Barbara Ann Blatnik was found naked, raped, beaten, stabbed and strangled. It was just before Christmas more than 30 years ago.
The 17-year-old Garfield Heights resident known as “Barbie” was dumped along a country road near Blossom Music Center after her brutal attack on Dec. 19, 1987.
“The theory is, is that somehow, someway, Barb was met with a violent death,” said WKYC reporter Phil Trexler, who has covered her case extensively.
But then, her case went cold for more than three decades. No suspects. No leads.
What they did have though, was DNA evidence. Under nine of her nails was skin from her attacker.
“She fought furiously; she was a fighter,” Trexler said.
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Now, a new non-profit called The Porch Light Project, based in Cleveland, is granting $4,000 to help crack the cold case. In fact, Barbie’s case is the first that the organization is tackling.
The DNA has been sent to the same forensics experts in California who broke the Golden State Killer case last year.
This week on VAULT Studios’ podcast True Crime Chronicles, we hear from Donna Zanath about the ongoing search for justice for her younger sister and how the non-profit, The Porch Light Project might finally give that to her family.
“I don't think he should get away with it. I don't think that he deserves to get away with it. Everybody needs to know who this monster is,” Zanath said.
If you have any information about Barbara Blatnik's case, call the Cuyahoga Falls Police Department Detective Bureau, at (330) 971-8334.
