NASHVILLE, Tennessee — Former Arkansas State football player Blaise Taylor has been charged with two counts of first degree murder in connection to the poisoning deaths of his pregnant girlfriend and her 5-month-old fetus.
The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department announced that Taylor was arrested this week by Deputy United States Marshals this week following months of investigation.
Taylor's girlfriend, Jade Benning, died while at Vanderbilt University Medical Center on March 6, 2023, the day of her 25th birthday.
Authorities said that Benning was originally taken by ambulance and rushed to the hospital on Feb. 25, 2023 after Taylor called 911. During the call, Taylor requested for the help of paramedics. He said that Benning "appeared to be having an allergic reaction," according to authorities.
While at the hospital, Benning's condition quickly worsened before turning critical, with her fetus dying just days later on Feb. 27, 2023. Police said that Benning was unable to be interviewed prior to her death on March 6.
Months later, detectives worked with doctors and scientists, which led to the murder indictment against Taylor, who is alleged "to have poisoned Benning without her knowledge" as he visited her apartment on Feb. 25.
According to reports, Deputy United States Marshals arrested 27-year-old Taylor in Utah, where authorities said that he moved following the deaths of his girlfriend and her fetus.
Later, Benning's family released a statement in regards to Taylor's arrest — the statement thanked authorities for their "unwavering commitment and dedication" in working the case, but also urged the public to refrain from speculation.
"We, the family of Jade Benning and her unborn daughter Ivy, wish to address the recent apprehension and arrest of the suspect in their tragic murder last year. The past twelve months have been an incredibly emotional and trying time for our family as we grappled with the loss of Jade and Ivy," Benning's mother said in a statement. "As we continue to mourn the loss of Jade and Ivy, we kindly request that our privacy be respected during this sensitive time. While we understand the public interest in this case, we urge all parties to refrain from speculation and allow the legal proceedings to unfold in accordance with due process."
Nashville police said that they will be working with Utah authorities to arrange Taylor's return back to Nashville.