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You are here: Home / Cold Case News / Barbara Ann Blatnik update

Barbara Ann Blatnik update

July 11, 2020 By Alice

Barbara Ann Blatnik
Barbara Ann Blatnik

In the Barbara Ann Blatnik case, I just read that James Zastawnik posted bond.

The amount was previously set at $100’000 but Summit County Common Pleas Judge Kelly McLaughlin granted the request from defense council to lower it to $35’000.

There are conditions though: Zastawnik must wear an electronic monitoring device and must live with his brother in Mogadore.

Zastawnik was released from jail on July 9, 2020.

As Zastawnik is now free on bond, the prosecution now has 270 days to prepare for trial instead of the 90 days when the defendant is incarcerated (speedy trial rule). Pretrial is scheduled for July 28, 2020.

The Case

Barbara Ann Blatnik (1971-1987) was just seventeen years old when she was murdered. On December 20, 1987, her nude body was found about 30 miles from her home in Garfield Heights (Ohio). She had been raped and strangled to death. I have not been able to find out whether she was manually strangled or with an object.

James E. Zastawnik was arrested in May 2020 for Barbara Ann Blatnik’s murder based on evidence gained through modern DNA technology. The DNA carrying material was found underneath Barbara’s fingernails. It was a mixed DNA sample: 40% was Barbara’s DNA and 60% was from her killer.

If you have any information that can help help advance the case further, please contact the Cuyahoga Falls Detective Bureau at 330-971-8334.

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Filed Under: Cold Case News Tagged With: Barbara Ann Blatnik, DNA, Ohio, Strangulation

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Author Notes

On this website, I write about old, unsolved cases. Most are from the pre-DNA era and are in need of renewed media attention. I only do research and leave the active investigation of these cases to the professionals.

My posts are about homicides, missing and unidentified people, wrongful convictions, and forensics as related to these cases.

On book reviews: I only review select works of true crime, crime fiction, and historical fiction/mysteries. The stories have to fit my website's theme and research. It remains my prerogative to not review a book.

My database has over 300 cases listed by the victim’s last name. You will find a brief description there as well. The database will always be free to the public to use. You cannot buy ad space on my website, ever.

All writing suggestions that come in by email are added to my to-do list in the order in which they were received. Please be patient. My to-do list is very long but no case gets dropped and I will get back in touch.

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Thank you,

Alice de Sturler

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On March 31, 2016, an evidentiary hearing was held to request touch DNA testing. On July 18, 2016, Judge Whitehead denied that request.

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In March 2015, the Connecticut State Supreme Court ordered a new trial for Richard lapointe. On Oct 2, 2015, International Wrongful Conviction Day, Richard was set free. The judge ruled that he cannot be retried for the 1987 rape-murder of Mrs. Bernice Martin. Richard Lapointe died on Aug 4, 2020 of Covid19 complications.

In 1987, someone killed Bernice Martin. I hope that she will not become a forgotten file.
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Copyright: Please add a link back if you use my work. Let your readers know where you found your information. I do the same for you. If you need help with this, just contact me. Thank you, Alice de Sturler

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