The story of Iana Kasian’s murder is a chilling story of love gone terribly wrong, full of unspeakable cruelty, betrayal, and tragedy. 

Who Was Iana Kasian?

Iana Kasian was born on January 27, 1986, in Kyiv, Ukraine. Described as intelligent, kind, and ambitious, Iana grew up in a modest household and pursued a career in law. She worked as a prosecutor in Ukraine earning respect for her dedication and professionalism. Iana dreamed of a better life and moved to Los Angeles in search of new opportunities. In California she shifted her focus to modeling using her beauty and demeanor to build a career.

It was in Los Angeles that Iana met Blake Leibel, a Canadian graphic novelist and aspiring filmmaker. At first their romance seemed like a fairytale. Blake was the son of wealthy parents and lived a life of luxury, surrounded by the glitter of Hollywood. The two quickly fell in love, and Iana became pregnant with their child. But the glamorous facade of their relationship hid a much darker reality.

Blake Leibel

Blake Leibel was born on May 8, 1981, in Toronto, Canada, into a privileged family. His father, Lorne Leibel, was a wealthy real estate developer, and his mother, Eleanor Chitel, came from a prominent family. Blake pursued becoming a graphic novelist and filmmaker. Among his works was the graphic novel Syndrome which explored themes of psychological torment, cruelty, and the nature of evil.

Despite his talent and wealth Blake’s life was full of instability. He reportedly struggled with mental health issues, drug abuse, and a growing dependence on his family’s financial support. His creative projects often stalled and he gained a reputation as someone who failed to deliver on his promises. His marriage to another woman ended in divorce, and by the time he met Iana, Blake’s life was unraveling.

A Relationship Turned Sour

Iana and Blake’s relationship initially appeared great, but cracks soon began to show. Friends and family noticed Blake’s controlling behavior and erratic temperament. Iana, a strong and independent woman, became increasingly concerned about his instability. By 2016 their relationship was deteriorating, even as they welcomed their daughter, Diana, into the world.

Tensions escalated after Iana gave birth. Blake’s jealousy and possessiveness intensified and he began isolating Iana from her friends and family. Meanwhile his financial situation worsened as his family reduced his allowance, forcing him to sell assets to maintain his lavish lifestyle. The stress of his crumbling life seemed to push him over the edge.

The Murder of Iana Kasian

On May 23, 2016, Iana Kasian’s life came to a brutal and horrifying end. She was just 30 years old. According to investigators, Blake Leibel lured Iana to his West Hollywood apartment where he subjected her to a night of unimaginable torture and violence.

When police arrived at the apartment on May 26th they found a scene straight out of a horror film. Blake had barricaded himself inside, and it took hours for law enforcement to gain entry. What they discovered inside was nothing short of nightmarish. Iana’s lifeless body lay in the bedroom, mutilated beyond recognition. The details of her murder were so gruesome that even seasoned detectives were left shaken.

Iana had been scalped and portions of her face and scalp were found in the apartment. She had also been drained of blood, a process Blake appeared to have carried out methodically. Investigators noted that the crime mirrored scenes from Blake’s graphic novel Syndrome which depicted experiments on the human mind and body.

The autopsy report revealed that Iana went through prolonged torture before her death. She suffered blunt force trauma, sharp force injuries, and exsanguination (severe blood loss). It was estimated that she remained alive for hours during the ordeal going through unimaginable pain and suffering.

The Investigation and Trial

Blake Leibel was arrested at the scene and charged with first-degree murder, torture, and aggravated mayhem. The prosecution argued that the murder was premeditated and driven by Blake’s desire to control Iana completely. They pointed to the disturbing parallels between the crime and his graphic novel as evidence of his twisted mindset.

During the trial, Iana’s mother, Olga Kasian, provided emotional testimony about her daughter’s life and the devastating impact of her loss. Prosecutors painted a picture of Blake as a narcissistic and sadistic individual who saw Iana not as a partner but as an object to dominate and destroy.

Blake’s defense team attempted to argue that he was mentally ill and incapable of understanding the consequences of his actions. However, the jury rejected this argument. In June 2018, Blake Leibel was convicted on all charges and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The judge described the crime as one of the most horrific he had ever encountered.

The sheer brutality of Iana’s murder made sure that she would not be forgotten. 

RIP Iana!