THE BIG MINK and THE BIG GRAB DRAGNET

Summary

Podcast Summary: "THE BIG MINK and THE BIG GRAB" – 1001 Radio Crime Solvers

Episode Overview "THE BIG MINK and THE BIG GRAB," hosted by Jon Hagadorn on 1001 Radio Crime Solvers, delves into a gripping Dragnet-inspired crime story from the golden age of radio detective dramas. Set against the backdrop of Los Angeles, the episode unravels the investigation of a homicides case involving the murder of a fur store owner, Albert Kreiber, and the subsequent abduction of his wife, Ruth Kessel. Through meticulous storytelling and authentic dialogue, the episode captures the essence of classic radio crime-solving narratives.

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1. Introduction to the Case (02:27 – 03:12) The episode opens with Detective Sergeant Friday and his partner, Ben Romero, assigned to a homicide detail. They arrive at the Western Fur Shop at 6:35 PM on a warm Saturday evening to find the store owner, Albert Kreiber, shot and killed. The only lead is a missing fur coat, suggesting the motive might be robbery.

Notable Quote:

• [02:46] Detective Friday: “What do you figure, Ma? Looks like a couple of hours.”

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2. Initial Investigation and Interviews (04:07 – 13:33) Friday and Romero begin their investigation by interviewing Ruth Kreiber, Albert's wife. Ruth mentions receiving a telegram from Albert stating he would be home late, which prompted her to visit the store in hopes of retrieving a fur coat from storage. Despite searching the store, they find inconsistencies, such as missing fur coats and unusual stains in the store.

Highlights:

• Discovery of empty gun shells and evidence of a struggle in the back room.
• Identification of a missing mink coat from an invoice.
• Ruth's account indicates no robbery occurred, as the wine bottle remains untouched.
• Surveillance reveals suspicious behavior by a blonde woman purchasing wine with a minimal bill, inconsistent with affording a $5,000 mink coat.

Notable Quote:

• [15:32] Detective Friday: “Somebody wanted a mink coat. Pretty bad. Coat like that costs quite a bit, doesn't it?”

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3. Pursuit of the Suspect (14:37 – 25:04) Following leads from a local shoe repair shop owner, Pete, who recalls seeing a blonde woman with a mink coat leaving the store around the time of the murder, the detectives narrow down the suspect's description. They implement a plan to engage the abductor by sending a dummy package with fake ransom money, aiming to trap the perpetrator.

Highlights:

• Intensive stakeouts and coordination with local establishments.
• Profound characterization of the suspect as an amphibious individual relying on bottled wine purchases.
• Deployment of surveillance teams to monitor potential abduction points.

Notable Quote:

• [25:04] Detective Friday: “We can't even find the door.”

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4. Confrontation and Resolution (25:06 – 27:41) The setup leads to the identification and apprehension of Betty Moore, revealed to be the abductor posing as Albert Kreiber’s wife. Under interrogation, Moore confesses that her motive was financial desperation, feeling cheated by promises of valuable fur coats and watches that never materialized.

Highlights:

• The use of fake ransom money serves as a pivotal trap.
• Emotional confession highlighting the criminal's desperate motivations.
• The seamless integration of traditional detective work with psychological profiling.

Notable Quote:

• [27:30] Betty Moore: “Sure I did. He promised me the coat. He said I could have any coat in the shop.”

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5. Trial and Aftermath (27:57 – 58:48) The narrative progresses to the trial of Betty Moore, who is convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced accordingly. The episode underscores the significance of diligent law enforcement and the resolution of the case through perseverance and strategic planning.

Highlights:

• Detailed recounting of the trial proceedings.
• Emphasis on justice served and the closure of the case.
• Reflection on the ethical responsibilities of police work.

Notable Quote:

• [57:44] Betty Moore: “We needed the money. I thought it'd work. But when he gets the package, when he finds out it's not the money, what's he going to think?”

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6. Conclusion and Moral (58:55 – End) The episode concludes by reiterating the authenticity of the story, with a disclaimer that only names have been changed. It reinforces the timeless appeal of Dragnet-style investigative stories and honors the legacy of classic radio crime dramas.

Notable Quote:

• [58:35] Narrator: “The story you have just heard was true. Only the names were changed to protect the innocent.”

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Key Takeaways

• Authentic Storytelling: The episode masterfully captures the essence of classic detective dramas, blending dialogue, investigation details, and character development seamlessly.
• Strategic Policing: Emphasizes the importance of methodical investigation, surveillance, and tactical operations in solving crimes.
• Human Element: Showcases the psychological factors driving criminal behavior, adding depth to the narrative.
• Cultural Context: Reflects the societal and economic conditions of the time, providing a rich backdrop for the crime story.

Notable Quotes Compilation

• [02:46] Detective Friday: “What do you figure, Ma? Looks like a couple of hours.”
• [15:32] Detective Friday: “Somebody wanted a mink coat. Pretty bad. Coat like that costs quite a bit, doesn't it?”
• [25:04] Detective Friday: “We can't even find the door.”
• [27:30] Betty Moore: “Sure I did. He promised me the coat. He said I could have any coat in the shop.”
• [57:44] Betty Moore: “We needed the money. I thought it'd work. But when he gets the package, when he finds out it's not the money, what's he going to think?”
• [58:35] Narrator: “The story you have just heard was true. Only the names were changed to protect the innocent.”

Final Thoughts "THE BIG MINK and THE BIG GRAB" stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of radio-based crime dramas. Through its detailed narrative and engaging dialogue, the episode not only entertains but also honors the investigative rigor exemplified by Dragnet's iconic detectives. Whether you're a fan of classic detective stories or new to the genre, this episode offers a compelling glimpse into the art of radio crime-solving.

Transcript

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[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Allow 15 days qualifying unlock device, credit service port in 90 plus days with device into eligible carrier and timely redemption. Required card has no cash access and expires in six months.

[Narrator]

The story you are about to hear is true. Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent.

[Fatima Cigarettes Advertiser]

Fatima Cigarettes. Best of all, long cigarettes brings you Dragnet.

[Narrator]

You're a detective sergeant. You're assigned a homicide detail. The owner of a fur store has been shot and killed. Your only lead, a missing fur coat. The killer is at large. Your job. Get him.

[Fatima Cigarettes Spokesperson]

If you want a long cigarette, smoke the best of all long cigarettes. Smoke extra mild Fatima. Yes, Fatima is the king size cigarette which contains the finest Turkish and domestic tobaccos. Superbly blended to make it extra mild. To give Fatima a much different, much better flavor and aroma than any other long cigarette. That's why Fatima has more than doubled its smokers coast to coast. Enjoy Extra mild Fatima yourself. Best of all, long cigarettes.

[Narrator]

It's wise to smoke extra mild. Fatima.

[Detective or Officer]

It's wise to smoke extra mild Fatima.

[Fatima Cigarettes Advertiser]

Dragnet, the documented drama of an actual crime. For the next 30 minutes, in cooperation with the Los Angeles Police Department, you will travel step by step on the side of the law through an actual case transcribed from official police files. From beginning to end, from crime to punishment, Dragnet is the story of your police force in action.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

It was Saturday, November 23rd. It was warm in Los Angeles. We were working the night watch out of homicide detail. My partner's Ben Romero. Boss is Blaine Steed. Captain, a homicide. My name's Friday. It was 6:35pm and we got to the corner of Western and Lexington. The Western Fur Shop.

