RETURNABLE CLEARED IN HOLLYWOOD SHOOTING!
Thursday • May 11, 2001


Actor Robert Blake enjoys a coctail at the November 1999 Returnables record release party at Cafe Fresco in Chicago, IL. Also pictured: scenestress Miss Maxine and Returnables manager Gene TeenGene. (AP file photo)

LOS ANGELES - Pop star Arturo "Art Pop" Lee Ray, drummer for acclaimed music group The Returnables, has been cleared of all charges in the shooting death of Bonny Lee Bakley, wife of actor Robert Blake. Blake, best known as television's Baretta, could not be reached for comment.

Lee Ray's name first surfaced when it was discovered he had posted a variety of "Baretta"-related memorabilia on eBay in the hours just prior to the shooting. Among the items offered were t-shirts, Halloween costumes, and a rare autographed photo from Michael D. "Rooster" Roberts.

"We thought the timing of the auction was a bit peculiar, under the circumstances," LAPD spokesman Lt. Horace Frank said. "It certainly seemed like someone was hoping to cash in on this tragedy."

Lt. Frank said investigators ultimately ruled the timing of the auction was purely coincidental to the shooting, though sources say they will be keeping an eye on Lee Ray's future eBay activities. "You just never know," said one officer, on the condition of anonymity. "He's got a load of Starsky and Hutch crap ready to move. If I was David Soul, I'd be watching my back."