Bonny Lee Bakley was an American woman best known as the second wife of actor Robert Blake. She died on May 18, 2001, in Los Angeles, California. Her death was determined to be a homicide resulting from a single gunshot wound to the head. Blake was later tried and acquitted in a 2005 bench trial, though a 2009 civil jury found him liable for her death. This explainer presents verified details about the incident, the investigations, and the judicial outcomes, prioritizing clarity and factual sourcing for long-term understanding of the case.
Key Details at a Glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Bonny Lee Bakley | Public records |
| Date of Death | May 18, 2001 | Law enforcement reports |
| Location | Vitello’s Restaurant, Studio City, Los Angeles, California | Court documents |
| Cause of Death | Homicide by gunshot wound to the head | Coroner/medical examiner |
| Accused/Arrested | Robert Blake | Arrest records, indictment |
| Criminal Trial Outcome | Acquitted (2005) | Court records |
| Civil Judgment | Held liable (2009), awarded $30 million in damages | Civil court decision |
Background on Bonny Lee Bakley
Bonny Lee Bakley was born on June 10, 1960, in Morristown, New Jersey. She had a documented history of relationships with several high-profile men and pursued interactions with celebrities. By the late 1990s, she had established a public presence through personal connections and self-promotion. Her marriage to Robert Blake in 2000 drew significant media attention, in part due to the age difference and prior relationships between the pair. She is not to be confused with other individuals sharing similar names.
The Day of the Incident
Events at Vitello’s Restaurant
On the afternoon of May 18, 2001, Bakley and Blake were at Vitello’s Restaurant in Studio City, a neighborhood in Los Angeles. A witness reported hearing multiple gunshots in the parking area. Emergency services arrived and transported Bakley to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Investigators recovered a firearm at the scene and documented evidence consistent with a single gunshot wound to the head. Initial media reports amplified details about celebrity involvement, and several tips were pursued by law enforcement.
Immediate Investigation and Arrests
Within hours, detectives focused on Robert Blake as a person of interest. Blake had been at the restaurant with Bakley and departed in a vehicle before shots were reported. He was arrested later that day and charged with her murder. Search warrants targeted his home and vehicle, and investigators processed physical evidence, including clothing and firearms. A .38 caliber revolver was identified as the suspected weapon. Prosecutors outlined a narrative in which Blake acted alone in the shooting.
Legal Proceedings and Outcomes
Criminal Trial and Acquittal
In 2002, Blake went to trial in Los Angeles County Superior Court. The prosecution presented forensic and witness testimony, while the defense challenged the reliability of physical evidence and raised questions about investigative procedures. In 2005, the court declared a mistrial after a hung jury, and the district attorney decided not to retry the case, resulting in an acquittal on criminal charges. Key evidentiary issues and concerns about investigative conduct were central to the outcome.
Civil Liability Judgment
In 2009, a civil jury in Los Angeles County found Robert Blake liable for Bakley’s death. The jury awarded $30 million in damages to her children. The civil standard of proof, which requires only a preponderance of the evidence, led to a different conclusion than the criminal trial. This outcome reflects the distinct burdens of proof and procedural differences between criminal and civil cases, and it remains a durable reference point in public understanding of responsibility for the event.
Context and Public Interest
The case drew widespread media attention because of Blake’s celebrity status and the perceived complexity of evidence and motives. Bakley’s background, including her connections to other public figures, became a frequent topic of discussion. Legal experts and journalists have revisited the case to explain the distinctions between criminal and civil standards of proof, investigative practices, and the challenges of high-profile prosecutions. The case continues to serve as an example in discussions of celebrity justice, evidentiary standards, and media influence on public perception.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When did Bonny Lee Bakley die? She died on May 18, 2001.
- Where did her death occur? Vitello’s Restaurant, Studio City, Los Angeles, California.
- What was the cause of death? A homicide by gunshot wound to the head.
- Was anyone convicted for her death? No; Robert Blake was acquitted in a 2005 criminal trial.
- Is there a civil judgment related to her death? Yes; a 2009 civil jury found Blake liable and awarded $30 million to her children.
- What is the current legal status of the case? The criminal case is closed with an acquittal; the civil judgment remains in effect.