A seemingly routine beach fire investigation in Ocean Beach last month led to the arrest and extradition of a New Jersey man now charged with first-degree murder.
San Diego Police Department officers from the Western Division Beach Team approached two men tending an illegal bonfire early one morning. The men were attempting to conceal alcohol and extinguish the flames with sand, according to an SDPD Instagram post. During the encounter, officers identified one of the men as Christopher Blevins, 45, of New Jersey, and discovered he had an outstanding criminal warrant.
Further investigation revealed Blevins was wanted in connection with the death of his 50-year-old girlfriend, Laura Hughes of Runnemede, New Jersey. Hughes’ body was found dumped in a refrigerator in Belleplain State Forest on December 22, 2024.
Prior to the identification of the body, authorities released images of tattoos and personal items found with the remains. Investigators later determined the deceased was Hughes and identified Blevins as a suspect.
According to prosecutors, Blevins and Hughes had a history of domestic violence, as well as drug and alcohol abuse. A search of their apartment yielded a gun, blue ratchet straps, and a calendar with markings indicating a timeline of events. License plate reader footage showed Blevins driving his green Dodge Ram with a large, covered white object in the truck bed. The object, later determined to be the refrigerator, was wrapped in a sleeping bag, secured with ratchet straps, and covered with a carpet.
Investigators believe Blevins fled to Mexico, crossing the border on August 2nd. He reportedly turned himself in to police in Mexico City on August 27th, allegedly admitting to a “violent incident” in Runnemede.
The timeline of Blevins’ whereabouts between his time in Mexico and his discovery in Ocean Beach remains unclear. San Diego police contacted the New Jersey State Police on January 13th, and Blevins was subsequently extradited.
On January 29, 2025, Blevins was charged with first-degree murder in Camden County, New Jersey. Prosecutors announced the charge on February 5th.
“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 Col. Patrick J. Callahan, superintendent of the New Jersey State Police.
One of the men with Blevins at the Ocean Beach bonfire was arrested on drug charges after police recognized him. The second man, who provided a fake ID, was also taken into custody.
