Horror in Hollywood: Girlfriend's body 'drained of blood' at apartment of Blake Leibel, son of Toronto property tycoon

Blake Leibel, the son of a millionaire Toronto property developer, has been charged with torturing and killing his girlfriend in his Hollywood home.

The 35-year-old was arrested on 26 May, and in an appearance at the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, he denied charges of murder, mayhem, aggravated mayhem and torture.

The comic book writer and screenwriter could face the death penalty in relation to the "special circumstance allegations of the murder involving torture and mayhem," said Los Angeles District Attorney's Office.

He killed his girlfriend Iana Kasian, 30, sometime between 23 May and 26 May at the West Hollywood apartment, prosecutors say.

Police came to the apartment on 26 May after Kasian's mother asked them to check her welfare, LA Sheriff's department said. Leibel had barricaded himself in the apartment, blocking the door with furniture and bedding.

When officers forced their way inside they found Kasian's body, which showed signs of torture.
"All of her blood was drained from her body," the district attorney's office said in a statement. Leibel was arrested at the scene.

The couple had an infant child, which is currently with family members, officials said. The couple reportedly lived together.

Leibel is being held without bail, and is scheduled to appear in court on 14 June. He will undergo a psychiatric evaluation at the request of his lawyers, who have raised doubts about his mental health.

Prosecutors have not yet decided whether to seek the death penalty or life without the possibility of parole.

Leibel is the son of prominent Toronto developer Lorne Leibel, founder of Canada Homes Inc. Lorne Leibel sailed for Team Canada in the 1976 Olympics, and is known for his passion for racing vintage cars and boats, the Toronto Star reported.

Leibel is credited as a 'creative consultant' on the Spaceballs cartoon series, and creator of the graphic novel Syndrome on IMBD.

On 20 May, Leibel was arrested last week on a felony rape charge, the sheriff's office said. He was released after posting $100,000 bail, the LA Times reported.