James Blanchfield, a 32-year-old white male from New Castle, Delaware, was tragically killed on June 24, 1987, in what authorities described as a love-triangle murder. The incident occurred at 28 Prosperity Road in the DuRoss Heights neighborhood. According to police testimony, James was shot while sleeping by his younger brother, Thomas H. Blanchfield, then 19 years old.
The weapon used was a 20-gauge shotgun, and Thomas reportedly fired two rounds into James's head before disposing of the firearm in the Christina River.
The motive behind the killing stemmed from a volatile romantic entanglement involving Brenda L. Hults, a 21-year-old woman who had previously been in a relationship with James Blanchfield. Detective Philip J. Young testified that Hults had suffered repeated abuse from James and had since become romantically involved with Thomas. After James refused to end his relationship with Hults, the trio allegedly conspired to kill him. Planning for the murder reportedly began earlier that year.
Three individuals were implicated in the crime. Thomas H. Blanchfield was charged with first-degree murder, possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony, and second-degree conspiracy. He was held on $10 million bail. Brenda L. Hults pleaded guilty to first-degree criminal solicitation, and her second-degree conspiracy charge was dropped. She remained free under $30,000 bail. The third suspect, Robert Blest, 18 years old at the time, was charged as an accomplice to first-degree murder, weapon possession, and conspiracy. He accepted a plea deal, pleading guilty to conspiracy while the other charges were dropped. Blest's bail was reduced from $10 million to $100,000.
The case drew attention for its disturbing familial betrayal and the emotional volatility surrounding the relationships involved. James Blanchfield's death marked a tragic end to a deeply troubled dynamic, and the legal proceedings that followed revealed a complex web of manipulation, violence, and resentment.
