This is the Day 5 of 8 trial report of the murder trial of Blaise Taylor, accused of poisoning his pregnant love interest killing her and her unborn child which he pled not guilty. A jury of his peers convicted him of all counts!
Case Report
Factual background:
Taylor visited Benning at her Nashville apartment. Late that night, he placed a 911 call reporting that Benning was unresponsive and appeared to be suffering from a severe “allergic reaction.” First responders found Benning face-down and critical, showing signs of severe lack of oxygen and pink, frothy vomit, but no hives or swelling consistent with allergies. On February 27, 2023, While Benning was hospitalized and intubated at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, her unborn fetus died. After lingering in a vegetative state for days, Benning died on March 6 2023, her 25th birthday. Following a year-long investigation into cell phone data and toxicology reports, Taylor was arrested in Utah and extradited back to Tennessee to face double murder charges.
Criminal complaint:
CHARGES:
1. 1st Degree Premeditated Murder for the unborn child Ivy – Guilty – decided on 1st July 2026
2. 2nd degree murder as a lesser included offense for Jade Benning – Guilty – decided on 1st July 2026
3. Felony murder – two counts – Guilty – decided on 1st July 2026
Victim(s): Jade Benning, Ivy Benning
Courthouse: Davidson County Birch Building, Nashville Tennessee.
Officers of the court
Judge:
Attorneys
Prosecution:
ADA Roger Moore
ADA Jan Norman
ADA Kendall Ponchilia
Defence:
Joshua Brand
Letitia Quinones-Hollins
Edward Jointer
Legend:
ADA = Assistant District Attorney
TN v. Blaise Taylor – Day 5 Trial Summary
On Day 5 of proceedings (June 27, 2026), the prosecution officially rested its case in TN v. Blaise Taylor after presenting toxicological clarifications, workplace and ex-partner testimony, text message evidence, and victim background. Forensic Toxicologist Kari Midthun concluded her testimony by confirming that fentanyl detected in Jade Benning’s system originated from hospital treatment and verifying that comforter samples tested were vomitus. Workplace colleague Michal Johnson and former girlfriend Apple Denie provided pattern-of-behavior testimony, revealing Taylor’s total secrecy regarding the pregnancy at work and a past history of giving pregnant partners strict ultimatums to undergo abortions. Lead Detective Adam Reese returned to introduce critical text logs showing Taylor’s relationship ultimatums to Benning, his ongoing romantic assurances to another partner (Xavier Winford) immediately prior to the incident, and context explaining Benning’s marijuana text messages. Finally, Benning’s mother, Bridget Burks, gave emotional testimony establishing Benning’s lack of allergies, Taylor’s demand to keep the pregnancy secret, the suspicious repositioning of Benning’s indoor security camera, and the heartbreaking decision to remove Benning from life support on her 25th birthday.
Witness-by-Witness Summaries
Michal Johnson – Scouting Assistant, Tennessee Titans
Key summaries (Click arrow for more)
Connection to the case
A coworker who worked alongside the defendant at the Tennessee Titans.
Summary Of Testimony
Johnson testified that during their time working together, Taylor never mentioned having a girlfriend, never mentioned Jade Benning, and never disclosed that he was expecting a child. She stated that the only person Taylor ever mentioned to her was Xavier Winford.
Key evidence introduced!
- Nothing Of Note.
Detective Adam Reese – Lead Homicide Detective
Key summaries (Click arrow for more)
Connection to the case
Lead homicide detective overseeing the criminal investigation into Jade Benning’s death.
Summary Of Testimony
Detective Reese explained that a dried drinking glass at the scene was not collected because it appeared washed and put aside to dry. He testified that Benning’s texts to “Danny Weed” indicated she was facilitating marijuana purchases for friends/coworkers rather than personal hard drug use. Reese introduced text messages showing Taylor giving Benning a “crazy ultimatum” over the pregnancy while sending affectionate, reassuring texts to Xavier Winford—whom Taylor was with when arrested in Utah. On cross-examination, Reese confirmed he found no cocaine-related evidence on Taylor’s iCloud.
Key evidence introduced!
- Nothing Of Note.
Apple Denie – Defendant’s Former Girlfriend
Key summaries (Click arrow for more)
Connection to the case
Former girlfriend who dated the defendant in college starting in 2017.
Summary Of Testimony
Denie testified that she previously became pregnant while dating Taylor and had an abortion with his accompaniment. She disclosed that when Taylor got Xavier Winford pregnant in summer 2017, he freaked out and gave Winford an ultimatum that he would have nothing to do with her if she kept the baby, prompting Denie to assist in scheduling Winford’s abortion. On cross-examination, she confirmed that neither she nor Taylor had ever dealt cocaine or fentanyl or spiked anyone’s drink.
Key evidence introduced!
- Nothing Of Note.
Full report below!
Sources:
LIVE: Pregnant Girlfriend Poisoned Trial — TN v. Blaise Taylor — Day 5, Law & Crime Trials Youtube Channel, Available Online: https://www.youtube.com/live/xVHwGtpCfqg?si=aTwkAJQa2lc3xBtM
