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TN v. Blaise Taylor Case Details

A comprehensive overview of people, timeline details, and other relevant context.


Table of contents
  • The Deceased
The Deceased
Jade Tristan Benning (25)

Aspiring chef from Arkansas. Moved to Nashville ~2022. Lived alone then in 2-bedroom apartment. 5 months pregnant with Baby Ivy (girl). Very happy about pregnancy; doing all "right things" per OB. Close with stepmother Andrea Browning and father Dennis. Large restaurant friend group. Lifelong best friend: Nijaiha Jackson (since age 6). Prior pregnancy (details unknown).

Baby Ivy (unborn female child)

5 months gestation at time of incident. Due ~June 19, 2023. ME confirmed nothing wrong with baby, though possible defect in heart triggered further testing (scheduled after Jade's passing)

Defendant
Blaise Allen Taylor

Former Tennessee Titans pro scout. Met Jade on Hinge Jan 2022. Casual, non-exclusive relationship. Educated at University of Arkansas (graduated in 3 years with MBA). Father: college football coach Trooper Taylor. Mother: Evi Taylor. Younger sister: Star Taylor. Defense emphasizes he never drank or used drugs in his life. Initially reluctant about pregnancy.

Day 1 Witnesses (State Case-In-Chief)

#1 Marisol Baldwin — Nashville Fire advanced EMT
Responded to the apartment for the reported allergic reaction. Described Jade face-down on the bed, the scene, the decision to move treatment to the ambulance, and Taylor’s behavior while EMS worked.

#2 Andrea Browning — Jade’s stepmother
Testified about Jade’s pregnancy, family relationships, observed drinking or drug use, the hospital that night, Nijaiha’s demeanor, and concerns that Jade’s apartment was unsecured.

#3 Dr. Alison Mullaly — Jade’s OB-GYN
Covered Jade’s prenatal care, estimated conception and due date, normal genetic testing and pregnancy progression, and Jade’s consistent intention to continue the pregnancy.

#4 Keyaunte Jones — Nijaiha Jackson’s friend
Was briefly at Jade’s apartment shortly before the medical emergency. Described the food, pink drink, painting activity, Taylor’s behavior, the later three-way phone call, and what he could and could not understand Jade saying.

#5 Andrea Rose — Nashville Fire medic
Described the dispatch and EMS timeline, Jade’s condition when responders arrived, resuscitation and transport, and Taylor’s conduct. She agreed people react differently to emergencies and described Taylor as hysterical.

#6 Officer Jack Pfeiffer — Metro Nashville Police
Authenticated and discussed his hospital body-camera interview with Taylor. Taylor described date night, dinner, Jade becoming ill, calling his father, and calling 911. Pfeiffer said Taylor cooperated and identified Jade as his girlfriend.

#7 Officer Jarrod Kalinski — Metro Nashville Police
Described the hospital response, interviews with Taylor and Nijaiha, and body-camera footage. He testified that Taylor voluntarily answered questions and discussed Jade’s illness and pregnancy.

Day 2 Witnesses (State Case-In-Chief)

#8 Sgt. James Smith — Metro Nashville Police, formerly Domestic Violence Division
Responded to Vanderbilt, interviewed Nijaiha, Andrea Browning, and Taylor, and discussed the initial decision not to obtain a residential search warrant. His cross-examination focused heavily on the unsecured and potentially contaminated apartment and the later blood-draw warrant.

#9 Jennifer Barrett — Department of Emergency Communications records custodian
Authenticated the 911 recording and CAD records, explained how call information is entered, and established the timing of the emergency call.

#10 Dr. Michael Olushoga — Vanderbilt emergency-medicine physician
Explained Jade’s condition on arrival, cardiac arrest, resuscitation, severe anoxic brain injury, medical records, pregnancy-related treatment, specimen collection, and questions concerning fentanyl orders and administration.

#11 Lauren Weber — Jade’s friend and coworker
Testified about Jade’s personal life, pregnancy and future plans, briefly meeting Taylor before the incident, entering the apartment to retrieve Jade’s keys, the apartment’s smell and appearance, and her observations of Taylor at the hospital.

#12 Stephanie Franklin — longtime family friend
Knew Jade from early childhood. Traveled from Arkansas after Jade was hospitalized, photographed and recorded parts of the apartment, wore gloves, and removed the comforter containing apparent vomit for preservation.

#13 Nijaiha Deshae Jackson — Jade’s lifelong best friend
Testified extensively about Jade and Taylor’s relationship, Jade’s pregnancy, her visit to the apartment that evening, the pink drink, and the later call in which she says she heard Jade accuse Taylor of putting something in her drink. She also addressed taking possession of Jade’s phone and returning to the apartment, where items were moved or removed.

»»»»»»»OTHER:

Jack Pfeiffer was also recalled to address what Nijaiha said about entering or cleaning the apartment.

