Blaise Taylor, a once-celebrated college football star, has been charged with two-counts of first-degree murder.

The former Arkansas State cornerback, now employed as an analyst at Texas A&M is the son of the school’s associate head coach, Trooper Taylor. 

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After his college career Taylor worked for four years as a scout for the Tennessee Titans from 2019 to '23. He was a senior defensive analyst at Utah State for the 2023 season before being hired to join Mike Elko's staff at Texas A&M this month.

Wednesday’s indictment came from a Nashville grand jury for the poisoning deaths of his girlfriend, Jade Benning and her five-month-old fetus, “which Taylor is alleged to have fathered,” a release from the Nashville Police Department said.

Taylor, 28 was arrested in Utah by United States marshals on Thursday after a grand jury in Nashville returned an indictment against him. Taylor remains incarcerated without bail pending extradition to Tennessee.

Blaise Taylor Indictment

Jade Benning, 25, was the chef at Earnest Bar and Hideaway in Nashville.

Her autopsy report says she was poisoned with cocaine. It also says she was having dinner with Taylor and another friend that night. After the friend left, she called her saying her legs were numb and she was vomiting.

 According to reports from the Nashville Police Department, Taylor is alleged to have poisoned Benning during a visit to her apartment on the night of February 25, 2023. She died one week later on March 6.

The investigation that followed involved law enforcement officials, forensic scientists, and medical examiners. 

With news of the arrest Taylor was placed on suspension from his new job at A&M pending the outcome of the investigation. 

The repercussions of Blaise Taylor's arrest have shaken up the sports world where he and his father, Trooper Taylor are well-known.

Trooper has over three decades of coaching experience, including stints at prominent programs like Auburn during its 2010 BCS National Championship run.

Texas A&M head football coach Mike Elko said in a statement released by the university.

“Our thoughts are with all those affected by this heartbreaking situation, including the family and friends of the victim. 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.”