New Jersey Man Charged With Murder After Girlfriend's Body Found in Refrigerator

Authorities in New Jersey have charged 45-year-old Christopher Blevins with the murder of his girlfriend, Laura Hughes, after her remains were discovered hidden in a refrigerator in Belleplain State Forest. Hughes, a 50-year-old mother of two, was reported to have been murdered around July 2024, after which Blevins allegedly disposed of her body in the forest and fled to Mexico.

Police apprehended Blevins following an unrelated incident on January 13, when San Diego police officers arrested him for setting an illegal fire on Ocean Beach. He is currently awaiting extradition back to New Jersey, where he faces several charges, including first-degree murder, second-degree desecration of human remains, and third-degree hindering apprehension.

Investigators found Hughes' body in December 2024 concealed within a refrigerator that was wrapped in a sleeping bag, further secured by blue ratchet straps, and covered by carpet. Police noted that this indicated a clear intent to conceal the body. Due to the condition of Hughes' remains, officers initially relied on computer-generated images of her tattoos to confirm her identity.

Following an investigation at the apartment shared by the couple, officers discovered additional evidence such as blue ratchet straps and a firearm. There were also reports of ongoing domestic abuse and substance-related issues involving the couple.

Records indicate that Blevins had previously fled to Mexico, staying there for weeks before voluntarily turning himself in to authorities in Mexico City on August 27. During his confession, Blevins mentioned involvement in a violent altercation in Runnemede, New Jersey, saying he "panicked" afterwards and implied he might have killed someone in a bar fight. However, after handing himself in, his whereabouts were unknown until his January arrest on the San Diego beach.

Laura Hughes is survived by two teenage daughters, aged 13 and 18, from a previous relationship. Authorities expressed hope that the charges against Blevins bring at least some comfort to Hughes' family and loved ones. Colonel Patrick J. Callahan of the New Jersey State Police emphasized the importance of inter-agency cooperation in achieving justice for victims and their families.