Day 3 Witnesses (State Case-In-Chief)

#14 Sgt. Colin Feeney — Metro Nashville Police
Helped execute the February 27 search warrant and clear the apartment. His body camera documented the entry. He saw and announced a handgun near the bedroom nightstand but did not participate in the later evidence collection.

#15 Jason Terry — retired Metro Nashville Police crime-scene investigator
Photographed the apartment and collected the requested glasses, liquids, bottles, comforter, and washcloth. Cross-examination focused on items that were not collected, the comforter being handed to him in the parking lot, and his dependence on homicide detectives to identify relevant evidence.

#16 Nicole Dowell — Metro Nashville Police drug-identification expert
Tested liquids, bottles, and drinking containers using presumptive and confirmatory methods. No controlled substances were found in the submitted drinking items. She did not test biological material.

#17 Detective Thomas “Tom” Miller — Metro Nashville Police digital forensics
Extracted and reviewed Jade’s iPhone. Presented texts, calls, photographs, social-media activity, location information, lock states, pregnancy materials, and the incident-night timeline. Cross-examination addressed the limited portion of the phone reviewed, selected search terms, omitted conversations, and drug-related messages.

Day 4 Witnesses (State Case-In-Chief)

#18 Dr. Erin Carney — forensic pathologist and interim chief medical examiner
Performed Jade’s autopsy. She concluded that the cause of death was acute cocaine toxicity and classified the manner as undetermined. She also testified about the preserved hospital blood, cocaine levels and metabolites, fetal findings, possible oral ingestion, and disputes involving fentanyl, cocaethylene, tube type, storage, and chain of custody.

#19 Dr. Kari Midthun — NMS Labs forensic toxicologist
First testified outside the jury’s presence about chain of custody and her independent re-review of earlier laboratory work. Before the jury, she discussed hospital blood, fetal liver, urine, the comforter and washcloth, dilution testing, cocaine findings, a slight fentanyl indication, laboratory controls, and reporting standards.

#20 Alex Krotulski — CFSRE forensic toxicologist
Discussed CFSRE testing of urine and blood, differing laboratory thresholds, cocaine and its metabolites, fentanyl and cocaethylene results, and why toxicology concentrations cannot establish the exact ingested dose.

#21 Detective Adam Reese — Metro Nashville Police homicide detective
Gave brief Day 4 testimony establishing his receipt and submission of the comforter. His primary testimony continued on Day 5.

#22 Amanda Sweet — Metro Nashville Police evidence/property witness
Testified about the sealed evidence kit, evidence handling, and the request to place a hold on evidence in the case.

Day 5 Witnesses (State Rests at End of Day)

##19 Dr. Midthun Testimony Continues

##21 Det. Reese is Recalled

#23 Mical Johnson — former Tennessee Titans scouting assistant
Worked closely with Taylor. Testified about his work habits and demeanor, his limited discussion of his personal life, comments about not being ready for fatherhood, attendance after the incident, and behavior through early March. Cross-examination established that she did not know how Taylor normally handled trauma and rarely discussed personal matters with him.

#24 Apple Dennie — Taylor’s former girlfriend
Testified about her own pregnancy and abortion while dating Taylor and an alleged later conversation concerning Xavier Winford’s pregnancy. She described how she became connected to Jade’s family and Detective Reese. Cross-examination emphasized that Taylor never put anything in anyone’s drink and that she was recalling conversations from years earlier.

#25 Bridgett Benning Burks — Jade’s mother
Testified about Jade’s childhood, pregnancy disclosure, plans for the baby, the decision to keep the pregnancy private, Jade’s upcoming birthday and baby-shower plans, their final messages, obtaining Jade’s phone, and trying to access the Blink camera.

Day 6 Witnesses (Defense Case-In-Chief)
Law-enforcement personnel mentioned but not called
  • Officer Lindsay Fish — Metro Nashville Police. Primary hospital officer and apparent reporting officer. Multiple witnesses described working through her, but she had not testified
  • Sgt. Chris Dickerson — homicide supervisor involved in arranging the apartment search.
  • Lt. Gibson — homicide lieutenant present for and involved in the February 27 entry.
  • Sgt. Josh Hargrave — assisted with the apartment clearance.
  • Officer Eric Ziggler — uniformed officer at the search.
  • Officer Philip Parker — uniformed officer at the search.
  • Detective Matthysse/Mathis — spelling uncertain — homicide detective seen in the apartment photographs.
  • Other unnamed Vanderbilt and Metro officers who were at the hospital or apartment but were not individually identified as witnesses
Medical and laboratory personnel mentioned but not called

Meaghan “Megan” Hessler — original NMS analyst
Toxicologist - Performed or reviewed original NMS testing later independently reviewed by Dr. Midthun. The State said she was unavailable during the trial week.

Dr. Pertowski/Pertoski — medical witness, spelling uncertain
Mentioned during scheduling as someone the State intended to call but not called before the State rested.

