The Comic Book Creator Gone Mad: The Gruesome Story of Blake Leibel, the Trust Fund Killer

Blake Leibel’s story is one that chills to the bone, not just for the heinous nature of his crime but also for the bizarre trajectory that led him there. Known as one of the most gruesome crime scenes in Los Angeles history, the case has often been compared to the infamous Black Dahlia murder. This article explores the details of Blake Leibel's life, the gruesome murder of his girlfriend Iana Kasian, and the investigation that followed.

Blake Leibel: Early Life and Privilege

Blake Leibel was born on May 8, 1981, in Canada. From an early age, Blake enjoyed a life of privilege. His father, Lauren Leibel, was a prominent real estate mogul in Toronto, and his mother, Eleanor, was an heiress to a major plastics production company. Blake and his brother Cody grew up in a wealthy environment, with their family’s success providing them with substantial resources.

However, Blake's early life was marked by turbulence. His parents divorced, and rather than keeping the boys together, they decided to split them up. Cody went to live with their father, while Blake stayed with their mother. This separation created a deep-seated jealousy and a sense of inadequacy in Blake, particularly as his brother seemed to thrive in their father's business.

A Move to Los Angeles

Both brothers eventually moved to Los Angeles, where Cody followed in their father’s footsteps, becoming a real estate developer. Cody’s ventures included multimillion-dollar projects and even dabbling in the entertainment industry, founding a record company and working with a major restaurant and nightclub owner. He also became known in Hollywood's secret poker circles, playing with celebrities like Tobey Maguire and Leonardo DiCaprio.

Blake, on the other hand, took a different path. Known as a stereotypical trust fund kid, he dabbled in high-stakes poker games alongside his brother but primarily pursued creative endeavors. After attending the University of Western Ontario, Blake moved to Los Angeles to join his college friends and try his hand at directing movies. He directed a low-budget film called "Bald," which received poor reviews, and later worked on an animated series with Mel Brooks, "Spaceballs: The Animated Series."

Blake found moderate success in writing graphic novels, with his most notable work being "Syndrome," published in 2010. The novel, which dealt with a neuro-pathologist experimenting on serial killers to find the root of evil, was known for its disturbing and violent imagery. In hindsight, this work would serve as a dark prelude to Blake’s own descent into madness.

Marriage and Financial Troubles

In 2006, Blake met Amanda Braun, a former model. Despite their contrasting personalities—Amanda being outgoing and Blake introverted—they got married in 2011, just before the birth of their first child. However, Blake was not making significant income from his creative projects and relied heavily on a monthly allowance from his parents, which amounted to $18,000 a month until his mother passed away from brain cancer in 2011.

Blake’s mother’s death not only ended his financial lifeline but also seemed to trigger a downward spiral. Desperate for more money, he sued his father for a larger share of his mother’s estate. The court awarded him $6 million, half of what he had demanded. This decision left Blake feeling both betrayed and financially insecure.

Meeting Iana Kasian

In the midst of his financial and personal turmoil, Blake met Iana Kasian in 2015. Iana, a Ukrainian model and former tax prosecutor, had come to the United States in pursuit of a better life. The two quickly became an item, and Blake proposed to Iana after a few months of dating. She soon became pregnant, and their daughter was born in May 2016.

However, Blake’s life was far from stable. He was juggling multiple relationships, including an affair with Constance, a storyboard artist he worked with. This tangled web of relationships created a volatile environment, further exacerbated by Blake's financial pressures and his brother Cody's gambling debts, which involved dangerous people.

The Crime

On the night of May 20, 2016, Blake was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault. Constance had accused him of rape, leading to his brief incarceration. Iana bailed him out, but this event brought to light Blake’s infidelities and led to a confrontation. Iana decided to leave Blake, moving in with her mother Olga and taking their newborn daughter with her.

On May 23, 2016, Iana went back to their apartment to talk things over with Blake. She never returned. When Olga couldn't reach her daughter, she became frantic and contacted the police, but they initially dismissed her concerns. Determined to find her daughter, Olga went to Blake's apartment, where she saw him through a window. He ignored her pleas and closed the window.

Olga then called the police again, who finally conducted a wellness check. When Blake refused to let them in, they forced their way into the apartment, discovering a scene of unimaginable horror.

The Investigation

Inside the apartment, police found Iana's body on a bed, covered by a Mickey Mouse blanket. Her scalp had been removed, and her face was mutilated. Pieces of her flesh were found throughout the apartment, and there was evidence that Blake had attempted to clean up the crime scene.

Blood spatter analysis and the discovery of cleaning supplies in the trash chute revealed the extent of Blake’s efforts to cover up his crime. He had drained Iana's blood and attempted to wash away the evidence. The sheer brutality of the murder shocked even the most seasoned investigators.

The Trial and Conviction

Blake was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, torture, and aggravated mayhem. During the trial, the prosecution presented overwhelming evidence against him, including the graphic details of the crime scene, the autopsy report, and Blake's graphic novel, "Syndrome," which bore eerie similarities to the manner in which Iana was killed.

The jury took only 90 minutes to deliberate before finding Blake guilty on all counts. In June 2018, he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Blake’s brother Cody was the only family member to show any support during the trial, but he refused to comment publicly.

Aftermath

Blake’s crime left a lasting impact on those who knew Iana and on the broader community. Olga, Iana’s mother, filed a civil lawsuit and was awarded $41.6 million in damages, although whether Blake will ever pay this amount remains uncertain.

The story of Blake Leibel serves as a grim reminder of how privilege and opportunity can be squandered and how underlying mental health issues can lead to tragic outcomes. His case continues to be a topic of fascination and horror, reflecting the darkest aspects of human nature.

As we reflect on this case, it’s essential to remember the victims—those whose lives were forever altered by Blake Leibel’s actions. The pursuit of justice for Iana Kasian is a testament to the resilience and strength of those left behind, striving to find closure in the wake of an unspeakable tragedy.