SC murder suspect, Army deserter may be hiding in California

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A U.S. Army deserter suspected of murdering his estranged wife in South Carolina may have fled to California, officials said.

John Tufton Blauvelt, 28, is wanted by Simpsonville, SC, police in the Oct. 24 death of his estranged wife, Catherine Blauvelt.

Officials say Blauvelt, an active-duty Army recruiter who is now considered a deserter, fled South Carolina with a 17-year-old girl and headed west.

The girl was safely found in Oregon on Dec. 12, but Blauvelt remains on the run and authorities suspect he may have headed south into California. They believe he does not have a vehicle and may be hitchhiking or traveling on buses.

They believe he would be looking for work to be paid in cash under the table or may be panhandling for money. He was believed to be traveling with a military-style green camouflage backpack and may be camping in parks or areas frequented by the homeless.

The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a reward of $2,500 for information leading to Blauvelt's capture.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the U.S. Marshals at 1-(800)336-0102 or email usms.wanted@usdoj.gov.