Ep 19. Robert Blake

ABC 20/20 season 41 episode 19 focuses on the infamous murder trial of actor Robert Blake. The episode delves into the case from the perspective of those who were involved in the investigation, the trial, and those who knew Blake personally.

In 2001, Robert Blake's wife, Bonnie Lee Bakley, was found shot to death in her car outside of a restaurant where the couple had just finished dinner. Blake quickly became the primary suspect in the case, leading to a highly publicized trial that lasted nearly a year and captured the attention of millions of Americans.

The episode explores the evidence presented in the trial against Blake, including a gun found in a trash bin near the crime scene that was later determined to be the murder weapon. The prosecution believed that Blake hired a hitman to kill his wife and had hoped to seek custody of their child after her death. However, Blake maintained his innocence throughout the trial, claiming that he had gone back into the restaurant to retrieve a gun he had left behind and that Bakley had been killed while he was gone.

The episode also features interviews with those who were close to Bakley and Blake, including Bakley's family and friends. They discuss their perceptions of the couple's tumultuous relationship and the behavior they witnessed from Blake that made them question his innocence. Additionally, the episode includes footage from Blake's personal life, including interviews with him and his family, giving viewers a glimpse into his personality and demeanor during this trying time.

As the trial progressed, tensions ran high, and the episode highlights the media circus that surrounded it. It was a battle of David versus Goliath, as Blake's fame brought significant attention to the case. The defense team worked tirelessly to present an alternative theory to the prosecution's case, painting Bakley as a notorious scam artist who had preyed on countless men for years. They argued that it was more likely that she was killed by someone she had wronged in the past rather than her famous husband.

Despite the defense's arguments, the prosecution ultimately convinced the jury that Blake was guilty of murder, and he was sentenced to spend the rest of his life in prison. The episode covers the aftermath of the trial, including Blake's appeal attempts and his life behind bars.

Overall, ABC 20/20 season 41 episode 19 provides a comprehensive look at one of the most high-profile murder cases in recent history. Through interviews with those involved, archival footage of the trial, and personal insight from those who knew Blake and Bakley intimately, viewers will gain a deeper understanding of the events that unfolded in this tragic tale.