Eugene Blake was born on February 11, 1945, in Huntington, West Virginia. He grew up in a city that struggled with economic issues and social challenges. Details about his family and childhood are not widely known.

On January 16, 1967, Eugene Blake attacked 18-year-old Donna Jean Ball. Ball was driving along West Virginia Route 75 when Blake forced her off the road. He then approached her car, demanded money, and after she complied, he stabbed her eight times. Although Ball survived the initial attack and managed to run for help, she did not survive the drive to the hospital. Blake was arrested the next day and charged with her murder.

After serving time in prison, Blake was paroled in February 1979. In March 1982, he moved to Wheeling, West Virginia. A week after arriving, he encountered 21-year-old Mark Withers and a 17-year-old girl at Gould Park in Bridgeport, Ohio. Blake demanded money, and when Withers rolled down his window, Blake shot him. He then disposed of Withers’ body and sexually assaulted the girl. The police could not locate a suspect at the time.

On October 26, 1984, the body of 13-year-old Maryann Helmbright was discovered in Osage, West Virginia. Blake was indicted for her murder and two counts of statutory rape in June 1985. In 1997, he pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison.

In 2008, Blake was charged with the murder of Mark Withers after DNA evidence linked him to the crime scene. He was extradited to Ohio, where he faced three counts of aggravated murder. To avoid a possible death sentence, he pleaded guilty in 2010 and received a sentence of 20 years to life.

Blake applied for parole in May 2022, but his application was met with opposition from prosecutors and the victims' families. His request was denied, and the next opportunity for parole is scheduled for April 2032.