Robert Blake Defense May Need Another Delay

By LINDA DEUTSCH

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Robert Blake’s defense lawyer said it is highly unlikely that he can be ready for the actor’s murder trial in September, citing an overwhelming amount of evidence, some which is missing.

Gerald Schwartzbach, who took over the case three months ago, told the judge Friday that he has moved to Los Angeles, given up all other clients and is devoting himself to work on 60,000 pages of evidence, in addition to audio and video recordings related to the case.

“It’s highly unlikely I can be ready by Sept. 9,” Schwartzbach said. “Mr. Blake wants to see this case go to trial as soon as possible. He wants to be vindicated as soon as possible. But he wants me to be prepared.”

Blake, the 70-year-old star of the old “Baretta” TV show, is accused of killing his wife in 2001. Bonny Lee Bakley was found shot to death in their car outside a restaurant where they had dined.

Prosecutor Shellie Samuels conceded that in the time that elapsed since the slaying, items have been inadvertently misplaced. Schwartzbach, Blake’s fourth lawyer in the case, has filed a motion outlining efforts to obtain missing materials.

Meanwhile, Samuels accused Blake of wanting to delay the trial to extend his freedom. Blake, who said nothing during the hearing, is free on $1.5 million bail, but remained under house arrest.

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