Robert Blake

In 1944, MGM discontinued Our Gang, releasing the final short in the series Dancing Romeo. In 1995, Blake was honored by the Young Artist Foundation with its Former Child Star "Lifetime Achievement" Award for his role in Our Gang. He is one of the few living actors from the original series. Others include Dickie Moore, Jean Darling, Sidney Kibrick, Jerry Tucker, and Jackie Lynn Taylor. Read Less

Blake was placed on house arrest during this time. Read Less

McLarty's testimony was pulled apart under intense cross-examination, including a history of mental problems and his inability to remember any key details of the alleged contract offer. On February 9, testimony came from Ronald 'Duffy' Hambleton, who also claimed that Blake tried to solicit him to murder his wife. His testimony was also called into question during cross-examination when his past criminal record of various petty crimes for drug and gun possession were made known.

The prosecution rested its case on February 14. The defense began its case with a series of witnesses who poked holes in various parts of the prosecution's case—including relatives of Gary McLarty. On February 19, testimony was heard about the effects of chronic drug use on the mind - specifically the minds of the two key prosecution witnesses, Ronald "Duffy" Hambleton and Gary McLarty, who were noted drug users during their stuntman careers. The lack of gunshot residue on Blake's hands was also a key part of the defense's case that Blake was not the shooter. Robert Blake chose not to testify. The defense rested its case on February 23, and after closing arguments were made on March 2–3, the jury retired to deliberate on March 4. Read Less