Burlington County Woman Sentenced In Wife's Murder: Prosecutor

BURLINGTON COUNTY, NJ — A Burlington County woman has been sentenced to 15 years in New Jersey state prison after she was convicted of fatally shooting her wife in their home in 2017, Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina announced.

Laura Bluestein, 31 of Mount Holly, was previously convicted of first-degree aggravated manslaughter and fourth-degree tampering with evidence in the death of Felicia Dormans, according to the prosecutor's office. She must serve 85 percent of her sentence before she becomes eligible for parole.

Prosecutors had argued for a sentence of 30 years after the jury found that Bluestein, who was on probation at the time, used a 9mm handgun to shoot her wife, Felicia Dormans, in the face.
Instead of calling 911 for help, Bluestein spent the next few hours buying a shovel and tarp and attempting to dig a grave, according to authorities.

Bluestein was arrested without incident the same day, and had been held in Burlington County Jail since. She was later indicted on one count each of murder in the first degree, second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and fourth-degree tampering with evidence.

“Today, after three years of legal maneuvering to evade responsibility for this defendant’s senseless killing of the woman she claimed to be ‘the love of her life,’ Laura Bluestein must finally face the consequences of her malicious and evasive actions,” Coffina said. “Although today’s sentencing brings this case to a close, there sadly can be no closure for Felicia Dormans’ family, who face a life sentence of grieving for their lost daughter and sister. Our hearts are with Felicia’s family and friends as they continue to struggle with this incomprehensible loss. The shooting of Felicia by Bluestein reflects the ultimate act of domestic violence, one that we pray is not visited upon any other victims.”

According to Christina Dormans, Felicia's mother, the two were involved in an argument earlier that day, and Dormans was considering leaving Bluestein because she was being abused. She encouraged anyone in a similar situation to reach out for assistance "before it gets to a point where somebody loses a life."

In Burlington County, help for victims of domestic abuse and their children is provided free of charge by Providence House. The organization emphasizes that services are offered regardless of race, gender, religion or sexual orientation.

Providence House can be reached through a 24-hour hotline at 1-877-871-7551 or 609-871-7551. They can be found online at https://www.catholiccharitiestrenton.org/domestic-violence-services/.