Man Extradited From Peru, Charged in 2004 Chicago Murder

UPDATE: A dramatic turn has emerged in a nearly two-decade-old murder case as David Barklow, a 68-year-old man, has been extradited from Peru and charged with first-degree murder in the 2004 killing of his neighbor, Kent Projansky, in Chicago. This urgent development comes after years of cold-case investigations and an international manhunt.

Authorities report that Projansky, aged 40, was discovered dead in his North Dearborn apartment in December 2004. Barklow’s arrest caps a lengthy investigation that involved multiple federal and international agencies. He was brought back to Chicago on Friday with assistance from the FBI, U.S. Marshals, and INTERPOL, marking a significant achievement in a case that had gone cold for years.

In the aftermath of Projansky’s murder, police found a duffel bag in a dumpster containing bloody clothes and an unloaded .32-caliber revolver. This weapon was later linked to ballistic evidence in Projansky’s apartment, but the investigation stalled until 2017. That year, a retired detective resubmitted evidence that led to a match with Barklow, who lived across the street from Projansky at the time of the murder.

After being initially arrested in October 2019, Barklow was released while awaiting forensic confirmation. Once the match was confirmed, law enforcement escalated their efforts to locate him. Investigators collaborated closely with the U.S. Department of Justice and Peruvian authorities, culminating in Barklow’s extradition.

During his court appearance on Saturday, Barklow was ordered held in custody. Projansky’s family, who have waited nearly 20 years for justice, expressed relief but also frustration over the lengthy process. Family members reported hearing gunshots and whispers on the night of the murder, with prosecutors labeling the incident an execution-style killing.

Cook County prosecutors have filed at least one felony count against Barklow, emphasizing his unlawful flight from the United States as a factor in their extradition efforts. As pretrial motions and hearings are anticipated, both sides prepare for a potentially protracted legal battle.

This arrest serves as a testament to advancements in forensic science and the relentless dedication of law enforcement agencies, which have combined forces to breathe new life into this long-stalled investigation. With Barklow now back in Chicago, the Projansky family continues to seek closure on a tragedy that has lingered for over two decades.

Stay tuned for updates as this high-profile case unfolds.