DENNIS TWP., N.J. — A New Jersey man is facing charges after a woman’s body was found in a refrigerator in a forest along the Jersey shore.
(The video in the player above is from previous coverage.)
Charged with disturbing and desecrating human remains and hindering apprehension in connection with the investigation is Christopher Blevins, aged 45, from Gloucester City, identified as the victim’s boyfriend.
No murder charges have been filed in the case.
On Thursday, police identified the victim as 50-year-old Laura Hughes, of Runnemede.
The court documents indicate that her body, wrapped in a sleeping bag, secured with blue ratchet straps, and covered with carpet, was found in a refrigerator in the Belleplain State Forest in Cape May County.
“Clear evidence of an effort to hide remains,” authorities stated in the criminal complaint.
John Tyrrell reportedly discovered the body on December 22 in Dennis Township in the woods. He faces charges of obstruction in the case for allegedly withholding his cell phone from authorities.
Police were able to quickly identify Blevins as a possible suspect. During a search of his apartment, authorities allegedly found blue straps, a gun and other evidence.
A license plate reader also reportedly captured his green Dodge Ram transporting a “refrigerator-shaped object” on two separate days in late July before authorities say he fled the United States.
“It was established that the green pickup was solely operated by Blevins,” the criminal complaint states.
Court documents say Blevins fled to Mexico, crossing the border through Brownsville, Texas, on August 2, in the same green Dodge Ram. He stayed there for weeks before investigators say he voluntarily surrendered to authorities in Mexico City on August 27, 2024.
During the interview, authorities say he told police that he was involved in a “violent incident” in Runnemede, NJ and that he “panicked” afterward. He then allegedly told police that he may have “killed someone in a bar fight.”
The cause of Hughes’ death has not yet been determined.
According to a GoFundMe, Hughes leaves behind two daughters ages 18 and 13. The fund was created to help with funeral expenses and support the daughters.
It’s still unclear where Blevins is being held.
The investigation is still underway. Anyone with information on the case is asked to call New Jersey State Police.
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