In a chilling case that has shocked New Jersey, authorities have charged Christopher Blevins, 45, with first-degree murder in the death of his girlfriend, Laura Hughes, 50. Hughes’ remains were discovered inside a refrigerator abandoned in Belleplain State Forest in Cape May County late last year.
Blevins, a resident of Runnemede, was arrested in San Diego, California, on January 13 and formally charged in Camden County on January 29. While in custody, he allegedly confessed to strangling Hughes inside their apartment, according to an affidavit from New Jersey State Police.
The case took a disturbing turn when investigators revealed that Blevins had evaded capture for months. After allegedly killing Hughes in July 2024, he was seen transporting the refrigerator in a pickup truck through Long Beach Township and Sea Isle City. Officials believe he abandoned it in the remote forest around July 24.
Blevins fled to Mexico in early August, crossing the border at Brownsville, Texas. Later that month, he surrendered to Mexican authorities, admitting to involvement in a “violent incident” in New Jersey. However, since no U.S. charges had been filed at the time, he was not detained. He returned to the U.S. in September, living in Delaware before making his way to California.
Hughes’ body was identified in late December after police released images of her distinctive tattoos and a yoga mat found at the scene. Authorities also discovered blue ratchet straps matching those found in the couple’s apartment, along with a calendar marking off days leading up to July 24, the suspected date of her death.
Cornel Alston, the father of Hughes’ two daughters, expressed relief at Blevins’ capture. “We’re glad that he’s in custody,” Alston said. “We’re glad that’s moving forward and obtaining justice for her death.”
A separate arrest was made in December when a 46-year-old man from North Cape May was charged with hindering the investigation. He admitted to taking items from the refrigerator while hiking and later discovering Hughes’ body but refused to cooperate with police.
Blevins remains in custody in California and will be extradited to New Jersey to face justice.
