Blake Seeks Reduced Charges, Bail Hearing

Robert Blake’s attorneys have asked a state appeals court in Los Angeles to order a bail hearing for the actor and direct the trial judge to reduce the charges against him.

Blake, 68, has been held without bail in Men’s Central Jail since he was arrested April 18 in the fatal shooting of his wife, Bonny Lee Bakley. Bakley was killed near a Studio City restaurant in May 2001.

Defense attorneys argued late Thursday that Blake is entitled to a prompt bail hearing. Last month, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Lloyd M. Nash said he would set a bail hearing after a preliminary hearing later this year.

Blake has pleaded not guilty to murder, two counts of soliciting murder and conspiracy with the special-circumstance allegation of lying in wait. He faces life in prison without parole if convicted.