Tragic Discovery in New Jersey Woods: Man Pleads Guilty to Aggravated Manslaughter After Girlfriend's Body is Found in Fridge
A shocking and disturbing case has unfolded in New Jersey, where a man has pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter after his girlfriend's body was found inside a refrigerator in a state forest. Christopher Blevins, 46, faced first-degree murder charges for the killing of Laura Hughes, 50, whose remains were discovered wrapped in a sleeping bag and bound with blue ratchet straps in Belleplain State Forest last December.
According to authorities, Hughes' body was identified through distinctive tattoos, as well as a yoga mat and necklace found at the scene. Blevins had initially faced charges after a hiker stumbled upon her remains shortly before Christmas. However, he later entered a guilty plea on the lesser charge of aggravated manslaughter, which carries a sentence of 17 years in state prison.
Investigations revealed that Blevins had fled to Mexico and was eventually arrested after turning himself into authorities. During his arrest, he claimed to have been involved in a bar fight in Runnemede, but investigators also found evidence linking him to the crime scene, including a gun inside his apartment. Local authorities had previously placed his pickup truck near the forest where Hughes' body was dumped.
Tragically, Blevins and Hughes had a history of domestic abuse, which ultimately led to her tragic demise. Hughes is survived by two teenage daughters who will undoubtedly be forever affected by this senseless crime.
A sentencing hearing for Blevins is scheduled for December 5, as the community grapples with the devastating consequences of his actions. The case serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers of domestic abuse and the importance of seeking help when needed.
A shocking and disturbing case has unfolded in New Jersey, where a man has pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter after his girlfriend's body was found inside a refrigerator in a state forest. Christopher Blevins, 46, faced first-degree murder charges for the killing of Laura Hughes, 50, whose remains were discovered wrapped in a sleeping bag and bound with blue ratchet straps in Belleplain State Forest last December.
According to authorities, Hughes' body was identified through distinctive tattoos, as well as a yoga mat and necklace found at the scene. Blevins had initially faced charges after a hiker stumbled upon her remains shortly before Christmas. However, he later entered a guilty plea on the lesser charge of aggravated manslaughter, which carries a sentence of 17 years in state prison.
Investigations revealed that Blevins had fled to Mexico and was eventually arrested after turning himself into authorities. During his arrest, he claimed to have been involved in a bar fight in Runnemede, but investigators also found evidence linking him to the crime scene, including a gun inside his apartment. Local authorities had previously placed his pickup truck near the forest where Hughes' body was dumped.
Tragically, Blevins and Hughes had a history of domestic abuse, which ultimately led to her tragic demise. Hughes is survived by two teenage daughters who will undoubtedly be forever affected by this senseless crime.
A sentencing hearing for Blevins is scheduled for December 5, as the community grapples with the devastating consequences of his actions. The case serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers of domestic abuse and the importance of seeking help when needed.
It's like Blevins thought he was above the law or something, all while making a break for Mexico. I mean, what's next? Does he get to just waltz back into society after serving 17 years for taking his girlfriend's life over some domestic abuse issues? 
It just doesn't sit right with me.
. It just doesn't seem fair to me...
The fact that they had a history of domestic abuse makes it even more devastating - can you imagine how scared and trapped Laura must've felt? 
17 years is a good sentence, I guess, but I feel bad for the girls who'll be dealing with this loss forever 
. Maybe we can use this as an opportunity to raise awareness about domestic abuse and encourage people to seek help if they need it 
17 years is still way too long for someone who murdered their partner in cold blood, i hope the community comes together to support them as much as possible 
Man, this is just so depressing. I mean, I know it's not like we're living in the 90s or anything, but there's something about seeing these modern cases that makes me feel like we've made no progress at all. Like, what happened to Laura? She was young and had her whole life ahead of her... and now she's just a memory wrapped up in plastic and rubber bands 
. And what's even more disturbing is that he had a history of domestic abuse with Laura... it's just so heartbreaking 
i cant even imagine what laura's family is going through right now 
its just devastating to think that anyone can be involved in domestic abuse & still live to enjoy life like normal 
we gotta make sure to support the ones who need it most & also raise awareness about domestic abuse so people know how to help 
a 17 yr sentence seems lenient tho 
her daughters are so young 
they dont deserve to lose their mom like that 
17 yrs isnt enuf 
. Its also crazy how he thought he could just leave the country 
and escape punishment 
anyway 
. Anyway, hoping the sentencing goes well for justice to be served 
. And the fact that he fled to Mexico for a while before turning himself in is just mind-boggling 
.
i don't think anyone should get away with stuff like that, not even if they plead guilty... 17 yrs in prison might seem like a lot, but honestly it doesn't feel like enough for someone who took someone's life.