Robert Blake’s Turbulent Life and the Murder Case

The Complex Life of Robert Blake

Robert Blake had a multifaceted career in Hollywood. On the night of his wife’s murder, he dined at Vitello’s Italian Restaurant in Studio City. Notable for its fading celebrity photos, it hinted at Blake’s waning fame. By 2001, the 67-year-old actor was becoming less recognizable. Fans of 1970s TV would remember him from shows like “Hollywood Squares” and “The Tonight Show.” He was best known for his role as Tony Baretta, a detective in muscle shirts and a newsboy cap, which earned him an Emmy in 1975.

Despite his success in television, Blake claimed to dislike the role. He wanted to be recognized for serious film talent. His most acclaimed performance was in the 1967 film “In Cold Blood,” where he portrayed Perry Smith, a criminal in a robbery-turned-murder of a Kansas family. Blake’s portrayal was intense and personal; he saw himself intertwined with Smith’s character due to similar backgrounds.

Blake’s Public Persona and Personal Struggles

Blake’s public image was that of a tough, outspoken individual. He expressed contempt for Hollywood’s norms, often sharing his troubled childhood experiences. Born Mickey Gubitosi in New Jersey, he appeared in films from a young age, including the “Our Gang” shorts. Despite Hollywood upbringing, he projected an image of someone who survived difficult East Coast streets.

Over the years, Blake frequently stepped away from show business. When he returned, his appearances often garnered public interest. In 1993, he starred in “Judgment Day: The John List Story,” portraying an accountant who murdered his family. Blake often spoke of his turbulent past and his struggles with personal demons.

The Meeting and Marriage with Bonny Lee Bakley

In 1998, Blake met Bonny Lee Bakley, a small-time scam artist. By then, Blake was divorced with grown children and described himself as a loner. Bakley, 23 years his junior, was known for seducing celebrities and had a criminal record. Upon meeting, there was an immediate connection; they soon became intimately involved.

Bakley’s ulterior motives included financial interests, as Blake had $8 million in assets. Despite this, Blake saw an opportunity for companionship without commitment. They had a daughter, Rosie, and a DNA test confirmed Blake’s paternity. This led to their marriage in a small ceremony. Blake later expressed feeling trapped by Bakley, yet he cherished his daughter.

The Murder and Investigation

On the night of Bakley’s murder, Blake parked his car away from the restaurant in a location that raised suspicions. That evening at Vitello’s, they dined in a booth. Per Blake’s account, he returned to the restaurant to retrieve his gun, only to find Bakley shot in the car upon his return.

A neighbor, Sean Stanek, recounted Blake’s frantic plea for help, finding Bakley gravely injured from a bullet wound. Despite efforts, Bakley died, and suspicion quickly turned to Blake. Although his gun was not the murder weapon, gunpowder residue was found on him, which he attributed to target practice.

The discovery of a Walther P38 pistol in a nearby trash bin further complicated the case. Initially, Blake’s attempts to hire others for the murder came to light, with stuntmen Gary McLarty and Ronald Hambleton testifying about Blake’s proposals to them.

The Trial and Aftermath

Detectives believed Blake was the actual shooter, despite his failed attempts to involve others. Media coverage painted Bakley negatively, which played into the defense’s strategy. It took 11 months for Blake to be charged, as authorities carefully investigated and ruled out other suspects.

At the trial, Blake’s legal team portrayed the key witnesses as unreliable, with McLarty’s drug history and delusions coming under scrutiny. Despite extensive evidence, prosecuting Blake proved difficult without direct evidence linking him to the murder weapon.

In March 2005, Blake was acquitted, celebrating publicly. After the criminal trial, a civil suit pressed by Bakley’s children resulted in a jury awarding $30 million in damages, later reduced. The case left unresolved questions, with some, including attorney Eric Dubin, believing Blake would admit guilt under different circumstances.

Blake’s life concluded with his death in 2023, leaving behind a legacy of complex narratives intertwined with Hollywood history.