Paul Francois — Vanderbilt provider
Associated with an order for fentanyl after midnight.

Dr. Rebecca Bruccoleri — Vanderbilt toxicologist
Consulted about Jade’s toxicology, special testing, fentanyl, and medical records. She was repeatedly discussed as someone with direct knowledge but had not testified. Defense plans to call her.

The unidentified Vanderbilt employee who drew and labeled the 10:31 PM blood sample
A central person in the defense’s chain-of-custody argument. Neither Carney nor Midthun knew the person’s identity.

Unidentified Vanderbilt chemistry-lab and transport personnel
Handled the hospital blood before it reached the medical examiner’s office.

Original NMS bench analysts and technical reviewers
The litigation packet named several analysts involved in preparing, running, or reviewing tests. The transcript’s OCR renders some names uncertain, but includes names resembling Paulina Lapp, Kyle Miller, Amanda Cook, Rebecca Turner, and Tammy Welch, along with other analysts whose full names were unclear. None testified; Midthun instead performed an independent case-level review.


Other People (Just briefly mentioned so far - Spelling Might Be Off)

(I don't update this document in real-time so it's possible some of the people listed below may have recently been called.)

Arian Jordan
Connected Apple Dennie with Bridgett Benning Burks or Jade’s circle after hearing about Jade’s hospitalization and alleged poisoning. From Arkansas.

Ava Browning
Andrea Browning’s daughter and a close family member of Jade. Mentioned to explain the family relationship, not as an apparent fact witness to the incident.

Danny, referred to in the phone as “Danny Weed”
Drug contact whom Jade messaged on February 25 concerning marijuana for a coworker. Detective Reese acknowledged he did not interview or follow up with him.

Dez
Referenced as a former romantic interest and possible drug contact. Believed to be possible other father at one point (Nijaiha initially leaned toward him in paternity discussion); Possibly the hookup for certain drugs, based on texts from Nijaiha asking Jade to get mushrooms from Dez.

Jarius Porter
Exchanged messages with Jade on February 25 and afterward. His messages appeared in the phone timeline, but he was not called.

Lindsay Jones/Wallace
Stephanie Franklin’s daughter and one of Jade’s childhood friends. She was part of the Arkansas friend group but did not testify.

Natalie
Friend who entered apartment with Lauren Weber post-incident.

Renee and Walt — identities unclear
Names raised during Andrea Browning’s cross-examination as people Jade may have dated or known.

Dr. Sheila Pierce — psychologist or mental-health resource connected to the Titans
Mentioned during Mical Johnson’s cross-examination. The defense suggested Taylor met with her after the incident.

Trooper Taylor - Blaise Taylor’s father
Taylor called him shortly before calling 911. The father’s identity and account could relate to Taylor’s statements and demeanor, but he had not testified.

Xavier Winford — Taylor’s former romantic partner
Her relationship, alleged pregnancy, communications with Taylor, and continued contact with him were discussed through Apple Dennie, Mical Johnson, Detective Reese, and messages. She did not testify.


»»»OTHER

Jade’s unnamed coworker
The person for whom Jade allegedly contacted “Danny Weed” on February 25.

Jade’s unnamed aunt
Mentioned in text-message questioning involving gummies.

Unnamed Snapchat User

Lauren Weber’s brother and Jade’s uncle/co-owner of Ernest Bar & Hideaway
Mentioned to explain how Jade and Lauren met and worked together; neither was called.

Taylor’s mother (Evi)and sister, Jade’s biological father, and other family members
Referenced in relationship, pregnancy, hospital, or courtroom context, but not called during the State’s c


Opening Statements

01:12:22

YouTube

Opening Statements (Full) in the Blaise Taylor "Pregnant Girlfriend Poisoning" Trial

Opening Statements (Full) in the Taylor Blaise "Pregnant Girlfriend Poisoning" Trial Watch more: Full Trial Streams: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi4TKozlegSbOVFpcKbEeAOn2NPhtAr65 More Testimony Segments: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi4TKozlegSbUR8kppFhfPSos7qoon8UY

Pre-Incident Context (2016-2021)
December 2021

Jade moved from Arkansas to Nashville. (Estimate from Bridgett Benning Burks)

November 2016

Apple Dennie testified that she met Blaise Taylor while they were college students.

January 2017

Apple Dennie became pregnant and later chose an abortion; she testified Taylor attended the appointments.

Summer 2017

Dennie testified Taylor discussed Xavier Winford's pregnancy and abortion-related ideas.

OJP - NOT PART OF EVIDENCE - 2018-06-20

Messages dated June 20, 2018 were discussed during a Day 5 offer-of-proof/discovery dispute.

Pre-Incident Context (2022)
January 2022


Jade began her new job in Nashville as a chef.


Jade Benning and Blaise Allen Taylor match on Hinge. Begin casual, non-exclusive sexual relationship (both dating others). (Defense Opening)


August 2022

Jade and Blaise begin seeing each other after meeting through Hinge; the exact first-contact/first-date timing was described somewhat differently. State opening described Jade and Blaise's first dinner date at Stoney River in mid-August.


