Death of Laura Hughes, New Jersey: Christopher Blevins charged after girl’s body found in refrigerator in Belleplain State Forest

DENNIS TWP., N.J. — A New Jersey man is facing charges after a woman’s body was found in a refrigerator in the woods along the Jersey shore.

(The video in the player above is from a previous story.)

Christopher Blevins, 45, of Gloucester City, identified as the victim’s boyfriend, was charged with disorderly conduct, desecration of human remains and hindering apprehension in connection with the investigation.

No murder charges were brought in the case.

Police on Thursday identified the victim as Laura Hughes, 50, of Runnemede.

According to court documents, her body was found in a cooler wrapped in a sleeping bag, secured with blue ratchet straps and covered with a carpet in Belleplain State Forest in Cape May County.

“Clear evidence of an attempt to conceal the remains,” authorities said in the criminal complaint.

The discovery was made Dec. 22 in Dennis Township when authorities say John Tyrrell allegedly found a body in the woods. He was charged with obstruction of justice after authorities said he refused to surrender his cellphone.

Police were quickly able to identify Blevins as a possible suspect. During a search of his apartment, authorities allegedly found blue belts, weapons and other evidence.

A license plate reader also reportedly captured his green Dodge Ram carrying a “refrigerator-shaped object” in late July on two separate days before authorities said he fled the United States.

“The green pickup truck was found to be operated solely 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 said he voluntarily surrendered to authorities in Mexico on Aug. 27, 2024.

Authorities say he told police during questioning that he was involved in a “violent incident” in Runnemede, New Jersey, and then “panicked.” He then allegedly told police he might have “killed someone in a bar fight.”

Hughes’ cause of death has not yet been determined.

According to GoFundMe, Hughes left behind two daughters, ages 18 and 13. The fund was set up to help cover funeral costs and provide support for the daughters.

It is still unclear where Blevins is being held.

The investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact New Jersey State Police.