UPDATE: A dramatic turn in a cold-case murder investigation has unfolded as David Barklow, a 68-year-old man, has been extradited from Peru and charged with first-degree murder in connection with the December 2004 slaying of his neighbor, Kent Projansky, in Chicago. This significant development comes after nearly two decades of unanswered questions surrounding the case.
Authorities confirm that Barklow was apprehended in Peru and returned to Chicago on Friday, following an extensive international collaboration involving federal agencies and law enforcement partners. This case has finally reached the courtroom after years of cold-case investigations and a relentless search for justice.
In December 2004, Projansky, aged 40, was found shot dead in his apartment on North Dearborn. The investigation initially stalled, with a major breakthrough only occurring in 2017 when retired detective revisited the case. This led to updated forensic testing which linked Barklow to the murder, as evidence recovered from a dumpster soon after the killing included bloody clothing and a weapon tied to the crime scene.
Barklow left the United States in late 2019 and was tracked to Ecuador before being located in Peru. His arrest was first attempted in October 2019 by U.S. Marshals, but he was released pending further forensic confirmation. Following the solid forensic match, authorities secured arrest warrants, initiating a coordinated effort involving INTERPOL, the FBI, and the U.S. Department of Justice to extradite him.
During Barklow’s first court appearance on Saturday, a judge ordered him held in custody. Projansky’s family, who have waited nearly two decades for justice, expressed their relief but also the weight of the loss they have endured. Witnesses from the night of the murder reported hearing a gunshot, adding to the tragic narrative of this brutal execution-style killing.
Cook County prosecutors have filed charges against Barklow, emphasizing his unlawful flight from the U.S. as part of their case. Pretrial motions and scheduling hearings are expected soon, as both sides prepare for what could be a protracted legal battle.
This arrest serves as a powerful reminder of how advancements in forensic science, combined with unwavering detective work and international cooperation, can revive stalled investigations. Projansky’s family continues to seek closure after a painful two decades, as Barklow remains in custody awaiting the next steps in this high-profile murder case.
As this story develops, the community watches closely, eager for justice that has long been delayed. The implications of this case extend beyond the courtroom, echoing the themes of perseverance and the relentless pursuit of truth in the face of time.
