Podcast Summary: "The Execution of Bonny Lee Bakley | The Stuntman Cometh | Episode 5"

Introduction

"The Execution of Bonny Lee Bakley," the seventh season of Wondery's "Hollywood & Crime," delves into the tragic and complex case surrounding the murder of Bonnie Lee Bakley. Episode 5, titled "The Stuntman Cometh," unravels critical developments in the investigation, focusing on the involvement of former stuntmen Ronald Duffy Hambleton and Gary McLarty. This episode provides a gripping narrative of deceit, pressure, and the relentless pursuit of truth by Detective Ron Ito and his team.

The Honeymoon and Early Signs of Trouble

The episode begins by setting the scene of Bonnie Lee Bakley's final days. Bonnie, desperate to reconcile her tumultuous relationship with actor Robert Blake and regain custody of her child, embarks on a honeymoon trip that would ultimately lead to her untimely death.

• Bonnie's Suspicion: Bonnie expresses unease about Blake's bodyguard, Earl Caldwell. She notes, “Bonnie thought she'd seen a gun in Earl's hand” (04:19), hinting at the underlying tension and potential danger.

Initial Investigation: Stuntmen as Key Suspects

Detective Ron Ito introduces listeners to the critical phase of the investigation where former stuntmen Ronald Duffy Hambleton and Gary McLarty emerge as significant suspects.

• First Interview with Duffy: Initially, Duffy claims he had only a friendly relationship with Blake, dismissing allegations of a hitman offer. Detective Ito, sensing deception, states, “Ito is sure Duffy has been lying to them” (06:01).

Pressuring the Stuntmen: The Breakthrough

Determined to uncover the truth, Detective Ito employs strategic tactics to break down Duffy's facade.

• Search Warrant and Tyndall's Discovery: With the help of Detective Brian Tyndall, Ito secures a search warrant for Duffy's property. During the search, Tyndall uncovers an antique pistol and a handwritten shopping list containing items like “2 shovels, small sledge, crowbar” (21:17), which are alarming as they could be used in a homicide.

• Earl Caldwell's Involvement: The discovery of the shopping list shifts suspicion towards Caldwell, Blake’s bodyguard, suggesting a potential link to the murder plot.

Unraveling the Plot: Blake's Motive and Actions

As the investigation progresses, the detectives uncover Robert Blake's possible motives and manipulative actions leading up to Bonnie's murder.

• Christian Brando's Interview: Christian Brando, Bonnie's lover, provides insights into Blake's character. He remarks, “I'm not a detective or in law enforcement, but if I was investigating this, I would look at Robert Blake pretty close” (11:50).

• Cody Blackwell's Testimony: Blackwell, Blake’s former assistant and nanny, reveals Blake's contempt for Bonnie and his obsession with securing custody of their child. She describes Blake's manipulative nature, stating, “Blake told her Bonnie was scum of the earth, involved with drug dealers, racketeers, and tattooed trailer trash” (30:23).

The Critical Phone Records Evidence

A pivotal moment in the episode is the revelation of Robert Blake's phone records, which provide substantial evidence against him.

• Subpoena and Revelation: Detective Brian Tyndall receives the phone records of a prepaid calling card Blake purchased on March 11, 2001. The records show 126 calls, with nearly half directed to Duffy, and significant calls to McLarty, validating Duffy’s allegations (38:00).

• Detective Ito's Strategy: Ito plans to trace the prepaid card's origin, believing that uncovering the PIN number and purchase location will cement Blake's involvement. He explains, “If we find that needle, we can charge Robert Blake with murder” (39:06).

The Night of the Murder

The episode meticulously reconstructs the events leading to Bonnie Lee Bakley's murder, highlighting the intricate details that point towards Blake's culpability.

• Dining and Departure: On May 4, 2001, Bonnie and Blake dine at Vitello's. Blake suddenly excuses himself to the restroom, after which he pays the check and leaves abruptly (39:06).

• The Murder: Shortly after leaving the restaurant, Blake returns, frantic about a dropped gun. Increasingly agitated, he drives off into the night. Around 9:30 PM, Bonnie is fatally shot, marking the end of her life and the beginning of a complex investigation (41:48).

Evidence Consolidation and Legal Maneuvers

As the investigation tightens, Detective Ito and his team gather crucial evidence to build a solid case against Robert Blake.

• Grand Jury Subpoena: With a subpoena in hand, Duffy finally breaks down, confirming multiple meetings with Blake regarding Bonnie’s murder-for-hire plot. Duffy recounts, “Blake blew up. He said, I'm going to have to handle it myself. I'm willing to make a human sacrifice to make sure that Bonnie's not in charge of raising the kid” (35:21).

• Phone Record Confirmation: The detectives secure the phone records showing Blake's extensive communication with Duffy and McLarty, providing a timeline that aligns with Duffy's testimony (42:53).

Conclusion and Case Progression

The episode concludes with the detectives on the precipice of arresting Robert Blake, armed with corroborated testimonies and irrefutable phone records.

• Final Push for Evidence: Detective Ito emphasizes the importance of tracing the prepaid calling card to ensure the prosecution has a watertight case. “If they find that needle, they can charge Robert Blake with murder” (39:06).

• Next Steps: With the amassed evidence, the team is poised to move forward with arresting Blake, signifying a major breakthrough in the case.

Production Credits

The episode credits acknowledge the meticulous research and production efforts, highlighting sources such as "Blood, Fame, Sex and Murder in Hollywood" by Dennis McDougal and Mary Murphy, and "Homicide Special: A Year with the LAPD's Elite Detective Unit" by Myles Corwin. The production team includes producers Rebecca Reynolds and Jim Carpenter, writers Steve Chivers and Elizabeth Kosin, and executive producers Stephanie Jens and Marshall Louie.

Closing Remarks

Episode 5 of "The Execution of Bonny Lee Bakley" masterfully intertwines detailed investigative procedures with personal testimonies, painting a comprehensive picture of the relentless pursuit of justice by Detective Ito and his team. The combination of strategic detective work, critical evidence discovery, and the unraveling of personal motives culminates in a compelling narrative that keeps listeners engaged and informed.

Notable Quotes:

• Detective Ron Ito: “It's okay buddy. I'll get someone else to take care of it you don't have to worry” (03:35).
• Cody Blackwell: “Blake told her the baby's mother was bad news...” (30:23).
• Ronald Duffy Hambleton: “I'm going to have to handle it myself. I'm willing to make a human sacrifice to make sure that Bonnie's not in charge of raising the kid” (35:21).
• Detective Ron Ito: “If we find that needle, we can charge Robert Blake with murder” (39:06).

This episode provides a thorough exploration of the evidence and testimonies that inch the investigation closer to holding Robert Blake accountable for Bonnie Lee Bakley's murder.