Ep 9. Homicide Hotel

Homicide Hotel is the ninth episode of the second season of The Perfect Murder, a true-crime television series that explores shocking and baffling cases of murder.

The episode focuses on the case of Bonnie Lee Bakley, a woman with a controversial past who was shot and killed outside a Los Angeles restaurant in May 2001. Bonnie was the wife of actor Robert Blake, known for his roles in films such as In Cold Blood and the television series Baretta. The case became a media sensation, with Blake being investigated and ultimately charged with his wife's murder.

The show begins by introducing Bonnie and the circumstances surrounding her death. Viewers learn that she had a history of scamming and extorting men, using various aliases and schemes to get money from them. She had married several times before, including to a man who was later convicted of murder. Bonnie's relationship with Robert Blake was reportedly rocky, with accusations of infidelity and fights over money.

The investigation into Bonnie's murder is described in detail throughout the episode. Detectives quickly identified a suspect: a man named Gary McLarty who had been seen near the crime scene and had a history of violent behavior. However, as the investigation progressed, they became increasingly suspicious of Robert Blake himself. Eyewitnesses reported seeing him near the area at the time of the shooting, and some claimed he had asked them to kill Bonnie in the past.

The case against Blake was complicated by his celebrity status and his association with the Hollywood scene. He and Bonnie had frequented a seedy motel known as the The Hollywood Hotel, where drugs and prostitution were prevalent. The show delves into the history of the hotel and the people who stayed there, painting a picture of a seedy and dangerous environment. Blake claimed that Bonnie had been killed by a hitman hired by someone else, but many detectives believed that he was the one who had orchestrated her murder.

Throughout the episode, viewers hear from the detectives, lawyers, and other experts involved in the case. They offer insights into the evidence and the legal strategies used by both the prosecution and defense. There are also interviews with some of Bonnie's friends and family members, who shed light on her troubled past and the impact her death had on them.

What makes this episode particularly gripping is the sheer complexity of the case and the conflicting narratives about what actually happened. The evidence against Blake is circumstantial, and he was eventually acquitted of murder. However, many people still believe that he was involved in Bonnie's death, and the case remains unsolved.

Overall, Homicide Hotel is a compelling and thought-provoking episode of The Perfect Murder. It offers a nuanced look at a fascinating case that has captivated the public for years. Whether or not viewers believe that Robert Blake is guilty, they will be struck by the tragic story of Bonnie Lee Bakley and the web of deceit and violence that surrounded her life.