LOS ANGELES (AP) — A 35-year-old man has been charged with torturing, mutilating and killing a girlfriend whose bloodless body was found in their Southern California apartment.
Prosecutors said Blake Leibel pleaded not guilty Tuesday to murder, torture and mayhem in Los Angeles Superior Court.
Prosecutors say Leibel could face the death penalty if convicted of first-degree murder in the slaying of Iana Kasian.
Sheriff’s deputies discovered her body in the couple’s West Hollywood apartment last week after her mother reported her missing. Authorities say she appears to have been badly beaten and all her blood had drained by the time she was found.
Deputies say the couple had a child together.
Deputies say Leibel barricaded himself in the apartment before being arrested.
A defense lawyer declined to comment on the case.
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