A New Jersey man, Christopher Blevins, 45, was arrested and charged with the murder of 50-year-old Laura Hughes. Blevins, who was arrested on Jan 13 in California, was charged with first-degree murder and is currently awaiting extradition back to New Jersey.
“While nothing can ever undo the pain of this tragic loss, we hope this outcome brings some measure of peace to her family and all who cared for her,” said New Jersey State Police Superintendent Col. Patrick J. Callahan, according to The Sacramento Bee.
On Dec. 22, Hughes’ body was reportedly found by John Tyrrell before authorities responded to a forest area of Dennis Township, southeast of Philadelphia. They discovered the victim’s remains in a refrigerator that was wrapped in a sleeping bag with blue ratchet straps and covered with carpet.
During the investigation, authorities discovered the victim was Blevins’ girlfriend, and during a search of his residence, similar blue straps used to secure the refrigerator, a gun, and other evidence were found. In addition, authorities used a license plate reader to capture records of the defendant’s green Dodge Ram transporting a "refrigerator-shaped object" within two days in July.
The motive for the killing still remains unclear, and the investigation is still active.
Tyrell was later charged with obstruction of justice after he refused to give investigators his phone.
Blevins is also charged with disturbing and desecrating human remains and hindering apprehension in connection with the investigation.
If anyone has information regarding the case, contact the New Jersey State Police.
Leave a Reply