Bonnie Lee Bakley, American model, wife of Robert Blake, (b. 1956)

The tragic story of Bonny Lee Bakley, born on June 7, 1956, and whose life was abruptly cut short on May 4, 2001, remains one of Hollywood's most perplexing and debated mysteries. Bakley was primarily known for her tumultuous personal life and, most notably, as the second wife of veteran actor Robert Blake, who himself gained fame for his roles in In Cold Blood and the TV series Baretta. Blake was her tenth husband, a detail that often highlighted the complex and often controversial aspects of her public persona.

Her life ended under grim circumstances when she was fatally shot. The incident occurred on the evening of May 4, 2001, as she sat in Robert Blake's parked car just outside an Italian restaurant in the Studio City area of Los Angeles. Blake claimed he had briefly re-entered the restaurant to retrieve a handgun he had left inside, and upon returning, discovered Bakley mortally wounded. The shocking nature of the crime, involving a well-known actor and occurring in the heart of Los Angeles, immediately drew intense media scrutiny and public fascination.

The Investigation and Legal Proceedings

The investigation into Bonny Lee Bakley's murder was exhaustive and highly publicized. Detectives meticulously gathered evidence and interviewed numerous individuals, eventually leading to a significant development in April 2002. Robert Blake was arrested and subsequently charged with Bakley's murder. The charges leveled against him were severe, including murder, solicitation of murder (alleging he sought individuals to commit the crime), conspiracy, and the special circumstance of lying in wait, which could have led to a sentence of life imprisonment without parole if proven in a criminal court. The arrest of a beloved actor on such serious charges sent shockwaves through Hollywood and beyond.

The criminal trial commenced in late 2004 and captured national attention. Prosecutors presented a case that sought to prove Blake's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, the high legal standard required in criminal proceedings. However, after lengthy deliberations, in March 2005, a jury ultimately found Robert Blake not guilty of the murder of Bonny Lee Bakley and the associated charges. This verdict left many questions unanswered and the public divided on his innocence or culpability in the eyes of the law.

The Civil Lawsuit and Lingering Questions

Despite the criminal acquittal, Robert Blake's legal battles were far from over. Just seven months after the criminal trial concluded, he faced a wrongful death lawsuit brought against him by Bonley Lee Bakley's children, primarily her daughter, Rosie. The civil trial operates under a different legal standard than a criminal case, requiring only a "preponderance of evidence" rather than "beyond a reasonable doubt." In November 2005, the civil jury found Blake liable for Bakley's death and ordered him to pay a substantial sum, initially $30 million, later reduced to $15 million, in damages to her children. This outcome highlighted the distinct differences between criminal and civil justice systems in the United States.

Officially, and perhaps most hauntingly for those seeking closure, Bonny Lee Bakley's murder remains unsolved. No other individual has ever been charged or convicted in connection with her death. The case continues to be a subject of speculation, true-crime documentaries, and public discussion, leaving an enduring enigma in the annals of Hollywood crime stories.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bonny Lee Bakley's Murder

Who was Bonny Lee Bakley?

Bonny Lee Bakley (June 7, 1956 – May 4, 2001) was known for her connections to Hollywood, primarily as the second wife of actor Robert Blake. She had a complex personal life, having been married ten times.

What happened to Bonny Lee Bakley?

She was fatally shot on May 4, 2001, while sitting in Robert Blake's parked car outside a restaurant in the Studio City area of Los Angeles. Blake claimed he had briefly left the car to retrieve something from the restaurant when the shooting occurred.

Was Robert Blake convicted of her murder?

No, Robert Blake was charged with Bonny Lee Bakley's murder in 2002, but in March 2005, a jury found him not guilty of the crimes in the criminal trial.

What was the outcome of the civil lawsuit against Robert Blake?

Seven months after his criminal acquittal, a civil jury found Robert Blake liable for Bonny Lee Bakley's wrongful death. He was ordered to pay damages, initially $30 million (later reduced to $15 million), to Bakley's children.

Is Bonny Lee Bakley's murder officially solved?

No, officially, Bonny Lee Bakley's murder remains unsolved. Despite the civil judgment against Robert Blake, no one has been criminally convicted for her death.

What is the difference between a "not guilty" verdict and being "innocent"?

In a criminal trial, a "not guilty" verdict means the prosecution failed to prove guilt "beyond a reasonable doubt," the high standard required by law. It does not necessarily mean the person is factually "innocent," but rather that the legal burden of proof was not met. A civil trial, however, requires a lower standard of proof, "preponderance of evidence," which means it is more likely than not that the defendant is responsible.