New Jersey man charged after his girlfriend was found dead in refrigerator in forest

RUNNEMEDE, N.J. (TCN) — Officials have charged a 45-year-old man on suspicion of killing his 50-year-old girlfriend, who was found deceased in a wooded area late last year.

According to the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, on Dec. 22, 2024, the remains of Laura Hughes were found in a refrigerator in the Belleplain State Forest in Cape May County. Hughes’ body was wrapped in a sleeping bag secured with blue ratchet straps and covered with carpet, court documents reviewed by WPVI-TV say. Prosecutors did not say how she died.

The victim’s boyfriend, Christopher Blevins, was initially charged on Jan. 3 with second-degree desecration of human remains and third-degree hindering apprehension. Investigators searched Blevins’ apartment and reportedly discovered blue straps, a gun, and other pieces of evidence.

According to WPVI, police used a license plate reader and observed Belvins’ green Dodge Ram transporting a “refrigerator-shaped object” two separate days in July 2024. He allegedly fled the country afterward.

On Jan. 13, New Jersey State Police detectives learned Blevins had been arrested in San Diego. Prosecutors announced that on Jan. 29, he was charged with first-degree murder in connection with Hughes’ death. He remains held in the San Diego County Jail on a fugitive hold but will be extradited back to New Jersey.

According to WPVI, another individual, John Tyrrell faces a charge of obstruction in the case because he wouldn’t turn over his cell phone. Tyrrell allegedly found Hughes’ body.

Hughes was reportedly a mother to two daughters, ages 18 and 13.

Colonel Patrick Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, said, “While nothing can ever undo the pain of this tragic loss, we hope this outcome brings some measure of peace to her family and all who cared for her. This case is a powerful reminder that no challenge is too great when agencies unite with a shared mission—to stand for victims and their families, ensuring their voices are never forgotten.”

Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey Sutherland added, “The successful resolution of this case is a testament to the unwavering dedication and cooperation of all the investigative detectives involved.”

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