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New Jersey man hides Marine veteran's body to steal benefits
Steven M. Blankenship, 59, has pleaded guilty to charges including desecrating human remains, theft by deception, and tampering with evidence after concealing the death of his cousin, Michael S. Blankenship, for eight months.
Michael Blankenship, a 72-year-old Marine Corps veteran, died of dementia-related causes in July 2024. Steven, who served as his cousin's caretaker, allegedly wrapped the body in three layers of plastic and stashed it in a bedroom closet in a Fairfield Township mobile home. To prevent discovery, he removed the closet doorknob and sealed the door with tape.
During the period the body was concealed, Steven continued to impersonate the veteran to collect government benefits and used the deceased man's credit card for personal purchases. The deception was uncovered in April 2025 when New Jersey State Police conducted a wellness check and discovered the remains following a strong odor of decomposition. Steven faces a recommended 10-year prison sentence.
Entities
Bridgeton · Cumberland County · Evergreen Estates · Fairfield Township · Michael S. Blankenship · NJ State Police · New Jersey State Police · Steven M. Blankenship
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The body was found wrapped in three layers of plastic. wfpg.com · 1057thehawk.com · wpst.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Michael S. Blankenship died in July 2024. wfpg.com · 1057thehawk.com · wpst.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Steven M. Blankenship was indicted for second-degree desecrating human remains. wfpg.com · 1057thehawk.com · wpst.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Steven Blankenship hid Michael S. Blankenship's body in a closet for eight months. wfpg.com · 1057thehawk.com · wpst.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Steven Blankenship admitted to illegally collecting his cousin's benefits. wfpg.com · 1057thehawk.com · wpst.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Steven Blankenship used his cousin's credit card after his death. wfpg.com · 1057thehawk.com · wpst.com