1001 Radio Crime Solvers: Episode Summary – "THE BIG BEN and THE BIG FRAUD"

Host: Jon Hagadorn
Release Date: December 15, 2024

Welcome to another gripping episode of 1001 Radio Crime Solvers, where host Jon Hagadorn brings you enthralling detective stories from the golden age of radio. In this episode, titled "THE BIG BEN and THE BIG FRAUD," listeners are transported into a meticulously crafted tale of robbery, deceit, and relentless police work set against the backdrop of mid-20th century Los Angeles.

Case 1: The Robbery and Attempted Murder of Harvey Kimbrough

Timestamp: 02:09 – 27:43

The episode opens on a warm Monday morning in Los Angeles, July 9th. Sergeant Joe Friday and his partner Sergeant Ben Romero, under the leadership of Chief Thad Brown, are assigned to a robbery detail at the Stacy Hollywood Department Store. The victim, Harvey Kimbrough, recounts the harrowing experience of being ambushed and attacked by an assailant while on his way to work.

Key Events:

• Harvey's Encounter:
  At 5:00 AM, Harvey stops to assist a fellow motorist whose car appears stalled on Commercial Street. However, this act of goodwill takes a sinister turn when the man, armed with a gun, forces Harvey out of his car, robbing him of $14 and violently assaulting him. Harvey describes the brutality of the attack:

  "He bent down and he hit me in the face. It bled pretty heavy." (04:07)

• Investigation Begins:
  Joe Friday and Ben Romero arrive at the scene, gathering crucial information including descriptions of both the assailant's vehicle—a blue 1948 Dodge sedan—and the getaway car, a two-tone green late-model Chevrolet.

• Interview with Sidney Ferguson:
  A key witness, Sidney Ferguson, who helped Harvey after the attack, provides additional details and an elusive clue: a slip of paper with the getaway car's license number discarded in his vehicle upon returning home. Ferguson's cooperation proves vital:

  "I believe I told them everything." (05:39)

• Stakeout and Breakthrough:
  Utilizing the license number, Friday and Romero trace the vehicle to Jack B. Grant at 19112 Beacon Street. Monitoring efforts initially yield no results until Grant makes a critical mistake, attempting to escape and leading to his capture after a tense stakeout.

• Suspect Apprehension and Trial:
  Despite Grant's attempt to flee, he is apprehended and later tried. The trial culminates in his conviction on multiple counts, including first-degree robbery and assault to commit murder. Ferguson's cooperation and the evidence gathered play pivotal roles in securing justice.

Notable Quotes:

• Harvey Kimbrough on the Attack:

  "I thought at first he might have been crazy, was going to kill me." (06:00)

• Joe Friday Reflecting on the Investigation:

  "A police department goes all out, doubles its efforts to run down a criminal who attacks a police officer." (19:08)

Case 2: The Murder of Hazel Gray

Timestamp: 30:53 – 55:31

Transitioning to a stormy Tuesday night, the second case delves into a chilling homicide involving Leonard Gray and the murder of his wife, Hazel Gray. The investigation unravels layers of personal turmoil, strained relationships, and hidden motives.

Key Events:

• Crime Scene:
  At 1627 Oxford Place, Leonard Gray discovers his wife Hazel dead in their dining room, with signs of a violent struggle. The initial investigation led by Friday and Romero uncovers that Hazel was likely strangled, indicated by the evidence:

  "Some red around the throat. Strangled? Yeah, could be." (34:43)

• Interrogation of Leonard Gray:
  Leonard, visibly distraught and intoxicated, provides a disjointed account of the evening. He mentions an altercation with his friend, Earl Anderson, and an incident where Hazel's car tires were slashed, complicating the narrative.

  "I feel terrible. Just terrible. When we got in the house, the first thing Hazel asked me was if I'd looked at the car." (36:25)

• Involvement of Sidney Ferguson:
  Sidney Ferguson, a close friend of Leonard, becomes a person of interest. His attempts to vouch for Leonard's character and occasional evasiveness raise suspicions.

  "He knew Len and Hazel were wonderful people. Very good friends of mine." (43:13)

• Emerging Evidence:
  The crime lab's analysis reveals a palm print at the scene that doesn't match Leonard's or Earl's. Additionally, a piece of blue cloth found near Hazel's body becomes a crucial clue.

  "The killer of Hazel Gray had left behind him a clue to his identity about which there could be no mistake. His palm print." (50:02)

• Confrontation and Revelation:
  In a dramatic turn, Sidney Ferguson confronts Leonard Gray during interrogation, leading to a confession where Ferguson admits to killing Hazel out of a twisted sense of love:

  "I killed Hazel because I loved her more than you did." (54:39)

• Resolution:
  Ferguson's confession secures the case, resulting in his conviction and the tragic unraveling of friendships and trust within their circle.

Notable Quotes:

• Sidney Ferguson's Confession:

  "I killed Hazel because I loved her more than you did." (54:39)

• Harvey Kimbrough's Reaction to the Confession:

  "You don't kill someone because you love them." (54:56)

• Joe Friday on the Complexity of the Case:

  "We intertwined personal relationships and hidden motives to uncover the truth." (Not directly quoted, inferred from narrative)

Conclusion and Trial Outcomes

Both cases culminate in their respective trials, highlighting the thoroughness of the Los Angeles Police Department's investigative procedures and the unwavering commitment of Sergeant Joe Friday and Sergeant Ben Romero. The episodes underscore themes of trust, deception, and the relentless pursuit of justice, hallmarks of the golden age of radio detective storytelling.

Closing Remarks

Join 1001 Radio Crime Solvers every Sunday at 5 PM ET to immerse yourself in the best of radio detective stories, meticulously curated and narrated to bring you the essence of classic crime-solving tales. For more episodes and information, visit 1001 Stories Network.

Notable Quotes from the Episode:

• "He bent down and he hit me in the face. It bled pretty heavy."
  — Harvey Kimbrough (04:07)

• "A police department goes all out, doubles its efforts to run down a criminal who attacks a police officer."
  — Joe Friday (19:08)

• "I killed Hazel because I loved her more than you did."
  — Sidney Ferguson (54:39)

This episode masterfully intertwines detailed character interactions, authentic police procedures, and unexpected twists, delivering a captivating experience for fans of classic radio crime dramas.