Blake denied bail in double-killing case

Erica D. Johnson

Thursday, July 24, 2003 | 9:32 a.m.

The aspiring R&B singer charged in a triple shooting will continue to be held at the Clark County Detention Center without bail.

District Judge Sally Loehrer refused to set bail for Alfonso "Slinkey" Blake, 33, Wednesday. Blake is charged in the March shooting that killed 19-year-old Sophear Choy and 22-year-old Priscilla Van Dine.

Blake also faces one count of attempted murder with use of a deadly weapon in the shooting of Kim Choy, 23. She suffered head and hand wounds.

Blake's lawyer, Pete Christiansen, had asked Loehrer to set his client's bail at $200,000, saying the amount would ensure Blake's appearance at trial.

In Nevada, defendants charged with crimes that carry a potential sentence of life without parole or greater do not have the constitutional right to have bail set. That decision is up to the judge.

Blake faces a possible death sentence if convicted.

"It is up to the court's discretion to grant bail," Christiansen said. "And my client has no prior convictions of violence."

But prosecutors Christopher Lalli and Robert Daskas strongly objected to the bail motion, listing multiple reasons why Blake should stay behind bars until his January trial.

Prosecutors expressed concern for the safety of potential witnesses in the case. They have said that Kim Choy is no longer in Las Vegas, but would not comment on whether she is in protective custody.

Because Blake waived his right to a preliminary hearing, the court does not yet have the testimony of witnesses, Lalli said.

"Witnesses would potentially be in danger if (Blake) were released," he said.

Lalli said Blake is also a flight risk and that he had a prior conviction for possessing a fraudulent passport.

Blake fled Nevada after the slayings. He went to California, where he used a fake name, Lalli said.

Police allege Blake shot the women execution-style in a desert area in southwest Las Vegas while the four were moving furniture and personal belongings from Blake's home.