Newport, NC – A 61-year-old man from North Carolina has been arrested and charged with involuntary manslaughter after allegedly leaving his medically fragile and semi-blind girlfriend in a freezing RV to die while he stayed in a nearby hotel. The arrest followed a lengthy investigation into the death of 47-year-old Emma Jean Teague earlier this year.
Teague Found in Freezing Condition
According to a news release from the Carteret County Sheriff’s Office, Blair Hamilton Hayes was taken into custody after investigators determined that Teague had been left in a camper trailer on Wildwood Road in Newport, with no heat or electricity. The temperatures during this time were only in the low-mid 30s during the day, dropping into the 20s at night.
The investigation revealed that Hayes chose to stay in a nearby hotel while Teague was left in the uninhabitable conditions.
Emergency Response and Cause of Death
On February 20, 2025, Hayes reportedly called 911 after finding Teague in poor health during a check-in. He told the dispatcher that he noticed she was “not well.” Emergency responders rushed Teague to Carteret Health Care Hospital, where she was admitted in critical condition. Despite efforts to save her, Teague succumbed to her condition on March 4, with the cause of death listed as end-stage cirrhosis of the liver, with hypothermia as a contributing factor due to her exposure to the freezing temperatures.
The Carteret County Sheriff’s Office stated that Teague’s chronic medical issues were aggravated by her acute hypothermia from being left in the cold RV.
Hayes Charged and Other Pending Assault Charges
Following the investigation, Hayes was charged with involuntary manslaughter for his role in Teague’s death. The sheriff’s office noted that Hayes was negligent in leaving Teague in the camper, knowing she had severe medical limitations and was unable to care for herself.
In addition to the charges in Teague’s case, Hayes has pending charges in Craven County, including assault on a female and assault on a disabled individual. It is unclear if the pending charges are related to Teague.
Hayes’ Current Status
Hayes is currently being held at the Carteret County Detention Center on $100,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on September 5.
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