[Narrator]

Hi, Brennan. Hi.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

What happened, Frank?

[Narrator]

The owner's been shot. His name's Albert Kreber.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Yeah.

[Narrator]

Who is that? Mrs. Kreiber. Haven't been able to get anything out of her.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Where's the body?

[Narrator]

In the back. Monkers is back there. Did you call the lamb? Yeah. Joan's on his way. Photographer and fingerprint men with him.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

All right, let's take a look.

[Narrator]

Nothing seems to be messed up. Back room is.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

It was A small shop. A couple of fur coats on dummies on one side of the store and on the other a tall glass case holding about 15 more. Mrs. Kreiber sat on a straight back chair staring at the floor. We went through the curtains into the back room of the store. Sprawling on the floor at the far end of the room was the body of a man. He had a fur coat gripped in one hand. Sergeant Monkrees from Hollywood Division was standing by.

[Narrator]

What do you figure, Ma? Looks like a couple of hours.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

You call the coroner?

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

How long you been here, Monk?

[Narrator]

Just a couple of minutes.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

You think Ms. Kreiber moved anything here?

[Narrator]

I don't think so. She was sitting in that chair when we got here. I don't think she's moved, except to call in.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

She put in the call?

[Narrator]

Yeah. Empty shells here on the floor.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

You got a pencil?

[Narrator]

Yeah, yeah.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

32.

[Narrator]

Yeah. You think robbery?

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

I don't know. Let's talk to the wife.

[Narrator]

Wait a minute. Bottle here.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Sierra Valley Wine Company. World's finest muscatel.

[Narrator]

27 cents a pint.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Nobody touched this. Did they not?

[Narrator]

Well, I've been here. No.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Okay, let's get out front.

[Narrator]

Anything in the customer files running? Not so far.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Have you tried to talk to Ms. Kreiber again?

[Narrator]

No. Pretty bad.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Let's give it a try. Ms. Kreiber, I'm Sergeant Friday. This is Sergeant Romero. We'd like to talk to you if we could. We know how you must feel, but there are a few questions that we have to ask you. Did you telephone the police?

[Narrator]

We have to know how it happened. Ms. Graber.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Ms. Crimer, can you tell us what happened?

[Detective or Officer]

Who is it? What do you want?

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

We're police officers.

[Detective or Officer]

Oh, Albert. Albert's dead. Albert. Albert. Someone call the police.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Ms. Graber, we are the police.

[Detective or Officer]

My husband's been murdered. He's dead.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

We better leave her. Friday.

[Narrator]

Here's something I found in the customer file.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Ms. Terry Shepherd, 10113 Normandy, apartment three. What about it?

[Narrator]

She took a coat out that was in storage. Took it out today.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

We'll check her out when we're finished here. Thanks.

[Narrator]

Looks like the only hot receipt in the file.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Hi, Lee.

[Narrator]

Jeff. Then in the back room. What is it?

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Killing monkeys will show you.

[Narrator]

Okay, let's look. Think we ought to try the wife again?

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

We can try. Ms. Kreiber, can we do anything for you?

[Narrator]

Oh.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

I'm a little better.

[Detective or Officer]

I'll try to tell you what I can.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

All right. When did you get here?

[Detective or Officer]

Must have been about 6:00. A few minutes after, I came to take him home.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Any customers around?

[Detective or Officer]

No, the store was empty. I stood here for a few minutes waiting and then I went in the back and.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

It'S still. Was the front door open?

[Detective or Officer]

No. Yes. The front door.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Yes, ma'am. The front.

[Detective or Officer]

Yes, open.

[Narrator]

Did you telephone the police?

[Detective or Officer]

I. I think I did.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Did you come here to pick him up?

[Detective or Officer]

No, no, usually he drives home himself. I came down on the streetcar to ride home with him.

[Narrator]

What kind of a car do you have?

[Detective or Officer]

An Oldsmobile. 1939 or 40, I guess it is.

[Narrator]

Where does he usually park?

[Detective or Officer]

In the rear of the store. This little place back.

[Narrator]

I'll take a look.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

All right. Where is your home?

[Detective or Officer]

3412 Northwestern. I thought there was something wrong when I. I got a telegram from him. He said not to come down tonight. He said he'd be home late.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

What time is that?

[Detective or Officer]

About 4:00. I'm all mixed up. I haven't told it to you as I remember it. First. Yes. First I telephoned here to the shop.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

That was this afternoon?

[Detective or Officer]

Yes. 3:30. I'm sure of that because I made some other calls. I spoke to Albert. He didn't say he was going to be late. Then at 4 o'clock I received the telegram.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Do you have that with you?

[Detective or Officer]

Yes, it's in my purse somewhere. Somewhere? Somewhere. Oh, here it is.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Thank you. Don't come down. I won't be home until late after. See a customer. Albert, can I keep this? We'll return it to you.

[Detective or Officer]

Yes.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

What'd you do after you got this wire, Ms. Kreiber?

[Detective or Officer]

Well, nothing. I thought it was strange, but I didn't think too much about it. Then I started wondering why he didn't say anything over the telephone about being late. So I came down here on the streetcar.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Did you phone the store just before you left your house?

[Detective or Officer]

Yes, but there was no answer.

[Narrator]

Parking lot's empty.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Better get out an APB on the car, huh?

[Narrator]

Ms. Graber, you said your car was 1939 F40 Oldsmobile, didn't you?

[Detective or Officer]

1940. I remember now. What model is that sedan? Light blue.

[Narrator]

Do you remember the license number?

[Detective or Officer]

Well, I have it on this chain with the extra keys. Here it is on this little tag. The veterans make these.

[Narrator]

Thank you, Joe. Can I see you, ma'am?

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Sure. Excuse me, Ms. Kramer.

[Detective or Officer]

Do you want me to wait? I'd like to go home.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

We'd like you to wait for a little while. Yes. Do you have any relatives living here?

[Detective or Officer]

A niece and A nephew in Beverly Hills. Jerome Reed. They live on Cannon Drive.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

All right, we'll call them for you.

[Detective or Officer]

Thank you.

[Narrator]

Lee, is this phone out here all right to handle? Yeah, it's been dusted. Okay. Joey coming in?

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Yeah, right away.

[Narrator]

Pretty clear. Easy to trace. I'd say he was standing over here by the curtains when he was shot. That's where the stains begin. And he must have stumbled along this glass case. You can see the smears here in the glass where he tried to grab hold of something. Yeah, and I guess he caught hold of that fur coat and pulled it down with him. Then he stumbled and bumped up against this coat bag, fell through that and up against the safe.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

How many times was he hit?

[Narrator]

Six empty casings on the floor. Looks like four. Through and through wounds.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

32?

[Narrator]

That's right. Your wife know if anything's missing?

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

She's in pretty bad shape.

[Narrator]

It looks to me like somebody took his wristwatch and a ring from his left hand. If he had a bill fall. That's gone. No coat. All the trouser pockets are turned inside out.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

What about that wine bottle?

