Boyfriend charged in death of woman found in refrigerator in forest, NJ officials say
A New Jersey man was apprehended on the opposite side of the country after prosecutors said he killed his girlfriend, whose body was found in a refrigerator in a New Jersey state forest more than a month ago.
Christopher Blevins, 45, of Runnemede, is charged with first-degree murder in the death of 50-year-old Laura Hughes, also of Runnemede, the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office in New Jersey said in a Feb. 5 news release.
Authorities learned on Jan. 13 that Blevins was arrested in San Diego, California, where he was detained, according to the prosecutor’s office.
Information regarding his legal representation wasn’t immediately available.
“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,” New Jersey State Police Superintendent Col. Patrick J. Callahan said in a statement about Hughes’ loved ones.
On Dec. 22, Hughes’ remains were located inside a refrigerator in New Jersey’s Belleplain State Forest in Cape May County, officials said. The forest is located about a 65-mile drive southeast from Philadelphia.
A man made the discovery, finding the refrigerator wrapped in a sleeping bag, which was held in place with blue straps, according to court documents, WPVI-TV reported. A carpet reportedly covered the fridge.
Nearly two weeks later, Blevins was charged Jan. 3 with second-degree desecration of human remains and third-degree hindering apprehension after a law enforcement investigation, according to officials.
The man who found Hughes’ body was charged with obstruction because police said he wouldn’t provide access to his phone, according to WPVI-TV.
It didn’t take long for Blevins to become a suspect in the case, police said, according to WPVI-TV.
In August, Blevins’ truck was seen hauling what appeared to be a refrigerator, according to police, WCAU reported. Afterward, he fled to Mexico, police learned.
The Camden County Prosecutor’s Office didn’t specify when Hughes died, or how authorities believe she was killed.
Before Blevins was arrested in San Diego, he turned himself in to authorities in Mexico City, Mexico, according to WCAU.
He told police officers he “may have killed someone in a bar fight,” the outlet reported.
He’s to be extradited from San Diego to New Jersey, officials said.
Runnemede, where Blevins is from, is about a 55-mile drive northwest from the state forest where Hughes’ remains were discovered.
This story was originally published February 5, 2025 at 4:08 PM with the headline "Boyfriend charged in death of woman found in refrigerator in forest, NJ officials say."
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