LA jury find graphic novel writer guilty of first-degree murder over slaying of girlfriend

A Canadian real estate tycoon’s son has been convicted of the torture and mutilation of his girlfriend, with the crime following a “script” from his own graphic novel.

A Los Angeles jury found Blake Leibel, 37, guilty of first-degree murder, torture and aggravated mayhem in the death of Iana Kasian in May 2016, who had given birth to their child just weeks before, NY Daily News reports.

Leibel now faces life in prison when he’s sentenced later this month.

Leibel published a graphic novel, “Syndrome” in 2010 which follows a mad doctor’s quest to test his theory that he can isolate the root of evil in the brain and fix it, trying his experiment on a serial killer.

Prosecutor Tannaz Mokayef told jurors the crime “followed a script” from the graphic novel, stating Leibel used a knife in a “prolonged attack” in which Kasian was “alive for the better part of the mutilation and mayhem”.

Kasian’s naked body was discovered by police in the blood-spattered master bedroom of the West Hollywood Apartment she shared with Leibel.

Police went to the apartment after Kasian’s mother reported her missing. Leibel was arrested at the scene.