[Narrator]

It's smeared. Can't lift a thing.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Okay, thanks. Ben.

[Narrator]

I'm still on the phone.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Okay.

[Narrator]

No, no, no. License 15. Boston 6707. No, 707. Yeah, driver might be on. Hang on a minute. Wallace. What now? Give that DMV while you save another call.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Ms. Kreiber, did your husband have a wallet?

[Detective or Officer]

Yes, yes. Brown alligator.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Did he keep his identification in it?

[Detective or Officer]

Yes.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

They carry much cash?

[Detective or Officer]

No, just a few dollars. He was always afraid of holdups.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Thank you. You want to give that to him, Ben?

[Narrator]

Yeah. Okay. Hey, Wallace. Suspect might have a brown alligator wallet with identification cards of Albert Kreiber. Yeah, that's C, R, I, B, Boston. B, Boston E.R. 3412 Northwestern Avenue. Yeah. Okay. How about Joe? Might be something here. Yeah, Monk, invoice from the Far North Fur Company. Three mink coats delivered here today. I looked all around. I only found two. One missing.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Did you find a sales slip for the other one?

[Narrator]

No.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Ms. Kreiber, would you come over here, please?

[Detective or Officer]

Yes.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Where are they, Monk?

[Narrator]

Over here.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

All right, over this way. These are mink coats here, aren't they?

[Detective or Officer]

Yes, yes. Wild mink. Albert told me he ordered them.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Yes, ma'am. We found the invoice.

[Detective or Officer]

He ordered three. There are only two here.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Do you know anything about any of his customers?

[Detective or Officer]

No. No, I don't. I never met any of them. Oh, I remember now. Just the night before last. He called someone from home, told her he'd have some minks in today and she could come in and.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Do you know who that was?

[Detective or Officer]

I didn't Hear any name.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Ms. Kreiber, do you have any idea who might have wanted to shoot your husband?

[Detective or Officer]

No, none at all. He was friendly with everyone. Everybody liked Albert. He didn't run around. He was either working or at home.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Did he drink?

[Detective or Officer]

Not at all.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

No, I mean, beer, a little wine, maybe?

[Detective or Officer]

No, no, he never touched anything.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

All right. Thank you. Brennan, will you see that Ms. Kreiber gets to her nephews right away? Thank you. Might as well go, Ben. Yeah, we can talk to some of the neighbors.

[Narrator]

Six shots fired. Wonder why nobody heard him.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Pretty heavy traffic outside, huh?

[Narrator]

Somebody wanted a mink coat. Pretty bad. Coat like that costs quite a bit, doesn't it?

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

This one's gonna come a little high. Y 7:05pm Most of the stores along the street were closed, but a small shoe repair shop across the street was open, so we went over there. On the window was one word, Pete's and a picture of a shoe. Sitting in the window was a small, dark man wearing a leather apron who was working on a pair of shoes.

[Narrator]

Hello. We're police officers. I see you drive up across the street. Are you Pete? Sure. What happens to Mr. Kreiber? He's robbed.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

No, he was killed.

[Narrator]

No shot. I do not hear anything. Have you been sitting in your window all afternoon? Most all the time. You see, I have machinery here. I advertise that way. People watch me.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Do you remember seeing anybody going into Mr. Kreiber's this afternoon?

[Narrator]

This afternoon before. Man 2 Three long black cars. Anybody else? Some.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Were they women?

[Narrator]

Officer, they are all women.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

I see. Did any of them walk out with a new fur coat?

[Narrator]

There. Hold on. I do not see all of them, I guess, but I see two. Can you describe one? Beautiful young girl, tall, red hair. She walk out with big package.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

What time was that?

[Narrator]

3, 4 o'clock. The second woman is about the same time. Funny thing, I do not see the bottle, but Benny from liquor store in corner tell me the second one. The blonde, she buys bottle wine.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Did he tell you what kind?

[Narrator]

No reason. I remember. I laugh when he tell me. I go over to Benny's for a can of beer. He tells me she buys cheap wine. Walks out of Kreibers with new fur coat. Me, I spend $5 for good wine and my wife has no fur coat. How old was this blonde? How is she dressed? She's maybe 20. Five. Young, you know, not too young, but young. She has on slacks, gray.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

What kind of a fur coat was she wearing when she came out?

[Narrator]

Mink. Look from here, like mink.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

I see. Do you notice where she went?

[Narrator]

Mmm. The blonde, the gray slacks. Minko? Yes. It turned the corner on to Lexington and she went up the street. Did you see Mr. Crabber's car drive away? No, he parking back. I don't see him come in. I don't see him come out.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

All right, thanks a lot, Pete.

[Narrator]

You know, Officer, that blonde. Something wrong there? How do you mean? Well, she has got fur coat, but she drinks wrong wine. I don't understand.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Why'd he say that?

[Narrator]

$5,000 coat, 27 cent wine.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

7.45Pm Ben and I questioned Benny Davis at the Safety liquor store. He remembered the blonde and said she bought a bottle of Sierra Valley muscatel from him between 2:30 and 3:00 that afternoon. He'd never seen her before. We contacted communications and gave a description of the blonde to supplement the all points bulletin. Then we started checking Western Union offices to find out where Mrs. Kreiber's telegram had been sent from. We finally traced it to the office at Normandy and Hollywood Boulevard. The operator who sent the telegram to Mrs. Kreiber also remembered receiving the call. She told us that the person who phoned in the message was a woman. The time, 3:22pm we asked her to put a tracer on it and told her we'd check back. 8:24pm Ben and I went to 10113 Normandy to talk to Ms. Terry Shepard, whose name had appeared in the customer files at the fur store. The receipt showed she'd taken a coat out of storage that afternoon.

[Narrator]

This is something like the place the wife and I used to live in. Yeah, Same people must have built it. Apartment 3. Ms. Terry Shepard.

[Detective or Officer]

All right, come in. The door is open. Find yourself a secret. I'll be within a minute.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Police officers. Ms. Shepard.

[Detective or Officer]

Oh. What's wrong?

[Narrator]

We'd like to talk to you.

[Detective or Officer]

What about what?

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

If you could come out here, please.

[Detective or Officer]

Well, I just got out of the shower. You'll have to wait a minute.

[Narrator]

Yeah. This place has got the same floor plan as mine.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Kind of small, isn't it?

[Narrator]

Not too bad. Wonder what rent she pays.

[Detective or Officer]

You don't mind if I wear this tube and leave my hairs wet?

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Sorry. We're sorry to bother you.

[Detective or Officer]

What can I do for you?

[Narrator]

You got a fur coat, Ms. Shepard?

[Detective or Officer]

Yeah, sure.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Wonder if we could see it, please?

[Detective or Officer]

Sure, but I Don't think it'll trail yet. It's only muskrat. I bought it in Pittsburgh.

[Narrator]

Where is it? In the Florida.

[Detective or Officer]

Yeah.

[Narrator]

Okay.

[Detective or Officer]

It's down the hallway, first door on the right.

[Narrator]

I think I know where it is.

[Detective or Officer]

What's this all about, Lieutenant?

