Body Found in Belleplain Forrest: Gloucester City Man Arrested in Connection with Death of Woman
Gloucester City Man Arrested in Connection with Death of Woman
Friday, January 10, 2025
William E. Cleary Sr. | CNBNews
Suspect Christopher Blevins, 45, of Gloucester City Captured in Mexico
GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ (CNBNEWS) (January 10, 2025) – Authorities in New Jersey have charged a man from Gloucester City in connection with a tragic and disturbing case involving the discovery of a woman's body. The remains were found on December 22, 2024, in the secluded Belleplain State Forest, located near Dennis Township in Cape May County. Multiple sources have identified the accused as Christopher Blevins, 45, a resident of Gloucester City, who now faces serious charges, including the desecration of human remains and hindering law enforcement.
The victim, Laura Hughes, was reportedly in a relationship with Blevins. The investigation into her death has revealed unsettling details. Law enforcement utilized two distinct tattoos on Hughes, alongside a coin and a yoga mat located near the scene where her body was found inside a refrigerator, to confirm her identity.
A criminal complaint filed by State Police outlines further evidence linking Blevins to this case. Blue ratchet straps, discovered attached to the refrigerator, matched straps in the residence he shared with Hughes. In addition to this, police recovered a firearm and a calendar from the apartment, oddly marked with “Xs” on each date leading up to July 24, 2024, suggesting a timeline of ominous events.
Investigators believe that Blevins transported the refrigerator containing Hughes's body to the forest around July 24. As of now, no charges have been filed against anyone for her murder, raising concerns over the circumstances of her death.
Blevins's flight from justice was closely monitored by law enforcement. After leaving New Jersey, he crossed the border into Mexico on August 2, specifically at Brownsville, Texas. He voluntarily surrendered to Mexican authorities on August 27, according to an affidavit of probable cause filed on Friday.
During his surrender, Blevins disclosed to Mexican authorities that he had been involved in a "violent incident" in Camden County, NJ, and expressed panic following the event, which prompted him to evade capture. The layers of this case continue to unfold, revealing a troubling narrative of relationships gone awry and the desperate actions that ensued.
AGoFundMe started on Tuesday says Laura Hughes was the mother of two daughters, ages 18 and 13.