The lead defense attorney in the Robert Blake murder trial said someone broke into his apartment and stole materials related to the case on the same day that a jury was selected.
Police said late Wednesday that a burglar forced entry into the apartment building where defense attorney M. Gerald Schwartzbach lives and took a computer and other defense materials.
“He has indicated that a computer was taken and it is sensitive information related to the case,” police Lt. Dan Hooper said.
A jury was seated earlier in the day that will be asked to determine if Blake murdered his wife, Bonny Lee Bakley, in 2001.
Police said the burglary took place about 2 p.m., but no other information was immediately released.
The matter was expected to be brought up Thursday in court, a day set aside for discussion of motions. Opening statements are scheduled for Monday, and it was not immediately clear if the burglary could force a postponement.
Blake, the 71-year-old star of the old “Baretta” TV series, married Bakley after DNA tests showed he was the father of her baby. Bakley was shot May 4, 2001, in a car parked near a restaurant where she and Blake had just dined. He is charged with murder and solicitation of murder.
The jurors were sworn in Wednesday after a prosecutor and defense attorney used numerous challenges to remove panelists from the jury box. They did not have to state a reason for the peremptory challenges.
The seven men and five women range in age from 24 to 78. Six alternates also were selected Wednesday.