A Canadian Man Accused of Torturing and Killing Spouse in Los Angeles

A Canadian man pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to charges of torturing, mutilating and killing a girlfriend whose bloodless body was found in their Southern California apartment last week.


Prosecutors say Blake Leibel, 35, could face the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole if convicted of first-degree murder in the slaying of 30-year-old Iana Kasian. The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office says in a release that they believe Kasian was killed on or between May 23 and 26.

U.S. authorities have said Kasian's mother had reported her missing.Deputies discovered her dead body last Thursday after forcing their way through a door that they say Leibel had barricaded with furniture.
Authorities allege Kasian was tortured and mutilated before she was slain and that the blood was drained from her body.

They say the couple had a child together, but deputies provided no further details about their relationship.

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