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

What time were you at the Western Fur Shop today?

[Detective or Officer]

Oh, I'd say 3:00. Why?

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

What'd you do while you were down there?

[Detective or Officer]

I got my coat out of hock. I had it there during the warm weather, paid the man, signed something, and he put the coat in a box and I took it.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Mm. Do you know Mr. Kreiber down there, the man that owns the store?

[Detective or Officer]

You got me. The man was about 50. His hair was a little gray. I hardly even looked at him.

[Narrator]

This is the only fur coat Joe.

[Detective or Officer]

Could have passed for mink when I first bought it. It's pretty sad now, isn't it?

[Narrator]

Not mink. I'll give that closet last check.

[Detective or Officer]

What happened? Did somebody steal a coat?

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Was anybody else in the store while you were there?

[Detective or Officer]

Yeah. Yeah, there was another girl there.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

What was she doing?

[Detective or Officer]

Nothing. Just sitting.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Do you remember how she was dressed?

[Detective or Officer]

Oh, she was wearing a gray suit, slacks, blonde. Her face wasn't much, but she had a neat little figure.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Do you remember anything else about her?

[Detective or Officer]

I didn't pay that much attention.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Anything else in there, Ben?

[Narrator]

Not a thing, Jill.

[Detective or Officer]

Maybe I'd better take this towel off my head. It doesn't look so hot when it's wet, but it's natural. It's natural red.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Yeah. Is there anything else that you might be able to tell us?

[Detective or Officer]

I think that's about all. I gave the man my claim check and the money, and he got the coat and put it in a box and gave me a receipt.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Nothing else?

[Detective or Officer]

No. When I got the receipt, I saw the blonde walk over and pick up the telephone. I was just leaving then.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Did you hear any of the conversation she asked for?

[Detective or Officer]

Western Union.

[Fatima Cigarettes Advertiser]

You are listening to Dragnet. The case history of a police investigation presented in the public interest by Fatima Cigarettes.

[Fatima Cigarettes Spokesperson]

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[Fatima Cigarettes Advertiser]

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[Detective or Officer]

It's my job to keep up with what's going on around town.

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And here's one thing I've noticed lately.

[Detective or Officer]

More and more people smoking Fatima. You certainly can tell why, once you smoke them. I found them milder than any other king size cigarette and that's important to me. Yes, I agree it's wise to smoke.

[Fatima Cigarettes Spokesperson]

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[Fatima Cigarettes Advertiser]

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Prefer Fatima's much different, much better flavor. You will agree it's wise to smoke extra mild Fatima.

[Detective or Officer]

It's wise to smoke extra mild Fatima.

[Fatima Cigarettes Spokesperson]

The best of all long cigarettes.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Sunday, November 24, 9am Ben and I contacted the owners of all the shops in the vicinity, but none of them saw or heard anything at the time of the shooting. Officers Brennan and Monk Reeves interviewed all the regular customers of Albert Kreiber's first shop. Only three had been in the store on Saturday, but none of them had noticed anything wrong. 11:35am we spoke to Mrs. Kreiber again, but she could add nothing to her story. Her niece and nephew had been to a football game at the Coliseum in the afternoon and knew nothing had happened until they were telephoned by Officer Brennan. 2:55pm we spoke to all the tenants of the apartment house at 5000, 513 Lexington, which is in the rear of the fur shop. None of them had been home, but the owner told us that he had some men working on the roof of the apartment house at the time of the murder. Through the owner of the Durable Roof Company, we traced the two men who had been working on the roof and they told us that about 4 o'clock they had seen a blonde dressed in gray slacks enter the parking space in the rear of Kriever's Fur Store. They whistled at her, but she paid no attention to them. She got into an Oldsmobile and drove east on Lexington. 7pm we checked in at the office and got word that Albert Kreiber's car had been located in a parking lot at Vermont and 8th. We drove down to the location and talked to the parking lot attendant.

[Narrator]

Well, the car must have come in sometime last night. It probably came in the back way because I don't remember it coming in and it doesn't have our lot tag on it. Did you work all last night? No, I finished at midnight and started at 10 this morning. I kept waiting for somebody to claim this thing and, well, and after supper I figured it might be stolen, so I phoned the police. It's been sitting here all that time.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Are there any keys in it?

[Narrator]

No, sir. There Weren't last night either.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Have you ever seen this particular car before?

[Narrator]

No, sir. Have you ever seen a blonde woman, about 25, wearing gray slacks? You mean hanging around here?

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Yeah. Or in the neighborhood?

[Narrator]

Yeah, but not today or yesterday. Do you remember one? Well, yes, sir. Does she drink a lot?

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Maybe.

[Narrator]

Well, there's one that hangs out in these bars around here. Once in a while she comes in the lot, but not lately.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

When did you see her last? Oh, a couple of weeks ago.

[Narrator]

Was she with anyone? Yeah, but I don't remember him. I seen her with a lot of different guys.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Did she hang around with anybody in particular?

[Narrator]

Yeah. Her husband.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Before leaving the parking lot, we pulled the rotor out of the distributor. So that nobody could drive the car away. 8:12pm we called homicide and asked for more men to canvass the bars in the neighborhood. Ben and I staked out on the car. We sat in our car across the street from the parking lot until midnight. Nobody showed up to claim the car. The streets were almost empty. Our only chance was that the blonde lived in the neighborhood. Or was in a bar and would sooner or later try to claim the car. 1:53am hmm.

[Narrator]

What rent do you suppose that shepherd girl pays? You got me 75.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

I don't know.

[Narrator]

I bet I pay more than she does.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Is that Monkrease?

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Hi, Monk.

[Narrator]

Hi. Take a look up the street. See that couple? Where? Coming this way. Blonde, gray slacks, fur coat. She's pretty drunk.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Where'd you spot her?

[Narrator]

Turn the corner from Olympic. They've been looking in parking lots.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Monk, there's a rear entrance to this lot off the alley. Do you want to cover that? Yeah. Thank you. You see him?

[Narrator]

All right, that's it. What, do they walk under that light? Yeah. Pretty drunk.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Looks like the same kind of coat, isn't it?

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Stopping.

[Narrator]

Looking for another parking lot, I guess. Sierra Valley wine. World's finest. Muscate tail.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

And going into the parking lot.

[Narrator]

She's not carrying a purse.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Those coats don't have pockets big enough for a.32 automatic.

[Narrator]

That stuff sure gets people.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

All right, let's go. We're getting in Kreiber's car.

[Narrator]

Look, we can't even find the door.

[Detective or Officer]

She's helping us whistle down the window. Can't you.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

You take the other side of the car, will you?

[Narrator]

Yeah. Stop rushing me.

[Detective or Officer]

Who are you?

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Police officers. Can I see your driver's license, please?

[Detective or Officer]

I got a driver's license.

[Narrator]

What's going on?

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

What's your name?

[Detective or Officer]

Betty Moore. What's it to you?

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

The registration Slip on the steering column says Albert Kreiber.

[Detective or Officer]

What's the matter with this car anyway?

[Narrator]

Who's Albert Kreber?

[Detective or Officer]

Oh, I know who he is.

[Narrator]

This guy here. Who is this man? Huh? What'd he say?

