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LOS ANGELES and TORONTO — A Canadian accused of torturing, disfiguring and ultimately killing his girlfriend in their West Hollywood apartment last week could be put to death by the state of California if convicted because of the gruesome nature of his alleged crime.

Blake Leibel, a graphic novelist, screenwriter and son of a prominent Toronto developer, pleaded not guilty to charges of premeditated murder, mayhem, aggravated mayhem and torture Tuesday. The alleged victim: Iana Kasian, his live-in girlfriend and mother of his newborn child.

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Prosecutors say Leibel tortured and mutilated Kasian before killing her, then draining the blood from her body. (The mayhem charges refer to the mutilation.)

Because of the vicious circumstances of the case, Leibel is eligible for the death penalty, according to a press release from the Los Angeles Police Department.

“A decision on whether to seek the death penalty will be made at a later date,” the release said. California last executed a prisoner in 2006.