Steven M. Blankenship entered a guilty plea on October 9 regarding the death of his cousin, Michael S. Blankenship, whose body was discovered hidden inside a mobile home closet. The 59-year-old Fairfield Township resident admitted to charges of desecrating human remains and theft by deception, as reported by NJ.com.
This plea comes after a complex investigation into the death of the 72-year-old Marine Corps veteran, who had lived in the same trailer at Evergreen Estates for over 40 years. The legal fallout for Steven Blankenship includes a recommended 10-year prison sentence. He is also required to pay approximately $15,000 in restitution to the state Department of Labor. His sentencing is set for December 11.
This development follows his decision to reject a previous plea offer that would have resulted in a 12-year prison term. A grand jury initially indicted him in July 2025 on charges that also included fraudulent use of a credit card and tampering with evidence.
The situation came to light in April 2025 when New Jersey State Police troopers arrived at the trailer to conduct a well-being check
After receiving no response, the officers noted a strong odor that they identified as consistent with decomposition. They forced entry into the trailer and discovered the body of Michael Blankenship wrapped in three layers of plastic inside a rear bedroom closet. The condition of the closet was notable because the doorknob had been removed and the door itself was sealed shut with electrical tape.
Investigators later recovered a handwritten note inside the home that provided a grim timeline of events. The note indicated that Michael Blankenship died on July 27, 2024, from “dementia-related causes.” It further explained that Steven Blankenship left the body on the floor for two days before moving it into the closet. The note also stated that the defendant continued to pay bills using his cousin’s income, citing his own physical and financial decline as the reason for his actions.
Beyond the state benefits, prosecutors alleged that Steven Blankenship used his deceased cousin’s credit card to access cash and make various purchases. A witness told police that Steven Blankenship had a history of impersonating his cousin to gain money and avoid contact with law enforcement.
During the October 9 hearing, the defendant confirmed he acted as his cousin’s caretaker and admitted to the illicit collection of benefits that continued for more than eight months following the death.
Michael Blankenship served in the Marine Corps and received an honorable discharge in 1970. He later worked as a forklift operator until he retired with a disability in 2001. Following the conclusion of the investigation, he was buried with full military honors in 2025.
Published: Oct 29, 2026 05:00 am