A New Jersey man concealed his military veteran cousin’s body in a closet and continued living in the deceased man’s mobile home for more than eight months, prosecutors say, allegedly using the arrangement to collect his relative’s benefits.
Steven M. Blankenship, 59, pleaded guilty to hiding the remains of his older cousin, 72-year-old former Marine Michael S. Blankenship, and taking his state benefits while staying at the veteran’s trailer in Fairfield Township, according to NJ.com.
Steven had served as Michael’s caretaker. During an Oct. 9 court hearing, he acknowledged that he failed to report his cousin’s death so payments and other checks would continue arriving — money he then allegedly used for himself, the outlet reported.
Investigators accuse him of defrauding the state of thousands of dollars.
The alleged scheme came to light in April 2025, when authorities conducted a wellness check at Michael’s mobile home in Evergreen Estates, court records show.
New Jersey State Police said troopers detected an odor “consistent with decomposition” as they approached the residence, according to court documents.
After entering the trailer and tracing the overwhelming smell, officers found the veteran’s remains inside.
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Michael’s body had been wrapped in three layers of plastic and placed in a bedroom closet. Investigators said the closet door, which had no knob, was sealed with duct tape.
Police also found a note inside the mobile home that they believe had been written by Steven.
According to investigators, the note said Michael had died from “dementia-related causes” on July 27, 2024. It also indicated that the writer had been using Michael’s credit card and income to pay for purchases, citing the writer’s own declining health, police said.
A grand jury indicted Steven in July 2025 on charges including theft and desecration of human remains.
He initially turned down a plea agreement that called for a 12-year prison term. After entering his guilty plea, he agreed to a 10-year sentence.
Steven must also pay $15,000 in restitution to the New Jersey Department of Labor.
He is scheduled to return to court for sentencing on Dec. 11.
Michael, who left military service in 1970, was laid to rest in 2025 with full military honors.
