Hollywood millionaire convicted of murdering pregnant mistress

In this episode of Crime Watch Daily Updates: The case of millionaire graphic novelist and convicted murderer Blake Leibel.

Blake, who is the son of a wealthy Canadian real estate mogul, rubbed elbows with some of the biggest names in Hollywood, lived in a glitzy Beverly Hills mansion, and ate at the hottest spots, all while churning out his popular books. Blake was married and had two children, but he also harbored a big secret: he had a pregnant girlfriend on the side.

His girlfriend’s name was Iana Kasian and the two lived in a West Hollywood apartment together. Iana was a Ukrainian immigrant and dreamed of a better life. Unfortunately, her hopes would be smashed to pieces.

Iana gave birth to her daughter in early May 2016. On May 23rd, Iana went out shopping for baby strollers. Her mother, Olga, started getting worried because the next day, Iana failed to respond to text messages or answer phone calls. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputies went to the apartment for a welfare check, but there was no response. Olga even went to look for her daughter, but Blake didn’t answer the door.

On May 26th, 2016, Olga called 911 again, and Los Angeles County deputies returned and eventually broke into Blake’s apartment. What they discovered was a true bloodbath.

Blake was found lying on his bed next to his girlfriend’s mutilated body. She had been beaten, tortured, and scalped. Her entire body was drained of its blood.

In June 2018, Blake was convicted of first-degree murder, aggravated mayhem, and torture, and sentenced to life in prison without parole. In March 2019, a judge ordered him to pay over $41 million to Iana’s family. Their child is reportedly in Olga’s care.

Let’s look back at the chilling case of a young woman whose hopes and dreams of a better life would go unrealized.

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