September 12 2022

First day of Jade's last menstrual period, according to the OB record discussed in court (Dr. Alison Mullaly Testimony)

September 26 2022

Approximate conception date calculated in testimony by adding two weeks to the recorded last menstrual period.(Dr. Alison Mullaly Testimony)

September 28 2022

9:45:35 AM Series of texts between Jade and Blaise begins. This is from phone extraction testimony.

6:52:01 PM (Later message in the September 28 thread) Jade: I want to come stay with you again tonight.

10:59:08 PM Blaise: Yes, that's fine. So, sorry. I definitely thought I had responded. Just was getting ready for bed and was like, “Dang, she hasn't responded back.” And it was me who didn't respond. [emoji]

11:04 PM Jade: LOL, it's all good. I'm finishing up at the gym. I'll come there in a minute.

11:10 PM Jade: On my way.

11:11:16 PM Blaise: Door is unlocked.

11:12 PM Jade heart-reacted to Blaise’s “door unlocked” message.

November 2 2022

Jade confirms pregnancy via home test. Discusses paternity with Nijaiha Jackson. Nijaiha initially believes it is more likely Dez (thought Jade was having sex with him more frequently). They debate who she was having sex with most. Jade ultimately lands on Blaise. (Nijaiha's Testimony, Defense Opening)

November 3 2022

Nijaiha accompanied Jade to an appointment where the pregnancy was confirmed. (Nijaiha's Testimony)

November 6, 2022

12:49:50 PM Jade messaged Nijaiha that Blaise was talking about the current situation.

12:50:06 PM Jade: I'm going to tell him today I'm not having the abortion so he can just get it out of his head.

12:51:01 PM Nijaiha: Like he had the opportunity to talk yesterday and didn't.

12:51:08 PM Nijaiha reacted with a laugh to Jade's message.

12:51:30 PM Nijaiha: LMAO get it out of his head because it's a wrap.

12:51:38 PM Jade: Literally and was being awkward trying to have other conversations to avoid.

12:51:46 PM Jade emphasized Nijaiha's 'it's a wrap' message.

12:51:53 PM Nijaiha: Because it's happening.

12:52:08 PM Nijaiha: Do you think my story should have a song or no?.

12:52:12 PM Jade: He's going to be like, “But why? It just makes no sense for us.” Like [expletive], shut it down.

12:52:43 PM Jade: Yeah, give it a little song.

12:52:49 PM Nijaiha: He most def is going to be on that.

1:10:44 PM Jade: It's all good though. It is what it is.

1:11:08 PM Jade: I told my dad yesterday.

1:11:05 PM Nijaiha: Oh, [expletive]. How'd that go?; (Miller comments the OCR/time order is internally awkward.)

1:12:14 PM Jade: It went really good. He cried. I've never seen him cry other than my grandma's sister's funeral.

1:12:24 PM Nijaiha: Cried?? [series of emojis]

1:12:29 PM Nijaiha: Stop, Dennis.

1:12:43 PM Jade: But he told me basically the same as my mom, that he would support me either way.

1:45:12 PM Jade: I'm about to talk to this [expletive].

1:45:32 PM Nijaiha: Like WTF.

1:45:36 PM Nijaiha: Let me know how it goes.

2:00:29 PM Nijaiha sent a photograph in the message thread.

~Jade sends a draft message "I think that we might as well cut off/cut the ties communication…" to Nijaiha - the two go back and forth as Nijaiaha edits versions.

4:38 PM Jade to Blaise: After multiple conversations, I think it may be best that we go ahead and cut the ties for communication between us. We can't keep opening and closing this door when I've made the decision I have. We will continue to run in circles of communication about the situation when we know we are not in agreement with the situation. You said how you felt and stated that moving forward you want no parts. So I will let it be just that. I will not involve you at any point. I will love this child unconditionally with or without you. I informed you that my appointment is on the 16th. So if your mind changes between now and then, the choice is yours to show up or not. So, with that being said, there's nothing left for me to say. Have a great rest of your day, Blaise.



Final Message is sent at 4:38PM

Jade created and edited a note with Nijaiha before sending a final message to Blaise. (Detectives initially characterized this as Blaise sending a final message to Jade, based on what Nijaiha told them)



Relevant Arguments:

Jade tells Blaise she is keeping the baby. He is not ready (they had known each other ~90 days; casual relationship). He suggests alternatives (per Defense) or gives ultimatum (per State). No further messages for a period. (State & Defense Openings)

November 16 2022

First OB appointment listed in Jade's calendar.

Jade's first OB ultrasound (Dr. Alison Mullaly).

At 2:13PM Video recorded inside the doctor's office showing an ultrasound.

At 2:59PM Video recorded of Jade leaving the appointment.

