Blake Pleads Not Guilty to Murdering Wife

April 22 -- Robert Blake pleaded not guilty today to a four-count murder indictment that could bring the death penalty after prosecutors formally charged him with his wife's slaying.

Blake, and his chauffeur and bodyguard Earle Caldwell, were arraigned this afternoon in Van Nuys Superior Court in the San Fernando Valley for the shooting death of Blake's wife Bonny Lee Bakley.

In their criminal complaint, prosecutors said Blake "personally and intentionally" fired the gun that killed his wife almost a year ago.

Blake, 68, faces a four-count complaint specifying 18 "overt acts." In addition to murder, Blake was charged with conspiracy, solicitation of murder, and lying in wait, in the shooting death of Bakley, 44. Caldwell was charged with conspiracy to commit murder.

Under California law, "lying in wait" is a special circumstance that can allow the death penalty.

Blake and Caldwell sat silently and expressionless during the 5-minute arraignment. Blake spoke only when he entered his not guilty plea.

Prosecutors and defense attorneys decided they were not prepared to address whether both men should receive bail and decided to reconvene May 1 to set a date for a preliminary hearing. Prosecutors have said they would oppose bail for Blake.

Alleged Months of Murder Recruiting

Blake was arrested last Thursday along with Caldwell.

Prosecutors believe Blake approached at least two other people besides Caldwell about killing Bakley, planning her slaying as far back as January 2001.

In January and March 2001, the complaint said, Blake showed someone a gun in a zippered case that was to be used to kill Bakley. On different occasions, prosecutors said, Blake suggested various places where Bakley could be killed, such as Bullhead City, Ariz., and outside Vitello's Restaurant in Studio City, where she was ultimately shot to death.

In April 2001, during a trip with Blake and Bakley to Parker, Ariz., and Three Rivers, Calif., an armed Caldwell hid in bushes on the bank of a river, prosecutors said, presumably waiting for a chance to kill the woman.