[Detective or Officer]

He's a friend. That satisfy you?

[Narrator]

Yeah, I'm a friend.

[Detective or Officer]

What's the matter with this?

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Take a look at the glove compartment, Ben.

[Narrator]

Okay. Come on, honey. Let's get going, huh? Yeah.

[Detective or Officer]

What do you want in there for?

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Let me have those keys. Hey, here you are, Ben.

[Narrator]

How about going home?

[Detective or Officer]

There's nothing in there.

[Narrator]

There's go. Here's a purse.

[Detective or Officer]

Give me that.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

You keep your hands in the wheel.

[Narrator]

It's a gun. 32.

[Detective or Officer]

It's his. It's empty anyway. Nothing wrong in that.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

You have a permit to carry it?

[Detective or Officer]

Yeah, I got a permit.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Can I see it?

[Detective or Officer]

I lost it. Give me those keys.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Keep your hands on that wheel.

[Narrator]

There's a wallet, identification cards. Albert Kreiber.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Where'd you get these?

[Detective or Officer]

I don't know.

[Narrator]

A man's watch. Albert Kreiber engraved on the back.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Who's Albert Kreiber?

[Detective or Officer]

I don't know. I told you.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

All right, let's get out of the car.

[Detective or Officer]

Why didn't that car start?

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

All right, come on. Stand up. You get over there.

[Narrator]

Where'd you get the fur coat? I bought it square?

[Detective or Officer]

I don't know.

[Narrator]

Joe. Look at her slacks.

[Detective or Officer]

Wine stains. I spilled wine on him.

[Narrator]

What kind of wine?

[Detective or Officer]

Muscatel.

[Narrator]

Muscatel isn't a red wine, it's a white wine.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Who's Albert Kreiber?

[Detective or Officer]

I don't know.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

This is his wallet. This is his car. Where'd you get him?

[Detective or Officer]

I don't know. I don't know.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

This the gun you shot him with? This the gun you shot him with?

[Detective or Officer]

I was going over. He said he'd give me a fur coat. He promised me a watch and he never gave me one. Then we sent a telegram to his wife and everything. He gave me a fur coat and take me out. He backed out of me.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

So you shot him?

[Detective or Officer]

Sure I did. He promised me the coat. He said I could have any coat in the shop.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

What are you crying for? You got the coat.

[Narrator]

The story you have just heard was true. Only the names were changed to protect the innocent.

[Fatima Cigarettes Advertiser]

On February 27, trial was held in Superior Court Department 86 City and County of Los Angeles, State of California. In a moment, the results of that trial.

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[Narrator]

Coast to coast Extra Mild Fatima has more than doubled its smokers.

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Yes, more and more smokers every day are discovering that Fatima is the king size cigarette that is extra mild.

[Fatima Cigarettes Spokesperson]

Extra Mild because it contains the finest Turkish and domestic tobaccos. Superbly blended to make it extra mild to give it a much different, much better flavor and aroma.

[Fatima Cigarettes Advertiser]

Enjoy Extra Mild Fatima yourself. Best of all, Long Cigarettes it's wise.

[Fatima Cigarettes Spokesperson]

To smoke extra Mild Fatima it's wise.

[Detective or Officer]

To smoke extra Mild Fatima.

[Fatima Cigarettes Advertiser]

Betty Moore was tried and convicted of second degree murder and received sentence as prescribed by law. She is now serving her term in the State penitentiary at Tehachapi. You have just heard Dragnet a series of authentic cases from official files. Technical advice for Dragnet comes from the office of Chief of Police W.A.

[Narrator]

W.H.

[Fatima Cigarettes Advertiser]

Wharton, Los Angeles Police Department.

[Fatima Cigarettes Spokesperson]

Fatima cigarettes Best of all, Long Cigarettes has brought you Dragnet. Transcribed from Los Angeles Next, here's Sarah.

[Fatima Cigarettes Advertiser]

Berner in Sarah's private caper on NBC.

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[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Allow 15 days qualifying unlock device credit.

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Device and eligible carrier. Timely redemptor required Card has no cash access and expires in six months. Marketing is hard, but I'll tell you a little secret. It doesn't have to be. Let me point something out. You're listening to a podcast right now and it's great. You love the host. You seek it out and download it. You listen to it while driving, working out, cooking, even going to the bathroom. Podcasts are a pretty close companion and this is a podcast ad. Did I get your attention? You can reach great listeners like yourself with podcast advertising from Libsyn Ads. Choose from hundreds of top podcasts offering host endorsements or run a pre produced ad like this one across thousands of shows. To reach your target audience in their favorite podcasts with Libsyn ads, go to Libsynads.com that's L I B S Y N ads.com today.

[Narrator]

The story you are about to hear is true. Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent.

[Fatima Cigarettes Advertiser]

Fatima Cigarettes. Best of all, Long Cigarettes brings you Dragnet.

[Narrator]

You're a detective sergeant. You're assigned a homicide detail. A woman has disappeared. Taken from her home by a man posing as a police officer. Your job finder.

[Fatima Cigarettes Spokesperson]

If you want a long cigarette, smoke the best of all long cigarettes. Smoke extra mild Fatima. Yes, Fatima is the king size cigarette which contains the finest Turkish and domestic tobaccos. Superbly blended to make it extra mild. To give Fatima a much different, much better flavor and aroma than any other long cigarette. That's why Fatima has more than doubled its smokers coast to coast. Enjoy extra mild Fatima yourself. Best of all long cigarettes.

[Narrator]

It's wise to smoke extra mild Fatima.

[Detective or Officer]

It's wise to smoke extra mild. Fatima.

[Fatima Cigarettes Advertiser]

Dragnets the documented drama of an actual crime. For the next 30 minutes. In cooperation with the Los Angeles Police Department, you will travel step by step on the side of the law through an actual case. Transcribed from official police files. From beginning to end, from crime to punishment, Dragnet is the story of your police force in action.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Was Tuesday, April 4th. It was warm in Los Angeles. We were working the night watch out of homicide detail. My partner's Ben Romero. The boss is Thad Brown, Chief of Detectives. My name's Friday. It was 10 minutes past 6pm when I got to the basement of the City Hall. Carpool.

[Narrator]

Over here, Joe.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Hi. Thad Brown will be down in a minute. Captain will follow us out later.

[Narrator]

Okay. No contact yet?

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

No, we're still waiting. You take care of the local broadcast?

[Narrator]

It's already gone out. They'll put the descriptions on the air every hour. How's it look to you now?

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

I don't know. Nothing more we can do to make a contact. Oh, here's Thad Brown now. You want to squeeze over a little?

[Narrator]

Oh, yeah, sure. Hi, Chief. Hi. Let's go.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Might as well take Beverly Boulevard, huh, Ben?

[Narrator]

He inch as fast as any. You got the address there, Friday?

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Yeah. It's 617 Paris Ave. South by Echo Park.

[Narrator]

Who's covering the house now?

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Ross and Pichelli are staked out in a private garage across the street from the house. Donahoe and Wiseman are on duty inside the Castle place. You want to smoke?

[Narrator]

Thanks. Light me one, will you, Joe?