Pregnancy normal. Blaise not present. Name "Blaise Taylor" never mentioned in appointments. (Dr. Mullaly Testimony)

December 12 2022

Jade created or started the Pinterest board titled 'Baby Nursery Inspiration.'

December 28 2022

Second OB appointment listed in Jade's calendar.

4:26PM Jade texted Blaise: she would be off in about 30 or 45 minutes and would call when she left.

December 31, 2022

4:26:02 PM Jade Messages Blaise "“I’ll be off in about 30 or 45 minutes. I will call you when I leave.”

Miller said the message appeared to be responding to something even though no preceding call appeared in Jade’s ordinary call log. He then found a separate Jade–Nijaiha exchange showing that:

-Jade sent Nijaiha a screenshot of a missed call from Blaise.

-Nijaiha appeared surprised because Jade and Blaise had not spoken for a significant period.

-Jade appeared excited that Blaise was calling.

-A call could have occurred through a third-party application and therefore not appeared in the standard call log.


Pre-Incident Context (2023)
January–February 2023

They spend time together. Jade wants Blaise at appointments (e.g., gender reveal on Feb 2 – he doesn't attend due to work). Jade dating other men in December (sent naked photos to 3 men). Blaise dating others. (Defense Opening)

Jan 1

Blaise and Jade meet at a park (Jade's suggestion) for ~5 hours. Decide to get to know each other better for potential co-parenting (Blaise requests paternity test). (Defense Opening)



Jan 8

Jade and Blaise exchanged messages about her joining his work trips (she wants to go, he says that's unrealistic, the practical effect of new responsibilities, and how life would be different.


Text Convo Between Jade and Blaise (Read into record - some time stamps and context is missing)

1:06 PM

Jade: Tagging along for an adventure.

Blaise: Lol, okay.

Jade: That's if you want, of course. Lol.

Blaise: Got to still have a job first, and second, you probably ain't doing much traveling for a while anymore. When next season rolls around, I don't think you'll be able to make impromptu trips on the weekends considering you'll have other responsibilities. Not trying to be negative or nothing, but just being realistic. I mean, it would be great if you could, but it's unlikely.

1:25 PM

Jade: Lol, okay. Didn't mean to make it all serious, but yes, responsibilities will be different, but living life will still be happening as well, just living differently, and I understand the realistic thinking of it as well. It's a part of the big change.

Blaise: Yeah, especially for you.

Jade: Of course. Wasn't trying to go into a serious talk for us. Sorry.

Blaise: But we don't got to be super serious. I just didn't want to sell false dreams because, yeah, it would be great if you could come with on my work trips, but I just feel like it's not realistic from a financial or just feasible ability to randomly catch a flight and get away for the weekend.

Blaise: It's no big deal. I know you wasn't meaning it that way, but I just didn't want to be like, “Oh yeah, I'll bring you on the next one next year,” knowing that it's probably a lie.

Jade: Totally understandable, babes. It's not like it can never happen because I'm having a baby, but being realistic, it wouldn't be able to be on the fly. Planning out things will always be an option. Life doesn't just stop because though lol, we're still going to have one, just living different.

Blaise: I hear you, but you can't minimize how much things are going to change for you. You got to be realistic that things are about to be hella different for you and will change drastically. Your day-to-day life is not going to be the same. Yeah, life goes on, but it's forever altered and changed in a drastic way. I'm not saying it's over or anything, but it worries me sometimes when you downplay it and act like it's no big deal. And I know you always want to be super optimistic and stuff, but I feel like you need to be honest with yourself about the situation and know what's down the road for you.

Blaise: I just want to make sure you understand the gravity of the situation and you're preparing for those realities. That's all.

Jade: I'm not trying to minimize things and sometimes I can be super optimistic about things, which can be scary, but I do sit and process that there will be drastic life changes and prepare myself for the tough realities as much as I can that are to come. I'm not trying to make it seem like everything is going to be all peaches and cream. I'm hearing and understanding everything you are saying.

Blaise: Liked Jade's message beginning “I'm not trying to minimize things…”

Blaise: What time are you going to work?

Jade: Around three.


Jan 26

11:29 AM Jade texts Blaise: [Appointment photograph] Just reminding you that my appointment is next Thursday at 9:45. It shouldn't be longer than an hour.

12:01 PM Jade texts Blaise: Okay, hopefully you can make it. I'd love for you to be there when I find out the gender. You coming to [the appointment] is very important…

Feb 4


2:29:07 PM Text thread between Jade and Blaise as read into evidence.

Blaise: Hey, it's been good. Very productive actually, but it's all good as long as we on the same page moving forward. Everything is cool, but I appreciate it.or

Jade: That is good. Love to hear it and 100% will be.

Blaise: Loved Jade's “100% will be” message.



Feb 5

11:50 AM Text thread between Jade and Blaise as read into evidence.

Blaise: Hey, hope you're having a good day.

Jade: Thank you. Hope you are as well. Are you free in an hour?

