Summary of "THE BIG LOVE and THE BIG SETUP" – Dragnet Episode

Hosted by Jon Hagadorn on 1001 Radio Crime Solvers

Introduction

In this gripping episode of Dragnet, titled "THE BIG LOVE and THE BIG SETUP," listeners are taken through a meticulously detailed investigation of a harrowing crime involving a missing woman, her child, and a suspected lover. The narrative, enriched with authentic dialogues and procedural insights, showcases the relentless pursuit of justice by Detectives Joe Friday and Ben Romero.

Case Overview

The story begins on Thursday, September 10th, in the Westlake district of Los Angeles, where Philip Gorman returns home to discover his wife, Barbara Gorman, and their two-year-old daughter, Nancy, missing. With no immediate clues or motives, the disappearance baffled the homicide division for five agonizing days.

[00:32] Jack Webb: "You're a detective sergeant. You're assigned a homicide detail. A woman and her two-year-old child disappear suddenly."

Initial Investigation

Detectives Joe Friday and Ben Romero are tasked with unraveling the mystery. The initial absence of evidence and leads forces them to delve deeper into the personal lives of the missing family.

[04:03] Joe Friday: "Well, how much of a romance was Mrs. Gorman supposed to be having with this Ralph Kane?"

Emerging Leads

A breakthrough comes when neighbor John Pearson reports that Barbara Gorman was allegedly involved with Ralph Kane, a local printer. Pearson claims that Kane disappeared shortly after the Gormans went missing, sparking suspicions of foul play.

[07:06] Joe Friday: "The Gorman case had a call from one of their neighbors while you were gone. Where was that calendar of ours?"

Interrogations and Revelations

As the investigation progresses, Friday and Romero uncover strained relations within the Gorman household. Philip Gorman reveals marital discord and hints at possible motives rooted in jealousy and resentment.

[10:23] John Pearson: "Maybe they did. I've been trying to check around them all and not getting very far. There's only one thing I'm really worried about. That's my little girl, Nancy."

The Turning Point

Two weeks into the investigation, a significant development surfaces. Friday and Romero discover Barbara Gorman and Ralph Kane under surveillance at an auto court in East LA. However, Nancy Gorman's whereabouts remain elusive.

[18:31] Joe Friday: "Saturday, May 16, 9pm along with Levinson and McCready from Homicide, Ben and I drove out to the sheriff's substation in the east end of the city."

Confession and Tragedy

Under intense interrogation, Barbara Gorman breaks down and confesses the tragic truth. She admits to orchestrating a "death pact" with Ralph Kane after realizing the depth of her disdain for her child. Their plan led to the accidental death of Nancy.

[23:45] Barbara Gorman: "We found a nice place in the desert. There were nice flowers there. We buried Nancy."

Autopsy and Convictions

The autopsy results reveal discrepancies, uncovering that Nancy was murdered with bullet wounds, contradicting the initial claim of accidental death. Faced with incontrovertible evidence, both Gorman and Kane plead guilty to first-degree murder. Barbara Gorman receives a life sentence, while Ralph Kane is sentenced to death and subsequently executed.

[27:56] Joe Friday: "At 5:00 am we put in a call for Lieutenant Lee Jones and the crime lab crew and the coroner."

Conclusion

"The Big Love and The Big Setup" serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of human emotions and the lengths individuals might go to conceal their darkest deeds. Through diligent investigation and unwavering determination, Detectives Friday and Romero bring closure to a family shattered by betrayal and tragedy.

[26:36] John Pearson: "I just wanted to see her just once more. What's that about a mother, Ralph King. What is it that can make them do it?"

Key Takeaways

• Complex Motivations: The case highlights how personal relationships and hidden resentments can lead to catastrophic outcomes.

• Methodical Investigation: The thorough approach of Detectives Friday and Romero underscores the importance of patience and attention to detail in solving crimes.

• Impact of Confessions: Genuine confessions, even under extreme pressure, can be pivotal in uncovering the truth.

Notable Quotes:

• Joe Friday on the Assignment:
  "[00:32] You're a detective sergeant. You're assigned a homicide detail."

• John Pearson expressing concern for his child:
  "[07:06] Such a sweet little thing. Mrs. Gorman kept her under an iron hand."

• Barbara Gorman's confession:
  "[24:34] I didn't mean it that way. You've got to understand."

• Philip Gorman on the tragedy:
  "[26:56] She's only two. What could make anybody do a thing like that?"

This episode meticulously weaves together the threads of familial discord, deception, and the relentless pursuit of truth, embodying the essence of classic radio detective storytelling.