Body of Vietnam Veteran Hidden in Closet for Months in Alleged Benefits Scam

A 72-year-old Vietnam War veteran, whose remains were concealed in a closet for eight months, is set to receive a dignified burial. 

Prosecutors have accused his cousin of hiding the death so he could engage in financial fraud. Michael S. Blankenship passed away in 2024 due to an undisclosed illness at his residence in Fairfield, New Jersey. Instead of notifying officials about his passing, authorities allege that his cousin, Steven Blankenship, concealed the body in plastic and hid it in a closet. Subsequently, he began to claim the deceased Marine’s benefits and accumulated credit card debt using his identity.

Last week, Steven Blankenship faced indictment on multiple charges, which include second-degree desecration of human remains, third-degree theft by deception, fraudulent use of a credit card, and fourth-degree evidence tampering. 

In April 2025, authorities made a shocking find during a wellness check at Michael's home in a trailer park. Authorities detected a potent smell indicative of decay, which resulted in the finding of his remains hidden within a closet.

A handwritten note discovered at the scene reveals that Steven left his cousin's body unattended for two days before concealing it. 

Officials claim he took advantage of the circumstances for monetary benefit, amassing more than $10,000 in veterans' benefits and utilizing the deceased's credit card for multiple transactions over an extended period.

Michael Blankenship, a Virginia native born on July 9, 1952, had been a long-time resident of Fairfield Township. He served with distinction in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and was discharged in 1970. Following his service, he took on the role of a forklift operator, a position he held until his retirement due to disability in 2001.

Conflicting accounts indicate his date of death as either July 27, 2024—according to the note—or April 14, 2025, the day authorities found his remains. The obituary from Freitag Funeral Home states that several cousins and friends survive him.

His funeral is set for Monday, July 28, where he will be laid to rest with full military honors alongside his mother, at last obtaining the recognition and dignity that eluded him in life.