Blaise: I'm at work. What's up? Everything okay?

Jade: Yep. All good. Was just going to come see you on my break.

Blaise: Oh, okay. What time is your break?

Jade: I'll go around 2:30 probably.

Blaise: Oh, okay. I won't be done by then, unfortunately.

Jade: Next Tuesday is Valentine's Day.

Blaise: Lol. I honestly don't really celebrate it. I just don't get it, for real. LOL.

Jade: Yeah, I get that. I mean, it's honestly just another day to me, just showing extra love. LOL.

Blaise: Lol, yeah, exactly. I never understood why people make it a big deal.

Jade: Well, he's still going to be my Valentine. [heart and crying emoji]


11:48 PM

Jade Texts Blaise: Sweet dreams though. About to try and go to sleep since I have to be up early for the appointment. [emoji]

Feb 6

Non-invasive prenatal blood test listed in Jade's calendar.

4:39 PM Jade took a series of kitchen photos that included pregnancy/sonogram material and the indoor camera.


2:27 PM Text messages between Jade and Blaise as read into the record

Jade: That's good. Making the day go by. [photograph]

Blaise: Yeah, I guess. LOL. Great spot.


2:36 PM: Text messages between Jade and Blaise as read into the record

Jade sends Blaise a photograph

Blaise Loved the photograph

Jade: Our second little date night spot, lol.

Blaise: [Several laughing emojis]

Jade: Lol, when you really liked me.

Blaise: Lol, not when you really liked me. You always forget you was the one that chose to end it.

Jade: Nah, I still really like you. Lol.

Blaise: The power was in your hands and you made the choice. Lmao.

Jade: Lmao. No, no, it wasn't my choice to leave. You just didn't like what I said. I'd be showing you I still do.

Blaise: Nah, I gave you two options and you made your choice. Don't try to rewrite the past. LOL. [laughing emojis] You ain't slick, lol.

Jade: Oh, I'm not rewriting. LOL. We not going to even start this though because we both go back and forth.

Blaise: 'Cause you don't want to admit what you did. It's cool though.

Jade: You gave me a crazy ultimatum, lol, and weren't really wanting to go my route either. We're here though and trying to build our relationship, lol.

Blaise: Lol, I wanted to try a relationship 'cause I thought you wanted that and liked me like I liked you.


6:30 PM Texts Continue

Blaise: Lol, true, true.

Jade: Lol, patiently waiting on our next date.

Blaise: You were supposed to make us breakfast, but was too tired.

Jade: Lmao, I thought you didn't want it since you had to be at work early.

Blaise: Uh-huh.

Jade: Well, this next Saturday morning, I'll make us breakfast, and we still need to plan an actual date night out with each other, lol.


7:09:36 PM: End of that message sequence



Feb 10

OB appointment with Dr. Allison Mullaly listed in Jade's calendar.


12:46 PM Jade texts Blaise: [emoji] Doctor appointment went good. Everything was normal, just waiting for the test to come back, which will be next week probably.


Feb 15

Jade created a pregnancy-progress selfie.

Week before Feb 25, 2023

Blaise out of town on work trip. Returns early Thursday. (State Opening)

Feb 20-22

Four shopping-cart videos showed baby-related items in Amazon, Old Navy, and another child-related site.

Feb 22
8:37 AM

The Blink application data began showing the camera as offline. (Miller explains this reflects what the app recorded; it does not by itself establish why the camera was offline.)

2:48:40 PM

A cached Blink profile image showing the camera view was created in the application database. (Miller cautioned that the cached image was not necessarily the camera's current view at that moment.)

Feb 23

Early Morning - Blaise returned from a work trip. (Opening Statements)

Jade visited Blaise briefly before he went to work and asked to see him that night. (Opening Statements)

10:35 AM Jade created a screenshot of her lock screen with a sonogram image as the background.



Feb 24, 2023

Jade and Blaise ate at Waffle House; she later wanted to see him again, but he did not return the message. Jade plans date night for Feb 25 (paint & sip + dinner; no alcohol because pregnant) (OPENING STATEMENTS)


BLAISE + XAVIER WINFORD CONVERSATION

From 10:31 PM through 10:50 PM. The testimony did not provide a separate timestamp for each message, only the beginning and ending times for the full exchange.


Blaise: “So, you should never doubt anything when it comes to us.”

Xavier: “I’m doing my best.”

Blaise: “I know. I’m trying to reassure you.”

Xavier: “Thank you for doing that.”

Blaise: “Of course.”

Blaise: “I’ll do anything to help you. That’s what I’m here for.”

Xavier: “I trust that’s true.”

Blaise: “Good. Do you trust us? Trust in us.”

Xavier: “Yes.”

Blaise: “Good. Then you have nothing to worry about. Everything is going to work out.”

Xavier: “I’m glad.”

Blaise: “Good. Me too.”

Blaise: “I love you and I need you to love me back and be in love with me.”

