THE BIG THREAT and THE BIG SPEECH DRAGNET

Summary

1001 Radio Crime Solvers: Episode Summary – "THE BIG THREAT and THE BIG SPEECH DRAGNET"

Introduction

In this immersive episode of 1001 Radio Crime Solvers, host Jon Hagedorn presents a captivating rendition of the classic radio detective series, Dragnet. The episode, titled "THE BIG THREAT and THE BIG SPEECH DRAGNET," delves into two intertwining cases that showcase the relentless pursuit of justice by Detective Sergeant Joe Friday and his partner, Ben Romero.

Case 1: The Robbery of Louis Butler

Timestamp: [03:23] – [12:00]

The episode opens with Joe Friday and Ben Romero being assigned to investigate the brutal robbery of Louis Butler, a middle-aged businessman. Despite being beaten and having $800 stolen, Butler is reluctant to press charges or cooperate with the police, citing a desire to forget the incident.

• Joe Friday: "Well, it must have involved more than just a few scratches from the looks of you. And the doctor had to treat you." – [06:01]

As Friday and Romero persist in their investigation, Butler eventually provides a statement identifying the culprits: Marvin Carter, a former bartender, and Ralph Quincy, a merchant seaman. Both suspects are indicted but subsequently released on bail due to Butler's initial reluctance to cooperate fully.

Threats and Intimidation

Timestamp: [12:00] – [21:58]

Following the indictment, Butler and his wife face escalating threats. Butler receives a phone call demanding he drop the charges under threat of harm to his family. Despite increased police protection, the situation deteriorates when Butler and his wife mysteriously disappear days before the trial.

• Joe Friday: "Now, if they threatened you and your family, you're taking more of a chance keeping quiet about it." – [09:04]

A grand jury delays the trial in hopes of locating the missing couple. Tragically, Butler and his wife never reappear, leading to a dismissed case due to the absence of the complaining witness.

Case 2: The Downfall of Rex Burley

Timestamp: [37:38] – [60:32]

Months later, another case emerges involving a young narcotics addict, Rex Burley, who escalates from petty theft to violent robbery to support his addiction. Joe Friday and Ben Romero track Burley’s activities, linking him to a series of drug-related robberies and violent assaults, including the brutal beating of a 55-year-old doctor.

• Ben Romero: "He couldn't do anything about it. You don't understand. There's just somebody else to explain it to." – [51:53]

After intensive surveillance and informant tips, Burley is apprehended during a tense stakeout. His confession reveals a descent into drug dependency, culminating in violent crimes to sustain his habit. Burley's arrest brings a semblance of closure to Friday and Romero, highlighting the personal toll of addiction and the challenges faced by law enforcement in such cases.

The Big Speech

Timestamp: [54:18] – [59:12]

Interwoven with the investigation narrative is Joe Friday's preparation for a high school assembly speech. Drawing from his experiences, Friday crafts a poignant address aimed at deterring youth from falling into the traps of narcotics and crime.

• Joe Friday: "There is, but they won't understand it either." – [52:20]

This segment underscores the show's commitment to addressing societal issues and promoting community awareness, reflecting the real-world impact of police work and the importance of preventative education.

Conclusion and Reflections

Timestamp: [60:18] – [61:13]

The episode concludes with the resolution of Rex Burley's case, now serving a life term for his crimes. Meanwhile, the tragic absence of Louis Butler remains a lingering mystery, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of crime and its profound effects on victims and their families.

• Joe Friday: "It's a big order. I don't know." – [09:31]

This final reflection serves as a sobering reminder of the complexities and emotional burdens carried by those in law enforcement.

Notable Quotes

1. Joe Friday on Butler's Reluctance: "Well, it must have involved more than just a few scratches from the looks of you." – [06:01]
2. Ben Romero on the Threats: "They won't mix with it, that's all. I got the word." – [25:54]
3. Joe Friday's Declaration: "You have to admit that this is a little unusual." – [07:02]
4. Iris Adams on Torture: "I don't want to make a big fuss about it." – [07:02]
5. Joe Friday on Rex Burley: "He got to have this stuff. I needed it." – [51:53]

Insights and Themes

• Perseverance in Law Enforcement: The unwavering determination of Friday and Romero highlights the dedication required in police work.
• Impact of Addiction: Rex Burley's story sheds light on the destructive nature of addiction and its ripple effects on individuals and their communities.
• Community and Prevention: Friday's speech preparation emphasizes the importance of preventive measures and community involvement in combating crime.
• Moral Complexity: The episode explores the gray areas in law enforcement, where victims like Butler may feel conflicted about pursuing justice.

Conclusion

This episode of 1001 Radio Crime Solvers masterfully intertwines gripping detective narratives with deeper societal issues, offering listeners both suspense and thoughtful commentary. Through the cases of Louis Butler and Rex Burley, the episode underscores the relentless pursuit of justice, the personal struggles of those involved, and the broader implications of crime within the community.

