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.
