New Jersey Man Allegedly Linked to Mom’s Rotting Body Found Stuffed in Abandoned Fridge
(gofundme)
A New Jersey man, Christopher Blevins, has been arrested following the discovery of his girlfriend’s decomposed body in a refrigerator dumped in Belleplain State Forest. The remains of 50-year-old Laura Hughes were identified through a public appeal that highlighted her distinctive tattoos. Her body was found days before Christmas, on December 22, 2024.
Blevins now faces charges of desecration of human remains and hindering apprehension in connection with Hughes’ death. According to authorities, the couple had a history of domestic violence, substance abuse, and alcohol-related problems. New Jersey State Police utilized Facebook to seek public assistance, sharing details about Hughes’ tattoos.
“The remains are believed to belong to a Caucasian or Hispanic female, approximately 5’1 tall,” their post read. “The individual had two tattoos: a koi fish tattoo on the upper right portion of her back and a rose tattoo on her left ribs, extending from her chest to her hip. Additionally, a distinctive yoga mat and necklace were recovered at the scene.”
The investigation revealed that Blevins transported the refrigerator containing Hughes’ body into the forest on July 24, 2024. Surveillance footage from license plate readers captured his green Dodge Ram pickup truck carrying a refrigerator-shaped object on two separate occasions. Blevins fled south through Texas and crossed into Mexico on August 2, 2024.
He surrendered to Mexican authorities on August 27, 2024, claiming he had “panicked” after a violent incident in New Jersey and admitted to possibly killing someone in a bar fight. Adding another layer of complexity, John Tyrrell, a 46-year-old man who discovered Hughes’ body while hiking, was also arrested.
Tyrrell was charged with obstruction and hindering offenses for allegedly refusing to provide access to his cellphone despite a court order. Authorities believe the phone may contain evidence related to the crime.
As of now, no one has been charged with causing Hughes’ death, but the investigation continues. A GoFundMe page created for Hughes revealed she was the mother of two daughters, aged 13 and 18.
The fundraiser aims to cover cremation costs and plant a memorial tree, with the remaining funds supporting her daughters’ education. “This unimaginable loss has left [the] daughters facing a difficult journey filled with grief and uncertainty,” the page reads.
The case has drawn attention to issues of domestic violence, justice, and the lasting impact on Hughes’ surviving family.