Xavier: “I love you too, and I will.”

Blaise: “Good. I just want us to be us and be happy together.”

Xavier: “Me too.”

Blaise loved/reacted to Xavier’s “Me too.”

Blaise: “We are going to be just fine. We just need to stick together.”

Xavier: “We will stick together. Don’t be walking off and stuff during conversation.”

Blaise then loved/reacted to Xavier’s reply, “We will stick together.”



NOTE: Detective Reese says Blaise and Xavier had an “extraordinary amount” of contact during January and February.


February 25, 2023 – The Incident (Precise Timeline)
12:26 PM

Jade texted Blaise: Also, will you be free around 7?

Blaise: Yeah, what do you want to do? What's going on?

Blaise: What should I wear?

Jade: Dress comfortably and come to the house around 7.

Blaise: Sure, I can do that.

4:05 PM

Jade's phone stored a parking-location artifact at Walmart as she was leaving work.

4:38 PM

Jade's phone stored a parking-location artifact showing arrival at her residence.

6:02 PM

Jade received a text from Jarius Porter. (Message not read aloud)

6:03 PM

Jade texts Blaise: Let me know when you head over.

6:07 PM

Jade texts Jarius that she was making Alfredo and Nijaiha might come over.

6:08 PM

Jade received a pregnancy email titled "Your pregnancy week 23 day five."

6:10 to 6:19 PM

Instagram conversation and photo exchange between Jade and Bridgett.

6:26 PM

Blaise texts Jade "okay."

6:43 PM

Jarius texts Jade. Content not read aloud.

6:44 PM

Three Snapchat messages were logged on Jade's account; contents were not recoverable/read aloud.

An unidentified Snapchat account messages Jade "I'm already [expletive] up."

6:48:26

Jade sends a dinner-setup photograph to the contact saved as “B.”

6:51 PM

Blaise texts Jade: On my way.

6:55 PM Approximate

Jade Loved/hearted Blaise's “On my way” message.

6:55 PM

Jade texts Jarius: I haven't had it in a minute too.

7:02 PM

Nijaiha texts Jade: He said he wants some pasta. [laughter/laughing emoji]

~7:00–7:30 pm

Blaise arrives at Jade's new 2-bedroom apartment. Nijaiha Jackson and Keyaunte Jones stop by briefly for chicken Alfredo (Jade cooked). Pink drink present. Selfies taken (kissing, laughing, joking). Blaise invites them to stay and play cards/UNO. They stay ~30 minutes. (State Opening / Keyaunte Jones Testimony)

7:07 PM

Jarius texts Jade. Content not read aloud.

7:23 PM

Braylen sends Jade an image message on Snapchat; its visual content was not described aloud.

7:24 PM

Jade texts Jarius: I just had to have it. [two emojis]

~8:03 pm

Nijaiha and Keyaunte leave. Positive texts exchanged ("That was a cute interaction"). (State Opening)

9:10 pm

Photo of painting progress ("love" painted for baby's nursery). (State Opening)

9:24–9:28 pm

12 selfies taken on Jade's phone (with Blaise; added words "believe," "beautiful," "hope" to painting). The 12th photo is later deleted. (State Opening / Digital Forensics)

9:29:27 pm

Jade calls Nijaiha. Nijaiha describes Jade's voice as "wavy," scared, not normal. Jade confronting Blaise: "What did you put in my drink? I knew my drink tasted funny… You did this because you didn't want the baby… What's in your hand? Show me." She repeats the accusations. Blaise responds "Nothing." Nijaiha brings Keyaunte into a 3-way call near the end. Call duration: 6 minutes and 9 seconds. (Nijaiha Testimony / State Opening)

~9:38 PM - 911 call

Blaise first calls his dad (~30 seconds), then calls 911. Reports "allergic reaction" / "something she ate." Does not mention that Jade is his girlfriend or that she is pregnant. (911 Call / State Opening)



09:08

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911 Call (Audio Enhanced) - Blaise Taylor Trial

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State argues Blaise gave an inconsistent statement to officers by describing Jade THREW up and then called 911, but during the 911 call he states Jade is THROWING up (Day 5 - Detective Reese Testimony)

9:40 PM First EMS Dispatch


9:41 PM

EMS unit was en route.

9:47:11 PM

Nijaiha calls Jade's phone; the call was answered while the phone remained locked and lasted about 2 minutes 12 seconds.

9:48 PM

EMS arrived at the scene.

