Robert Blake, actor once tried for wifes murder, has died

The actor was best known for his 1970s detective role in the hit series Baretta as well as a string of successful films up until the turn of the millennium. However, in 2001 the actor’s career became overshadowed by his wife’s fatal shooting and his subsequent murder charges.

A statement released late on Thursday evening on behalf of Robert’s niece, Noreen Austin, confirmed that the actor had died.

The statement assured fans that he had died “peacefully with family and friends” after suffering from heart disease.

The actor’s iconic role as Detective Tony Baretta earned him an Emmy, a Golden Globe and made Robert a household name during the peak of detective dramas in the 1970s.

Robert also found unrivalled success on the big screen, appearing in the likes of Lost Highway, Of Mice and Men, Money Train and In Cold Blood.

However, in 2001 the star’s first wife, Bonny Lee Bakley was involved in a fatal shooting.

Robert was charged with her murder and acquitted but was later found liable for her death in civil court, as reported by BBC.

Bonny was sitting alone in Robert’s car in the Studio City neighbourhood of Los Angeles on the fateful day.

The Corky star told police that they had been dining at a nearby Italian restaurant and upon returning to the car, he had realised he’d left his gun behind.

Robert said he returned to the restaurant to get his gun and when he came back to the car Bonny was dead.

More to follow…

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