Chicago, IL – After more than two decades, a 2004 Chicago murder case has been solved. The Chicago Police Department (CPD) announced that 68-year-old David Barklow was extradited from Peru this week and charged with First-Degree Murder in connection with the killing of Kent Projansky inside his Near North apartment.
According to CPD, Projansky, 40, was found fatally shot on December 18, 2004, inside his home on the 1100 block of North Dearborn Street. The investigation initially went cold despite detectives recovering a duffel bag with bloody clothing and a firearm later matched to the crime.
The case reopened in 2017 when retired Detective James Browne resubmitted evidence to the Illinois State Police Crime Lab, which had upgraded its testing capabilities. New forensic results linked Barklow—who lived across the street from the victim—to the murder.
Authorities say Barklow was first detained in 2019 but fled to Ecuador later that year before charges were filed. In 2022, investigators learned he had relocated to Peru, prompting a multi-agency international operation involving INTERPOL, the U.S. Marshals Service, and Peruvian authorities.
Barklow was extradited to Chicago on November 14, 2025, and now faces charges of First-Degree Murder and Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution.
CPD credited the “relentless work” of its homicide detectives, emphasizing that even decades later, their pursuit of justice for victims and families continues.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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