Hollywood & Crime: The Execution of Bonny Lee Bakley - The Final Verdict (Season 7)

Host/Author: Wondery
Release Date: October 13, 2024

I. Introduction

"The Execution of Bonny Lee Bakley" delves deep into the tumultuous trial of Robert Blake, a renowned actor accused of murdering his wife, Bonny Lee Bakley. This episode offers a comprehensive overview of the criminal and civil trials, highlighting the intense courtroom battles, key testimonies, and the ultimate verdict that left Hollywood abuzz.

II. The Prosecution's Case

A. Testimony of Gary McLarty (00:00 - 04:53)

Shelly Samuels, the prosecuting attorney, spearheads the case against Robert Blake by presenting Gary McLarty, a retired stuntman, as a pivotal witness. McLarty alleges that Blake attempted to hire him to kill Bonnie Lee Bakley. Despite his appearance of credibility in a blue blazer and gold tie, McLarty's history of drug addiction and delusions casts doubt on his reliability.

• Key Points:
  • Meeting Details: McLarty recounts a meeting with Blake at a diner where Blake introduced the idea of murder disguised as a movie project titled "Four Ways to Kill Bonnie Lee Bakley" ([00:00]).
  • Murder Scenarios: Blake proposed various methods to dispose of Bonnie, including using a silencer, attacking her while she slept, and setting her up during a road trip ([02:59]).
  • Financial Motive: Blake allegedly discussed paying McLarty $10,000 for the hit, though McLarty later expressed uncertainty about Blake's seriousness ([03:20]).

B. Testimony of Frank Minucci (06:46 - 09:30)

Frank Minucci, a former gangster turned minister, corroborates the prosecution's claims by detailing conversations with Blake about hiring someone to eliminate Bonnie.

• Key Points:
  • Financial Transactions: Minucci received envelopes with five $100 bills from Blake, which he couldn't clearly identify the purpose of ([08:03]).
  • Conflict with Defense: During cross-examination, Schwartzbach aggressively questions Minucci's credibility, but Minucci remains steadfast, enhancing the prosecution's narrative ([08:50]).

C. Testimony of Duffy Hambleton (09:30 - 12:16)

Duffy Hambleton, another retired stuntman, provides critical evidence linking Blake to Bonnie's murder through a prepaid calling card and multiple suspicious interactions.

• Key Points:
  • Prepaid Calls: Hambleton reveals 56 calls from Blake in the weeks leading up to the murder, including one the day after Bonnie's death ([10:40]).
  • Murder Plots: He describes eight different murder scenarios proposed by Blake, emphasizing Blake's insistence on being present at the crime scenes ([11:00]).
  • Schwartzbach's Strategy: The defense attempts to undermine Hambleton's credibility by highlighting his past drug use and questioning the authenticity of his memories ([12:16]).

III. Defense's Strategy

A. Cross-Examination by Gerald Schwartzbach (04:53 - 19:30)

Gerald Schwartzbach, Blake's defense attorney, meticulously dismantles the prosecution's case by attacking the credibility of their witnesses.

• Gary McLarty's Credibility:

  • Drug Addiction: Schwartzbach highlights McLarty's cocaine and marijuana use, questioning his reliability and memory ([04:53]).
  • Alternate Interpretations: He suggests McLarty might have misconstrued Blake's intentions, portraying him as merely venting anger rather than soliciting murder ([03:20]).

• Frank Minucci's Reliability:

  • Consistent Denials: Minucci consistently denies any direct involvement or intent to harm Bonnie, maintaining his innocence despite Schwartzbach's aggressive questioning ([08:50]).

• Undermining Duffy Hambleton:

  • Alternate Reality: Schwartzbach introduces witnesses like Keith Seals and Donna Sharon to suggest Hambleton's testimony is a product of long-term drug abuse and hallucinations ([21:52]).

B. Attacks on Witness Credibility (19:30 - 27:34)

Schwartzbach continues his assault on the prosecution's narrative by presenting alternative testimonies that depict a normal, non-threatening Blake.

• Alibi Witnesses:

  • Restaurant Testimonies: Multiple witnesses, including a diner patron and a fire captain, testify that Blake appeared calm and unremarkable the night of the murder ([24:23]).

• Forensic Evidence Challenge:

  • Gunshot Residue: Forensic expert Celia Hartnett presents evidence that the low gunshot residue found on Blake's hands is inconsistent with him firing the murder weapon, an antique Walther P38 ([25:40]).

IV. Prosecution's Closing Arguments (27:34 - 29:32)

Shelly Samuels delivers a compelling closing statement, emphasizing motive, opportunity, and means to argue that Blake acted out of anger and perceived betrayal.

• Motive: Blake desired control and was frustrated by Bonnie's actions.

