A New Jersey man has been sentenced to nearly two decades in prison after admitting he strangled his girlfriend and later hid her body in a refrigerator before abandoning it in a state forest. The case shocked the community and left the victim’s family dealing with a painful loss that continues to affect them deeply.
Man Sentenced in Girlfriend’s Killing
Christopher Blevins, 46, was sentenced on Friday to 17 years in prison after pleading guilty to first-degree aggravated manslaughter. The charge is connected to the death of his 50-year-old girlfriend, Laura Hughes.
Blevins originally faced a first-degree murder charge, but prosecutors agreed to drop that charge as part of a plea deal reached in October. With the plea agreement, Blevins accepted responsibility for Hughes’ death and avoided a trial.
Victim’s Family Speaks About Lasting Impact
Laura Hughes leaves behind two children who are now forced to cope with the loss of their mother.
During the court proceedings, the children’s father, Cornel Alston, spoke about the emotional toll the tragedy has taken on the family.
Their youngest daughter, who is 14 years old, described herself as a “secondary victim of a homicide.” Alston told the court that the impact of the crime will follow the children for the rest of their lives.
He said that while prison time cannot bring Hughes back, he believes Blevins should never be free again.
Alston also shared his fear that one day his children could encounter the man responsible for their mother’s death after he is released from prison.
Defendant Apologizes in Court
During sentencing, Blevins apologised to the victim’s family for the suffering he caused.
He told the court that he did not intend to kill Hughes and said he wished he had handled the situation differently.
According to courtroom reports, Blevins said he regrets the events that led to Hughes’ death and believes he should have simply left the situation instead of allowing it to escalate.
Body Found in State Forest
Authorities discovered Hughes’ remains on December 22, 2024, in Belleplain State Forest in New Jersey.
The discovery came after an investigation that began months earlier. At the time, police initially released a description of the unidentified remains.
Investigators described the victim as:
- Approximately 5 feet 1 inch tall
- Possibly Caucasian or Hispanic
- Having a koi fish tattoo on the upper right shoulder blade
- Having a rose tattoo running along the left ribs
Police also recovered several items at the scene, including a distinctive yoga mat and a necklace that helped investigators identify the victim.
History of Domestic Violence
According to investigators, the relationship between Blevins and Hughes had a history of problems.
Authorities reported that the couple had previously experienced issues involving domestic violence, drug use, and alcohol abuse.
These factors became part of the investigation as detectives worked to understand the events leading up to Hughes’ death.
Suspect Fled the United States
After the killing, Blevins reportedly left New Jersey and traveled south through Texas before crossing the border into Mexico on August 2, 2024.
Authorities later said that he eventually turned himself in to Mexican law enforcement on August 27, 2024.
After his arrest, Blevins reportedly told investigators that he fled because he panicked after being involved in a violent incident in New Jersey. He also allegedly claimed he believed he might have killed someone during a bar fight.
Investigation Linked Truck and Refrigerator
Investigators say evidence tied Blevins to the disposal of Hughes’ body.
According to a probable cause affidavit, authorities believe Blevins transported Hughes’ remains inside a refrigerator and dumped it in the forest on July 24, 2024.
Police obtained images from license plate readers showing Blevins driving his green Dodge Ram pickup truck while carrying what investigators described as a refrigerator-shaped object.
Officials say the truck was exclusively used by Blevins and was later recorded crossing into Mexico when he fled the country.
Community Support for Victim’s Daughters
Following Hughes’ death, supporters created a GoFundMe page to help her two daughters during the difficult time.
The fundraiser aimed to help cover:
- Cremation expenses
- A memorial tree planted in Hughes’ honour
- Educational support and school needs for her daughters
Organisers said the girls are now facing a future filled with grief and uncertainty after losing their mother.
