American Monster is investigating the murder of Christina “Christy” Blankenship, who was gunned down by her own husband, Kevin Blankenship, at their home in Baker City, Oregon.
On August 26, 2010, 38-year-old Christy was murdered by Kevin, likely because she was planning to leave him.
When the cops arrived, Kevin pretended to be grief-stricken. He concocted a story about how he had accidentally discharged his rifle while cleaning the weapon.
However, Kevin’s brother, Darrin Blankenship, later told investigators that the killer had telephoned him after the murder and admitted he’d killed Christy because she wanted a divorce.
Kevin and his legal team then tried to plead not guilty due to mental illness. His attorney, Dan Cronin, told a judge that he believed his client was suffering from delusions.
The killer was evaluated by a psychiatrist and was deemed mentally fit and capable of assisting with his defense.
Kevin Blankenship admitted to purposefully killing Christy Blankenship
In January 2011, Kevin decided it was pointless to continue claiming his innocence, so he changed his plea to guilty. The 41-year-old was sentenced to a minimum of 25 years and a maximum of life.
Watch the Latest on our YouTube ChannelKevin is currently incarcerated at the Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution in Pendleton, Oregon.
Christy had spent most of her life in Springfield, OR, and had graduated from the Springfield College of Beauty. She was employed as a stylist.
More from American Monster on ID
Follow the links to read about more murders profiled on American Monster.
In a case with some similarities to the one above, Kurt Bird initially called the police, claiming his wife Laurie Bursey had committed suicide at their home in Champlin, Minnesota. However, when the cops arrived, they found clear evidence that her death was made to look like a suicide. Bird then claimed the gun had accidentally gone off, but investigators didn’t believe him.
Marcus Garvin was a violent and abusive thug who stabbed his long-term sweetheart, Christie Holt, over 50 times in the motel room where they lived in Indianapolis, Indiana. Garvin was caught after he was spotted dragging his girlfriend’s decomposing remains out of the motel on a bed sheet.
Carla Hughes was having a sexual affair with her school teacher colleague, Keyon Pittman, but unfortunately, Pittman was already engaged to be married to Avis Banks. This led to Hughes deciding to kill Banks by shooting and stabbing her at her home in Ridgeland, Mississippi.
American Monster airs Sundays at 9/8c on Investigation Discovery.