- May 21, 2026
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The murder case against former Titans scout Blaise Taylor continues.
On Tuesday, Taylor decided not to testify in his own defense.
It's not a surprising decision. Most criminal defendants choose not to waive the Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. Doing so opens the door for an aggressive cross-examination that could help the prosecution more easily prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
As a practical matter, it's a no-win situation for the defendant. Even though the judge tells the jury not to hold the decision not to testify against the defendant, it's hard for many jurors to not conclude that, if the defendant was innocent, the defendant would get on the witness stand and say so.
Taylor allegedly poisoned his pregnant girlfriend by lacing pink lemonade with a lethal amount of cocaine. Both Jade Benning and her child died.
The case, now in its seventh day, is moving toward a conclusion. Closing arguments will precede the jury's deliberations.
Taylor, who worked for the Titans from 2021 through 2023, faces life in prison without the possibility of parole.
On Tuesday, Taylor decided not to testify in his own defense.
It's not a surprising decision. Most criminal defendants choose not to waive the Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. Doing so opens the door for an aggressive cross-examination that could help the prosecution more easily prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
As a practical matter, it's a no-win situation for the defendant. Even though the judge tells the jury not to hold the decision not to testify against the defendant, it's hard for many jurors to not conclude that, if the defendant was innocent, the defendant would get on the witness stand and say so.
Taylor allegedly poisoned his pregnant girlfriend by lacing pink lemonade with a lethal amount of cocaine. Both Jade Benning and her child died.
The case, now in its seventh day, is moving toward a conclusion. Closing arguments will precede the jury's deliberations.
Taylor, who worked for the Titans from 2021 through 2023, faces life in prison without the possibility of parole.