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Yeah.

[Narrator]

But you got the story from the maid of the Kessel's house, is that right?

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Mm.

[Narrator]

Check it out.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

I'm pretty sure she's telling it straight. If anything anything's wrong, I don't think she's got a hand in it. Here you are, man.

[Narrator]

No, thanks. You got the call about 3 this afternoon? Mm. A few minutes after we went right out and talked to the maid. How'd she tell her?

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Said she was fixing dinner about 2 this afternoon when the doorbell rang. She answered it and a young man in the gray suit asked for Mrs. Kessel by name. He told the maid it was an emergency. Well, the maid said Mrs. Kessel came to the door and the man identified himself as a police officer. Told Mrs. Kessel her husband had been hurt in an accident and she was to come right away.

[Narrator]

Men show his identification? Mate said no, said Ms. Kessel. Just took it for granted he was a cop. Yeah. Go ahead.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Ms. Kessel got her coat and left with the man. About an hour later, her husband, Professor Kessel, got home. He wasn't hurt. He hadn't been in an accident. He hadn't seen his wife.

[Narrator]

Soon as he heard from the maid what had happened, he got on the phone, called up. What's the background on the husband? It's Professor Kessel.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

He's supposed to have quite a name. He's a professor of philosophy out at Simmons College at a small school out near Glendale.

[Narrator]

Oh, yeah.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Devout man. President of one of the local synagogues.

[Narrator]

Sure about the maid story, huh?

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Sure as we can be. She gave us a good description of the man who picked up Ms. Kessel. I got it right here. Yeah, here.

[Narrator]

White male, American, 25 to 30 years old. 6ft, 170 to 80 pounds. Gray suit, gray hair, bronchioles. How about the car he used? Late model Chevrolet, dark blue, white sidewalls. That's all the maid could tell us. She didn't notice the license.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

You better cut over on Westlake. That'll take us past the detail, won't it?

[Narrator]

This Professor Kessel, has he been told what to do?

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Yeah, he's been briefed. We had a couple of men with him since this thing broke. He's taken it pretty hard.

[Narrator]

How old a man is he?

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Oh, his late 30s. Wouldn't you say so, Ben?

[Narrator]

Pretty close to 40. Nice fellow, squire.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Two kids in the family. Just about school age.

[Narrator]

But this next one ought to be Paris Avenue. Yeah. There's a big gray house down there. Scare for white trim. Don't park too close to the house.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

This ought to do it right here, don't you say?

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

What time you got?

[Narrator]

6:15. Almost dark. Where's the garage? I'm in a covering.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

From can you see beyond that light pole there? The white stucco place.

[Narrator]

Oh, yeah. Next one here is a Kessel home. Doesn't look very rich.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Neither do the Kessels. I don't think they got much money Hi, Dono.

[Narrator]

Come in.

[Fatima Cigarettes Advertiser]

But the husband.

[Narrator]

Yeah, I just got a phone call a couple of minutes ago. I listened on the extension who called, tried to trace it. The guy wouldn't stay in the line long enough. What'd you say? Tell the cops to stay away. Said it twice. Tell the cops to stay away. Said if they don't, I'll kill her.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

The Castle house had already been placed under strict surveillance and the victim's husband instructed not to contact the abductors without knowledge of the police. To the working detective, there's only one rule to go by when the job of solving an abduction is put in his hands. Find the victim as fast as possible, get the victim to safety, then go after the criminal. It's not an easy job. The responsibility isn't light and the outcome isn't always successful. If you press too hard, the abductor gets frightened and kills the victim. If you don't press hard enough, the criminal has more time to work for his payoff and then escape. Somewhere between the two was the right answer. We had to find it. 6:30pm Special details of men were ordered out to the bus depots, the railroad terminals and the airports. Roadblocks were set up at all main arteries leading into and out of the city. Every branch post office in Los Angeles was covered to watch for possible ransom notes addressed to Professor Kessel. 6:40pm we met in the Kessel's living room.

[Narrator]

Chief Wiseman. Professor Kiss will be down in a minute. Sissy. Sorry to keep you waiting. You feeling any better? A little phone call about his wife shook him up a bit.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

How about those people who came in a few minutes ago? Who are they?

[Narrator]

Relatives. Half a dozen of them. They're waiting back in the kitchen. How'd they know about Mrs. Kessel? They didn't. They'd been invited to dinner. They didn't know anything was wrong till they got here. Kessel asked him to stay for the meal. Wants to keep up appearances for the sake of his kids. Doesn't want him to worry about their mother.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

The dinner that important to him?

[Narrator]

Well, tonight's the start of the Pesach. The Jewish religion. Passover.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Oh, yeah.

[Narrator]

It's one of the big holidays. Oh, I see.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Well, they started off with this dinner tonight. Is that the way?

[Narrator]

Yeah, Big dinner. They call them seders. Tonight they have the first seder. Good evening.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Sorry to keep you waiting. How are you?

[Narrator]

No, please sit down. We don't like to intrude on your privacy, Professor Kessel, but I think you can see it's Necessary? Oh, yes, of course. I'm very grateful. If there's anything at all I can do to help.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Do you have any idea who might be responsible for abducting your wife?

[Narrator]

That's what has me so confused. How do you mean, sir? Well, I'm sure I have people who don't like me, who don't like us. But someone who would take my wife, who says they'll kill her? No, I. I don't know who it could be.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

How about the voice on the telephone, Professor? Did you recognize it at all?

[Narrator]

No. It didn't sound like anyone I knew. He talked so fast, I could hardly understand the man.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Do you think the person who took your wife has some other motive besides holding her for ransom?

[Narrator]

I can't understand that either. If it's money they want, why go after a teacher's wife? $1,500 in the bank. That's all I have. That and this house. How about your immediate family, Professor? Well, my wife, Ruth. Her people have quite a bit. I guess you would call them rich. But it's their money, not mine. I can't understand why anyone would do it.

[Detective or Officer]

For Ruth.

[Narrator]

If anything happens. Children.

[Detective or Officer]

Albert.

[Narrator]

I'm sorry.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

It's all right. We understand.

[Detective or Officer]

Albert.

[Narrator]

Yes, Bertha? Come in, would you, please? Gentlemen, this is my sister, Bertha. She's here with her husband for the sake.

[Detective or Officer]

How are you, Albert? It's late. Sundown. It's time to start the kiddies.

[Narrator]

Oh, yes. All right. Bertha, you tell everyone to come to the table. I'll be right in.

[Detective or Officer]

The officers will have the first seder with us.

[Narrator]

Yes, Bertha. Please set them places.

[Detective or Officer]

Yes, Albert.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Say, we don't mean to intrude here. We can wait outside while you have your dinner.

[Narrator]

Oh, no, please. I'd be honored to have you sit at the table with us. No one in the house should be without food tonight. First Seder for Passover. It's the law. How's that, sir? Oh, excuse me. The Hebrew law. Would you come this way, please? Yes, Professor.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

He turned and led us down the hallway into the dining room. A long white cloth covered the table. In the center was a brightly polished brass candelabra holding four lighted tapers. There were a few platters of food already set out. And at the head of the table where Professor Kessel stood an open prayer book. In order not to add to the alarm of his two small children at the absence of their mother, Professor Kessel introduced us as friends from Simmons College.