• Opportunity: Phone records and attempted hiring of hitmen demonstrate premeditation.

• Means: The various murder plots indicate Blake's capability and intention to eliminate Bonnie himself if necessary.

• Notable Quote:

  "Robert Blake murdered Bonnie Lee Bakley. The state has proven it beyond a reasonable doubt."
  — Shelly Samuels ([28:15])

V. Verdict

After nine days of deliberation, the jury delivers a significant verdict:

• Not Guilty of First-Degree Murder:

  "We the jury... find the defendant Robert Blake not guilty of the crime of first degree murder of Bonnie Lee Bakley..."
  — Jury Foreman ([32:27])

• Not Guilty of Solicitation of Murder:

  "We the jury... find the defendant Robert Blake not guilty of the crime of solicitation of murder..."
  — Jury Foreman ([32:51])

The courtroom reacts with a mix of shock and disappointment, particularly from District Attorney Steve Cooley, who vehemently criticizes the jury's decision.

VI. Aftermath: Civil Trial (37:26 - 46:51)

Bonnie Lee Bakley's family pursues a civil wrongful death lawsuit against Robert Blake, seeking justice and financial compensation.

A. Eric Dubin Takes the Case (37:26 - 43:43)

Eric Dubin, a relatively inexperienced attorney, takes on the challenge against Peter Ezell, Blake's seasoned defense lawyer. Dubin leverages emotional appeals and persistent questioning to highlight discrepancies in Blake's character and actions.

• Key Strategies:
  • Aggressive Cross-Examination: Dubin pushes Blake on inconsistencies and perceived lies, aiming to portray him as untrustworthy ([40:30]).
  • Emotional Appeals: Dubin emphasizes the emotional toll on Bonnie's children, seeking empathy and support from the jury ([45:05]).

B. Peter Ezell's Defense Tactics (41:03 - 43:45)

Peter Ezell counters Dubin's approach by introducing alternative suspects, notably Christian Brando, and attacking the prosecution's evidence.

• Introducing Christian Brando:

  Brando mutters, "the asshole did it," subtly shifting suspicion away from Blake despite his refusal to testify directly.
  — Courtroom Dynamics ([43:43])

C. Closing Arguments and Verdict (43:43 - 46:51)

Both attorneys present their final arguments, with Dubin passionately advocating for justice and Ezell downplaying the evidence against Blake.

• Civil Verdict:
  • Guilty: Robert Blake is found liable for Bonnie's death.
  • Damages Awarded: Initially $30 million, later reduced to $15 million, and ultimately settled for $2 million after bankruptcy proceedings.

VII. Legacy and Current Status (50:12 - End)

Years after the trials, the murder of Bonnie Lee Bakley remains officially unsolved, though suspicions linger around Robert Blake.

• Robert Blake Today:
  Blake lives a reclusive life, maintaining his innocence and occasionally sharing updates on social media.

  "I'm not giving up. I didn't stick a gun in my mouth. I'm not juicing."
  — Robert Blake ([52:08])

• Impact on Family and Law Enforcement:
  Bonnie's children continue to seek peace, while Detective Ron Edo remains convinced of Blake's guilt, citing the lack of concrete evidence as the case remains open.

• Public Perception:
  The case remains a topic of intrigue and debate among true crime enthusiasts, symbolizing the complexities of high-profile legal battles and the elusive nature of justice.

Notable Quotes with Speaker Attribution and Timestamps

• Gary McLarty (03:02):

  "Well, a lot of people want to strangle their wives. At times I thought he was just venting his anger."

• Duffy Hambleton (10:40):

  "Blake said he wanted his wife snuffed. He wanted to protect Rosie from her mother..."

• Shelly Samuels (28:15):

  "Robert Blake murdered Bonnie Lee Bakley. The state has proven it beyond a reasonable doubt."

• Jury Foreman (32:27):

  "We the jury, in the above entitled action, find the defendant Robert Blake not guilty of the crime of first degree murder..."

• Robert Blake (40:41):

  "Don't get cute with me now. I'm not gonna tell you again. I never instructed anybody to harm Bonnie in any way."

• Robert Blake (52:08):

  "I'm not giving up. I didn't stick a gun in my mouth. I'm not juicing. I ain't taking dope."

Conclusion

"The Execution of Bonny Lee Bakley" presents a riveting account of a high-stakes legal battle fraught with conflicting testimonies, strategic defense maneuvers, and the enduring quest for justice. The episode underscores the complexities of the judicial system, especially in cases involving celebrities, and leaves listeners contemplating the elusive nature of truth and accountability in the glamorous yet shadowed corridors of Hollywood.

This summary captures the essence of the podcast episode, providing an in-depth look at the trial of Robert Blake, the strategies employed by both the prosecution and defense, and the lasting impact of this unresolved case.