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Chef's Cocaine Death: Partner Convicted of Murder
1 Nov
Summary
- Jade Benning died from acute cocaine toxicity, tragically taking her unborn child.
- Her partner, Blaise Taylor, was found guilty of murder in both deaths.
- Blaise Taylor received two consecutive life sentences and an additional 22 years.
The 48 Hours episode "Jade Benning's Final Call" detailed the tragic death of 24-year-old chef Jade Benning and her unborn child on March 6, 2023, due to acute cocaine toxicity.
On February 25, 2023, Jade experienced severe symptoms after a date night with her partner, Blaise Taylor. She alerted her best friend, Nijaiah Jackson, during a phone call, expressing concerns about her drink and a loss of feeling in her legs.
Paramedics found Jade unresponsive and transported her to the hospital, where tests revealed extremely high cocaine levels. Her unborn daughter, Ivy, passed away two days later, and Jade remained on life support.
Blaise Taylor was arrested on March 14, 2024, in Utah. He was charged with the murders of Jade and her unborn child.
Following a nine-day trial, Taylor was convicted of murder in both cases in July. He was subsequently sentenced on September 9, 2026, to two consecutive life sentences and an additional 22 years, with no possibility of release.
Nijaiah Jackson's testimony about Jade's final distressed phone call was crucial to the investigation and trial, providing key details about the events leading up to the emergency response.
