this heartbreaking situation, including the victim’s family and friends,” Elko said in the statement.

“It is important to allow the courts to deal with this situation with the care and fairness it requires. We would also like to extend our prayers and support to Coach Trooper Taylor, Dr. Evelyn Taylor and their family as they navigate this extremely difficult time.’