[Narrator]

This is Mr. Brown, Mr. Friday, Mr. Wiseman, Mr. Romero.

[Detective or Officer]

How do you do?

[Narrator]

Of course. Sit down, please. Sit down. Yeah, sure. Smells good. Yeah, yeah. You got enough room there, Joe?

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Well, fine. Hey, how's it work, Wiseman? Should we join in the prayers?

[Narrator]

Not unless you speak Hebrew. Ohenu.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Friday talking.

[Narrator]

This is Lazy Joe. Just got a call to a morgue.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Yeah?

[Narrator]

He brought in the body a few minutes ago. They checked the description? Yeah, they think it's Mrs. Kessel.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

I went back into the dining room and told Chief Brown about the call. He told Professor Kessel. He said he'd finish as quickly as possible so as not to alarm the children and then go with us to the morgue to check the identity of the body. The prayers continued along with the dinner.

[Narrator]

John.

[Detective or Officer]

Yes, Papa.

[Narrator]

I'm sorry. Excuse me.

[Detective or Officer]

Papa.

[Narrator]

What was it, Wiseman? What was the boy saying as part of the ceremony? During the meal, he's supposed to ask his father certain questions about the Passover. And then the father answers him. I guess it was too much for Kessel. Phil broke him up.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

What'd the boy ask him?

[Narrator]

Why is this night different from any other night?

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

7:30Pm Sergeants Wiseman and Donahoe stayed on duty at the house. While checking Chief Brown, Ben and I drove Professor Kessel to the county morgue. On the way, we called in and checked with Captain Steed of Homicide. He told us there'd been no reports on Mrs. Kessel. 7:43pm Ben and I took Kessel to the basement of the hall of Justice. County morgue.

[Narrator]

This way, Professor. Oh, yes. You sure you feel up to it? Thank you. I'll be all right. Cold in here. Yes, sir. Hi, fellas. It's back here. Okay. Archie, this is Professor Castle.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Archie, how you do?

[Narrator]

This way. Jane Doe number five. I called over as soon as they brought it in.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Yeah. Thank you.

[Narrator]

Found the body near Avenue 19, the riverbed crossing the auto cam. No identification? No. Here.

[Fatima Cigarettes Advertiser]

We.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

All right, Professor.

[Detective or Officer]

Thank God. Thank God.

[Narrator]

Professor. No, it's not my wife.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

It seemed as if both the victim and whoever had taken her advantaged completely. At 11:30, Captain Steed, Ben and I went across the street for a cup of coffee and a fried egg sandwich. We got back to the office at 10 minutes to midnight. Still no word. At 2am Ben and I drove back to the Castle to relieve Donahoe and Wiseman. We stood our watch in the living room. In the bedroom directly above, we could hear Professor Kessel pacing the floor most of the night. At 5am Captain Steed called. He told us a letter addressed to the professor had been reported at the arcade post Office. As soon as the outside of the envelope had been photographed and checked for prints, it would be brought out for Professor Kessel to open.

[Narrator]

Want Doug?

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Yeah. I'll get it.

[Narrator]

Chief. Good morning.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Hi, Ali.

[Narrator]

Hi, Joe.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

In here. Did you lift anything off the envelope, Lee?

[Narrator]

Nothing we can use, no. Might have more luck with the letter. Good morning. You brought the letter? It's right here. Professor Kessel, I'd like you to stand by while we open it. This is Lieutenant Jones, my crime lab lieutenant. Now, you'll check the note for fingerprints. Oh, yes. I can get you a letter open, I think, this one over here. Yeah. That's all right. I could use my pocket knife. You want to grab one corner of the paper banner. Just the tip of the corner. Use your fingernail. Okay, that does it. Open it and pin down these corners here. What is it, Fred?

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

The words are put together with small printed letters. All seem to be the same kind of typeface.

[Narrator]

Letters were probably clipped from a book, then pasted together to form these words. Who sent it?

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

What does it say? Thanks, Link. If you want to see your wife alive, have 30,000 small bills. Tonight. Tell police I kill her. Instructions follow in mail.

[Narrator]

No signature. 30,000. I haven't got the money. I can't get it. He'll kill her. Mr. Castle. There's still a chance. But what can I do? I haven't got that much money. He says he'll kill her. What can we do?

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

What we've been doing.

[Narrator]

Yes.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Wait.

[Fatima Cigarettes Advertiser]

You are listening to Dragnet. The case history of a police investigation presented in the public interest by Fatima Cigarettes.

[Fatima Cigarettes Spokesperson]

Fatima, the long cigarette that has more than doubled its smokers coast to coast. And there's a very good reason for this amazing increase. Men and women everywhere are finding out it's wise to smoke extra mild Fatima.

[Narrator]

I agree, says Lee Silver, news reporter.

[Detective or Officer]

I agree, says Gene Matson, airline stewardess.

[Narrator]

I agree, says Mike Charters, attorney at law.

[Detective or Officer]

I agree, says Bab Beckwith, fashion stylist.

[Fatima Cigarettes Advertiser]

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[Detective or Officer]

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[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Wednesday, 7am with the aid of an iodine fume gun, Lee Jones checked the extortion letter from Mrs. Kessel's abductor for fingerprints and other marks. Of identification. He found nothing. The piece of paper on which the cutout printed letters had been pasted was of a common variety sold in most stationary and 5 and 10 cent stores. Jones photographed both sides of the envelope in the letter. 11am still no word. None of the special details had anything to report. At 1:45pm another letter was delivered to the house. The envelope was open, the letter removed carefully and pinned down at the corners.

[Narrator]

It's put together the same as the last one.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Tonight, 11:00. Come alone, your car. Tell police I kill her.

[Narrator]

Is there more?

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Friday, yeah. Drive corner, Lakeshore, Charter Street. Wrap money, brown paper, small bills. Come alone, your car. Put package by fire plug, then leave. Tell police and I kill her. No signature.

[Narrator]

I haven't got the money.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Lake Shore and Charter. That shouldn't be too hard for us to catch. Sounds pretty much like an amateur.

[Narrator]

It makes it touchy. If he's green, he'll scare easy. If he's scared, he may kill her.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Not if we reach him.

[Narrator]

How can I get the money?

[Fatima Cigarettes Advertiser]

You won't need any.

[Narrator]

A dummy package made up. There'll be a single dollar bill inside. Must be newspapers cut to the size of currency. That's what you'll deliver. But when he gets the package, when he finds out it's not the money, what's he going to think?

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

We'll explain it to him. Starting at 10:00 that night, more than a dozen cars from the detective bureau circled the area around Lakeside Avenue and Charter street, keeping a distance ranging from three to a full mile away so as not to scare off the abductor. Some of the cars were parked in service stations, some in private driveways. The neighborhood was located in the heart of a new veterans housing project. For a full five blocks in either direction, there were no buildings of any kind where we could keep an eye on the package of fake ransom money. The owner of one of the completed houses nearest the spot on Charter street was contacted and he agreed to let us use his home as a lookout point for the 9pm Ben and I took up our positions on the roof of the lookout house. We were equipped with two pair of night binoculars and a walkie talkie.