9:50 PM - Andrea Rose (EMT) arrives at patient

EMTs arrive (Marisol Baldwin – driver, Andrea Rose – first medic). Jade found face-down on the bed (toward the end of the bed, not how one normally sleeps). Pink frothy liquid around her mouth and on the comforter. Scene deemed "unsafe" – Blaise frantic, in their working space, not following commands (tried to help lift her). Interfering but didn't touch EMS. No CPR performed inside the apartment. (EMT Testimony)

10:00 PM Ambulance Departs to Hospital

Nijaiha and Blaise go to Vanderbilt. Nijaiha tells medical staff and law enforcement what she heard on the call. Officers (Jack Pfeiffer, Jerrod Kalinsky, etc.) speak with both. Blaise is cooperative (bodycam recorded). He stays at the hospital the entire time. (Police Testimony)

**EMS gave Jade Narcan, but it's unclear when.

10:12 PM

Ambulance arrived at Vanderbilt, based on the 12-minute transport interval confirmed in testimony.

Unclear of when heart rate change occurred.

10:31 PM

Initial hospital blood specimens (clinical, not forensic) were collected.

10:59 PM

Clinical Urine specimen was collected.

~10:30-11:30 pm

Lauren Weber goes to the apartment, retrieved Jade's keys, blew out a candle, and locked the apartment before going to the hospital.

11:29

Photo of apartment - Defense attorney asked if it was important to get the time on the photo.

11


~11:30 pm Lauren Weber arrives at the hospital


~12AM Bodycam of Blaise, speaking with officer Pfeiffer



Aftermath (Feb 25 – March 2023)
Feb 26 at 0045

Fentanyl ordered by Dr Paul Francois

Feb 27, 2023

Unborn Baby Ivy dies. (State Opening)

March 6, 2023 (Jade's 25th birthday)

Jade is removed from life support and dies (significant brain injury from oxygen deprivation). (State Opening)

Toxicology

Extremely high cocaine levels (higher than the Medical Examiner's office had ever seen). Cocaethylene present (indicates cocaine and alcohol were consumed near-simultaneously). Pink vomit positive for large amount of cocaine. Fentanyl reportedly found. ME Dr. Aaron Carney could not rule the manner of death as homicide (ruled undetermined). (Defense Opening)

Dusk - Stephanie Patrick and the group of friends go to the apartment


Apartment

Friends (Lauren Webber and others) enter post-incident (candle burning noted by Step-Mom, but she thinks she heard that from NJ). Items removed and kept ~24 hours before turned over. Crime scene allegedly contaminated. (Defense Opening)

Investigation

Blaise cooperative at hospital. No immediate arrest.

Other Details – Toxicology, Laws, Disputes, Testimony, Legal
Toxicology (Cocaethylene Deep Dive)

Extremely high cocaine (highest seen). Pink frothy vomit positive for large cocaine. Cocaethylene = active metabolite formed only when cocaine + alcohol present together in liver (transesterification). Indicates near-simultaneous use. Longer-lasting/more potent in some studies. Defense: undermines secret dosing without Jade noticing; lab issues. Fentanyl reported. ME: undetermined manner.

Tennessee Abortion Laws (Nov 2022 – Feb 2023)

Trigger ban (Human Life Protection Act 2019) effective Aug 25, 2022 (near-total from fertilization). Very narrow medical emergency exception only. No rape/incest/fetal anomaly exceptions at time. Clarifying law April 2023 (after incident). Relevant to pregnancy decision/motive.

SEE ALSO - DAILY RECAPS WITH LEXY THE LAWNERD


Day 1 Opening Statements

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Lexi The Law Nerd on Twitter / X

#BlaiseTaylor - Trial Day 1 - OPENING STATEMENTS #PregnantGirlfriendPoisonedTrial pic.twitter.com/PrsE6V3M7B— Lexi The Law Nerd (@LexiTheLawNerd) June 24, 2026

Day 1 - Testimony

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Lexi The Law Nerd on Twitter / X

#BlaiseTaylor - Trial Day 1 - #PregnantGirlfriendPoisonedTrial pic.twitter.com/tzlEgVSpbw— Lexi The Law Nerd (@LexiTheLawNerd) June 24, 2026


Day 2 Part 1

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Lexi The Law Nerd on Twitter / X

#BlaiseTaylor - Trial Day 2 - PART 1 - #PregnantGirlfriendPoisonedTrial pic.twitter.com/wdfzfxOIFj— Lexi The Law Nerd (@LexiTheLawNerd) June 25, 2026

Day 2 Part 2

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Lexi The Law Nerd on Twitter / X

This is supposed to say DAY 2 of the #BlaiseTaylor Trial. It was a looooong day. My bad!! https://t.co/C3YLOnya4Z— Lexi The Law Nerd (@LexiTheLawNerd) June 25, 2026

Day 3

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Lexi The Law Nerd on Twitter / X

TN v Blaise Taylor - DAY 3 - #BlaiseTaylor #PregnantGirlfriendPoisonedTrial pic.twitter.com/6nQnMR1sGc— Lexi The Law Nerd (@LexiTheLawNerd) June 25, 2026

Segments

Timing of Urine Collection Corrected in NMS Report

Clips relating to contamination debate + Fentanyl/cocaethylene presence in apparent vomit sample from comforter

Clip relating to fentanyl presence on case control sample from non-stained area of comforter