Episode Summary: "THE BIG SAINT and THE BIG BULLET CASING"

Welcome to this detailed summary of the "THE BIG SAINT and THE BIG BULLET CASING" episode from 1001 Radio Crime Solvers, hosted by Jon Hagadorn. This episode delves into two gripping cases that showcase the meticulous investigative work of Sergeant Friday and his partner Ben Romero from the Los Angeles Police Department.

I. Introduction

In this episode, listeners are transported back to the golden age of radio detective stories, immersing themselves in authentic Dragnet cases that highlight the complexities of criminal investigations. Hosted by Jon Hagadorn, the episode features two main stories: one involving a sophisticated auto theft ring and another unraveling the mystery behind a seemingly straightforward suicide.

II. Story 1: The Big Saint

A. Case Overview

Sergeant Friday and Ben Romero are assigned to the Auto Theft Detail after noticing a significant decline in recovery rates of stolen vehicles, particularly General Motors (GM) cars. Historically, their recovery rate hovered between 96-98%, but recent months have seen this plummet to the low 80s.

B. Investigation Process

1. Identifying Patterns:

   • [10:45] "All the outstanding thefts are GM cars—Cadillacs, Pontiacs, Chevys, Oldsmobiles. All late models, low mileage, and in good condition."
   • Detectives analyze salvage reports and note a suspicious concentration of GM vehicles being processed by Herman Salvage at 2716 West San Pedro Street.

2. Surveillance and Analysis:

   • Upon visiting Herman Salvage, they observe the disassembly and resale of GM cars.
   • [12:30] "We don't always get lucky. I see he’s capable of doing something more."
   • They discover discrepancies in engine and body numbers, indicating possible engine swapping.

3. Competitive Landscape:

   • Interviews with competing salvage yards reveal Herman's aggressive bidding strategies.
   • [15:20] "Herman simply outbids all of us. It makes it rough, but he’s laying in a stockpile."

C. Key Evidence

• Serial Number Matching:
  • [22:10] "1949 Cadillac engine number 598-77-4415. The body doesn’t match. That's a definite switch."
• Engine and Body Discrepancies:
  • Legitimate salvage records do not align with the cars' current configurations, indicating tampering.

D. Conclusion

The persistent investigation leads Friday and Romero to conclude that Herman Lester is systematically swapping engines from stolen GM cars with legitimate salvage bodies, obfuscating the origins of the vehicles. This method allows him to profit illegitimately from both the theft and salvage operations.

• [45:50] "Herman W. Lester was tried and convicted on three counts of grand theft auto and two counts of grand theft money."

E. Notable Quotes

• Sergeant Friday: "We gotta break this thing soon." [05:50]
• Ben Romero: "Herman Salvage must be trying to lay in a large stockpile of this particular make of car." [16:40]

III. Story 2: The Big Bullet Casing

A. Case Overview

In what appears to be a straightforward case of suicide, Sergeant Friday and Ben Romero investigate the death of Marie Robertson. Initial reports suggest that Marie shot herself during an argument with her husband, Andrew Robertson. However, inconsistencies in the scene prompt deeper scrutiny.

B. Investigation Process

1. Initial Scene Examination:

   • [55:00] "Shot through the right temple with a .45 automatic. Husband claims it's suicide."
   • Detectives notice the placement of the empty cartridge casing and the position of the body.

2. Interviews and Alibis:

   • Mr. Robertson's Statement:
     • Claims he was at work and reached the scene too late to prevent the shooting.
     • [60:25] "I never killed her. I couldn't do a thing like that."
   • Neighbor Testimonies:
     • Indicate frequent loud arguments and fear of Andrew's temper.

3. Forensic Analysis:

   • Bullet Trajectory and Casing Position:
     • The casing's placement contradicts Mr. Robertson's account of the shooting mechanics.
     • [1:10:45] Detective Lee Jones demonstrates how the casing's trajectory is inconsistent with a suicide scenario.
   • Fingerprint Evidence:
     • A latent thumbprint from Marie confirms her handling of the weapon.

4. Discovering the Discrepancy:

   • Examination reveals that the flower on the gun's barrel and the position of the casing do not align with Mr. Robertson's version of events.
   • [1:22:30] "The bullet was found at a height of 5 and 1/8, proving that she shot herself rather than anyone else doing it."

C. Key Evidence

• Missed Trails: Absence of flour on the gun's butt and inconsistencies in the bullet's resting position.
• Letter from Marie's Mother: Suggests a history of suicidal ideation.

D. Conclusion

The thorough investigation exposes that Andrew Robertson fabricated the suicide narrative. The forensic evidence, combined with witness testimonies and inconsistent statements, culminate in Andrew's exoneration, confirming that neither he nor his operations were involved in Marie's death.

• [1:40:15] "Andrew William Robertson was immediately released from custody, exonerated from any complicity in the death of his wife."

E. Notable Quotes

• Detective Friday: "You can't rely on snap judgments or first appearances." [59:15]
• Ben Romero: "The bullet trajectory proves she couldn't have been shot by anyone else." [1:15:50]

IV. Conclusion

"The Big Saint and The Big Bullet Casing" encapsulates the essence of classic detective work, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based investigation over assumptions. Through these two compelling cases, Sergeant Friday and Ben Romero demonstrate unwavering dedication to uncovering the truth, employing both forensic science and psychological acumen. This episode not only entertains but also educates listeners on the intricacies of criminal investigations during the golden age of radio drama.

Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the series, this episode of 1001 Radio Crime Solvers offers a captivating glimpse into the procedural brilliance that defined iconic detective stories like Dragnet. Be sure to tune in every Sunday at 5pm ET for more enthralling crime-solving narratives.