[Narrator]

I could think of a few other places I'd rather spend a night.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

How well can you see that intersection from here?

[Narrator]

Comes in fine with these binoculars. The guy shows we are the same.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Yeah, I better check with the captain again. What time you got?

[Narrator]

9:25. Where's the skipper parked?

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Private driveway near Charter in Hayworth. Friday to 105K Friday to 105. K, come in.

[Narrator]

Yeah, Joe, go ahead.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Got a clear view of the intersection. Nothing yet. Outside of cramped legs, you're reading me okay?

[Fatima Cigarettes Spokesperson]

Yeah, Joe.

[Narrator]

Fine.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Over. Roger. Standing by.

[Narrator]

You're lucky my kid can't see me now.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Why?

[Narrator]

He'd never understand. Why should his father be sitting on top of somebody's roof late at night? He'd never get him.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

We waited. 10:00. Came 10:30 at exactly 11:00pm as we watched through our night binoculars, we saw Professor Kessel drive up to the designated location five blocks away, place the fake package of ransom money by the fire hydrant near the intersection and then drive away. 11:30. We waited. Midnight, 2am Nothing happened. The package was still lying with a fire hydrant undisturbed. Captain Steed checked with us periodically on the walkie talkie. At 3:30am we were still waiting. At a few minutes past 6am Professor Kessel was directed to return to the intersection, pick up the package and drive back to his home. His wife's abductor had failed to show. Maybe the suspect had sensed a trap. Maybe he had no idea of showing up in the first place. Maybe Mrs. Kessel was dead. We didn't know. 10am Thursday. No further contact from the abductor. A special detail from Homicide, including Ben and I, were ordered on a door to door canvas of the general area around Lakeside Avenue and Charter Street. After seven hours of ringing doorbells and asking questions, we came across a Mr. Harold Olander, one of the longtime residents of the Silver Lake area. We showed him the general description of Mrs. Kessel's abductor.

[Narrator]

Yeah, that could be Thompson. I don't know for sure, though. Where did you see this Thompson, Mr. Olander? Oh, I saw him lots of times. He rents that cottage of mine down the street there. You see the white one?

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Does this Thompson have a car?

[Narrator]

Thompson? Yeah, yeah, new one.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

I wonder if you could describe it.

[Narrator]

Chevrolet. Nice looking. Blue color, I think. Could be. Joe.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Is Thompson in the house now, Mr. Olander?

[Narrator]

Nope. Saw him drive away early this morning. I can show you the house if it's official police business. It is. Come on then. I got the key right here. Cottage is just down the block there. See the one? I mean, the white one? Yes. How long's Thompson been in the house? Two weeks tomorrow.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

You noticed anything unusual about him?

[Narrator]

Nothing special. Comes and goes at odd hours. But then a lot of people do. I don't cry. Sit out right here. Does he usually keep all the blinds drawn? Yeah, now that you mention it. A Lot of people do, I guess.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Want to check back in the kitchen, Ben?

[Narrator]

Yeah, right. Look at the living room, Sergeant. Yeah, on a stick of furniture. That's funny.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

You sure you didn't see anybody else in this house besides Thompson?

[Narrator]

No. No. He's the only one. Looks like it. Joe. Found this woman's purse stuffed in one of the kitchen cabinets. This sale slip was in the purse.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

This is Albert Kessel. Is there a phone here, Mr. Olander?

[Narrator]

I have no home.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

All right.

[Narrator]

Is it still connected? Yeah. Joe, I'll check back in the bedrooms while you're phoning.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Right, Ben? No, you better stay with me, Mr. Olander, if you will.

[Narrator]

Oh, all right.

[Detective or Officer]

City Hall.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Homicide.

[Detective or Officer]

Homicide.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

You any idea where this Thompson is now, Mr. Ole?

[Narrator]

No. He comes and goes. I don't like deprive homicides.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Deed this Friday, skipper. We got one for you.

[Narrator]

I've got one for you. Huh? Mrs. Kessel. She's been found.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Mrs. Kessel was unharmed. She had no idea where she had been or why she had been suddenly released. All additional information which she could furnish on the suspect was immediately relayed to the entire state in an apb. Two hours later at a neighborhood garage, Thompson patronized. We got his license number. We ran it through DMV and found the car was registered in the name of Charles Cattrell. 10115 Green Oak Drive. 7pm.

[Detective or Officer]

Yes?

[Narrator]

Police officers. Is Charles Cottrell here?

[Detective or Officer]

Yes. I knew you'd find him. I kept hoping, but I knew you'd find him.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Where is he, ma'am?

[Detective or Officer]

He'll give himself up. I'm his wife. I talk to him. There won't be any trouble. No trouble.

[Narrator]

Where is he?

[Detective or Officer]

You've got to understand. He didn't know what he was doing. We needed money. He didn't know what he was doing.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

We'll have to search the house, man.

[Detective or Officer]

Charlie. Charlie, Come downstairs. Come down.

[Narrator]

Get your hands behind your head. I don't have a gun.

[Detective or Officer]

Charlie. Charlie.

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

All right, Ben.

[Narrator]

Behind your back.

[Detective or Officer]

Tell them, Charlie. You didn't know what you were doing. Tell him.

[Narrator]

We needed the money. I thought it'd work. What'd I do wrong?

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

Come on.

[Narrator]

Should have worked. I planned it all out. Where'd I make a mistake?

[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

When you thought of it.

[Narrator]

The story you have just heard was true. Only the names were changed to protect the innocent.

[Fatima Cigarettes Advertiser]

On August 2nd, trial was held in Superior Court. To Department 86, City and County of Los Angeles, State of California. In a moment, the results of that trial.

[Fatima Cigarettes Spokesperson]

It's amazing how many long cigarette smokers are changing to Extra Mild Fatima. Here is the actual report from coast to coast.

[Narrator]

Extra Mild Fatima has more than doubled its smokers.

[Fatima Cigarettes Advertiser]

Yes, more and more smokers every day are discovering that Fatima is the king size cigarette that is extra mild.

[Fatima Cigarettes Spokesperson]

Extra Mild because it contains the finest Turkish and domestic tobaccos. Superbly blended to make it extra mild to give it a much different, much better flavor and aroma.

[Fatima Cigarettes Advertiser]

Enjoy Extra Mild Fatima yourself. Best of all Long Cigarettes it's wise.

[Fatima Cigarettes Spokesperson]

To smoke Extra Mild Fatima it's wise.

[Detective or Officer]

To smoke extra Mild Fatima.

[Fatima Cigarettes Advertiser]

Charles Cottrell was tried and convicted of kidnapping and received the sentence as prescribed by law. He is now serving his term in the state penitentiary. You have just heard Dragnet a series of authentic cases from official files. Technical advice for Dragnet comes from the office of Chief of Police W.A. wharton, Los Angeles.

[Fatima Cigarettes Spokesperson]

Fatima Cigarettes, the best of all long cigarettes has brought you Dragnet. Transcribed from Los Angeles Next, here's Sarah Burner in Sarah's private caper on NBC.

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[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

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[Legal Disclaimer Voice]

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