NJ Man Charged After Woman’s Body Found in Refrigerator

A South Jersey man is facing charges after a woman’s body was discovered in a refrigerator in Cape May County, authorities said. Christopher Blevins, 45, of Gloucester City, has been charged with disturbing and desecrating human remains and hindering apprehension in connection with the investigation.

The victim, identified as 50-year-old Laura Hughes of Runnemede, was found on December 22 in Dennis Township. Her body was wrapped in a sleeping bag, secured with blue ratchet straps, and covered with carpet inside the refrigerator. Authorities described the discovery as “clear evidence of an effort to hide remains.”

Blevins, who was in a relationship with Hughes, allegedly fled to Mexico on August 2, crossing the border through Brownsville, Texas, in a green Dodge Ram. He surrendered to authorities in Mexico City on August 27, 2024, and reportedly admitted to being involved in a “violent incident” in Runnemede. He also suggested he may have “killed someone in a bar fight.”

During a search of Blevins’ apartment, police allegedly found blue straps, a firearm, and a calendar marked with “Xs” leading up to July 24, 2024. License plate readers captured his truck transporting a “refrigerator-shaped object” on two separate days in late July. The refrigerator was later discovered in Belleplain State Forest.

John Tyrrell, who found the body while hiking, has been charged with obstruction for refusing to turn over his cell phone to investigators. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support Hughes’ two daughters, aged 18 and 13, and cover funeral expenses.

The cause of Hughes’ death remains undetermined, and no murder charges have been filed. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to contact New Jersey State Police.