LOS ANGELES – Prosecutors presented scientific evidence that “Baretta” actor Robert Blake was covered in gunpowder from hands to toes the night his wife was slain.
But a defense lawyer deflected much of the forensic evidence, forcing an investigator to say he’s not at all sure Blake fired the gun that killed wife Bonny Lee Bakley on May 4, 2001.
Prosecutors can show Blake had traces of gunshot residue – but the traces are small and could have been picked up without shooting the gun.
“Beyond a doubt [that Blake fired a gun that night]? No,” LA County Coroner’s scientist Steven Dowell said under cross-examination.
Dowell said his test found traces of lead – one of three components of gunshot residue – on Blake’s hands, boots, shirt, socks and pants. Those same tests also suggested that Blake’s boots had traces of barium and antimony, the other two components of gunshot residue.
While lead can be commonly found in everyday life, the barium-and-antimony mix can only come from a gun, brake lining from European cars and fireworks banned in the 1960s, Dowell testified.
Lawyers from both sides are expected to deliver closing arguments today.