It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of this legendary actor

Blake has consistently denied killing Bakley. His official account states that after dinner, he left her in the car and came back to discover her dead. According to CNN, Blake continued to give his version of events throughout the court case, including the year he spent in jail prior to obtaining a $1.5 million bond. In an interview with Barbara Walters in 2003, Blake attributed Bakley’s passing to her background. “In my heart, I feel that some man, 10, 15, maybe 20 years ago, because she used to get married to them,” stated Blake (via ABC News). “She, in my opinion, ruined a lot of lives. I believe that one person whose life she devastated watched her on television.”

On March 29, 2005, Blake was found not guilty of the murder accusation; nonetheless, his reputation was never restored.