UPDATE: In a dramatic twist, a 68-year-old man has been extradited from Peru and charged with first-degree murder in the cold-case slaying of his neighbor in December 2004. Chicago police confirm that David Barklow is now facing serious charges in the shocking death of Kent Projansky, who was found dead in his North Dearborn apartment nearly 20 years ago.
This urgent development follows a lengthy investigation that reignited after new forensic evidence linked Barklow to the murder. Authorities report that he was apprehended with the assistance of federal agencies and international partners, marking a significant breakthrough in a case that had gone cold for years. Barklow’s return to Chicago was facilitated by a coordinated effort involving the U.S. Marshals, INTERPOL, and the FBI.
According to reports from FOX 32 Chicago, Barklow was located in Peru after fleeing the U.S. in late 2019. Investigators tracked him through Ecuador before finalizing the extradition process this year. Projansky’s family, who have awaited justice since his tragic death, expressed relief at the news of Barklow’s arrest.
The chilling details surrounding Projansky’s murder include the discovery of a duffel bag containing bloody clothing and a .32-caliber revolver in a dumpster shortly after the incident. Ballistic evidence linked the weapon to Projansky’s apartment, but the case stalled until a retired detective revisited it in 2017. New forensic testing provided a match to Barklow, leading to further investigations.
Barklow was initially arrested in October 2019 but was released while waiting for forensic confirmation. Once the evidence was secured, Cook County prosecutors moved to secure an extradition. The lengthy process culminated with Barklow’s arrival back in Chicago on Friday, where he now faces serious charges.
During his first court appearance on Saturday, Barklow was ordered held in custody. Family members of Projansky, who have endured nearly two decades of uncertainty, expressed their feelings of hope and urgency as they observed the proceedings. Witnesses from the night of the murder reported hearing a gunshot and whispering, with prosecutors describing the attack as an execution-style killing.
Legal experts indicate that this case may involve a complex, lengthy prosecution, given its age and the ongoing preparations for pretrial motions. Cook County prosecutors have cited Barklow’s unlawful flight from the U.S. as a significant factor in their efforts to secure his extradition.
This case exemplifies how advancements in forensic technology, combined with relentless detective work, can revive stalled investigations. Authorities are hopeful that this breakthrough will bring closure to the Projansky family and serve as a reminder of the importance of persistence in law enforcement.
As Barklow remains in custody, the community watches closely for further developments in a case that has haunted them for years. Police stress the importance of collaboration across local, federal, and international lines in solving long-dormant cases like this one. Projansky’s family continues to seek justice, carrying the weight of their loss for over 20 years as they await the next steps in this evolving legal battle.
