Blake’s Ex-Guard Refuses to Testify

Actor Robert Blake’s former bodyguard invoked his constitutional right against self-incrimination and refused to answer questions during a pretrial hearing Friday.

Earle Caldwell had been charged with conspiring with Blake to kill the actor’s 44-year-old wife, Bonny Lee Bakley, but a judge dismissed the charge.

Caldwell’s lawyer, Dana Cole, said Friday that Caldwell has nothing to hide but cannot risk being recharged with a crime relating to Bakley’s death.

In court, Deputy Dist. Atty. Shellie Samuels asked Caldwell, “Did you work for Mr. Blake?”

He responded, “I invoke my 5th Amendment rights.”

Cole advised the court that his client planned to answer all questions in the same manner.

Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Darlene Schempp excused Caldwell, who had been subpoenaed by the prosecution.

Prosecutors allege that supplies -- including two shovels, a crowbar, old rugs, duct tape and swimming pool acid -- found in Caldwell’s Jeep after the killing are evidence of an earlier plot to kill Bakley and bury her body in the desert. Caldwell’s attorneys have said the items are typically used by a handyman.

Blake is charged with murder and two counts of soliciting the murder. Trial testimony is expected to begin Dec. 6.