Arrest Made in Slaying of Mother

A 30-year-old woman was found dead in a West Hollywood apartment Thursday, and the man with whom she lived and had a child with was arrested on suspicion of murder.

Deputies were called about 11:30 a.m. to the 8500 block of Holloway Drive to check on the woman -- identified as Iana Kasian -- after her mother reported her missing, according to sheriff's Deputy Mike Barraza.

They entered the apartment the woman shared with the suspect -- identified as 35-year-old Blake Leibel -- and he was immediately detained before the woman was found unresponsive in a bedroom, Barazza said. Kasian appeared to have suffered head injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene, Barazza said.

Leibel was arrested on suspicion of murder, according to Barazza.

The couple's child was not present at the time of the beating death, Barazza said. Earlier sheriff's department reports that the suspect was outstanding turned out to be incorrect, Barazza said.

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