For those who haven't experienced it firsthand, this summary provides a comprehensive overview of the episode's key points, discussions, and emotional beats, capturing the essence of Dragnet's enduring legacy in radio crime storytelling.

Transcript

[Joe Friday]

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[Ben Romero]

Choose from thousands of concerts and comedy.

[Joe Friday]

Shows, including Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, Matt Matthews, Metallica, Thomas Rhett, Trans Siberian Orchestra, Sarah Silverman and so many more. Share a memory together or give a gift they'll never forget. Find the most exciting gift for every [e-mail] gifts that's livenation.com gift gifts. Welcome back everyone to 1001 Radio Crime Solvers. This is your host, John Hagedorn. And be sure to catch our other brand new podcast, 1001 True Crime from Another Time. That's 1001 True Crime from Another Time. Wherever you get your favorite podcast.

[Ben Romero]

The.

[Narrator]

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

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[Ben Romero]

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[Commercial Announcer]

Drag Metz 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 fire. From beginning to end, from crime to punishment. Dragnet is the story of your police force in action.

[Joe Friday]

It was Tuesday, October 8th. Was overcast in Los Angeles. We were working the day.

[Ben Romero]

Watch out.

[Joe Friday]

A robbery detail. My partner's Ben Romero. The boss is Captain Didion. My name's Friday. It was 11:23am when we got to 700 South Hill Boulevard. The Butler Accordion Studios.

[Ben Romero]

What do you think?

[Joe Friday]

Well, I don't know. It must be upstairs, I guess, huh?

[Ben Romero]

Oh, yeah, yeah. There it is. Main office, second floor.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Ben Romero]

Who is that, Joe?

[Joe Friday]

What?

[Ben Romero]

That portrait up there on the wall.

[Joe Friday]

Some printing underneath here.

[Ben Romero]

Nice painting.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, it says, Damien, the father of the accordions. Vienna, 1829.

[Ben Romero]

What do you know about that? Must be it down there, huh?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Ben Romero]

Want to try?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Ben Romero]

Yes, sir. Are you Louis Butler? Yeah, that's right. And can I help you?

[Joe Friday]

Police officers, Mr. Butler. Like to talk to you for a minute.

[Ben Romero]

Is your name Friday?

[Joe Friday]

Yes, sir, that's right. This is my partner, Sergeant Romero.

[Ben Romero]

How do you do? I'm sorry, Sergeant. I told you on the phone, I just don't want to talk about it.

[Joe Friday]

We'd appreciate it if we could have your cooperation. It's a pretty important matter.

[Ben Romero]

Well, I'm the only one concerned in it as far as I can see. I just as soon forget the whole thing. Besides, I got a pretty busy day ahead of me.

[Joe Friday]

Well, we'd like to straighten you out, Mr. Butler. It concerns a lot more people than just yourself. Now, we're not going to take much of your time. Just a few questions, that's all.

[Ben Romero]

I told you on the phone, Sergeant, I don't want to talk about it. Can't you just forget about the whole thing?

[Joe Friday]

It's only going to take a few minutes, sir.

[Ben Romero]

All right. Come in if you want. Thanks for. Place is in kind of a mess. Wife's away to mothers. Oh, you can sit down if you want. Oh, thanks.

[Joe Friday]

Thank you very much.

[Ben Romero]

All right, Pepper, I'll feed you. Just a minute. It's a nice cat you got there. Siamese? A little bit. Yeah, it's my wife's. Don't care too much for cats myself. All right, Pepper. Now, wait a minute. Jim knows that. There you go, Pepper. That ought to hold you for a while. Look at that, Jill. Sure goes for that milk, huh? Yeah, it sure does. I'm gonna have to make it fast, Sergeant. I got an appointment for lunch downtown. All right, sir.

[Joe Friday]

I'd just like to have you elaborate on what Dr. Hart told us. Is he your family doctor, by the way?

[Ben Romero]

Yeah, that's right. He had no business calling you in the first place, I told him I didn't want him to get out. What'd he tell you? He said you came to him for treatment night before last. You told him you'd been beaten up and robbed. He treated you for cuts and bruises about the face and head. No, it was nothing amount to anything.

[Joe Friday]

Well, was there actually a robbery, Mr. Butler?

[Ben Romero]

Believe me, Sergeant, it didn't amount to anything. I don't even want to go into it.

[Joe Friday]

How much did the robbery involve? Money, I mean.

[Ben Romero]

I'd rather not say. I don't want any fuss made about it. That's why I didn't report it. Just isn't worth it to me. I understand the hold up men took more than $800 from you. Wouldn't you like to get that money back? I don't want to be nasty about this thing, but I was the one who was held up. Now, if I don't want to press the case, I don't see why anyone else should worry about it. It was my money.

[Joe Friday]

How about the beating?

[Ben Romero]

It. It's nothing serious. It's like I told you on the phone. I want to forget about the whole thing.

[Joe Friday]

Well, it must have involved more than just a few scratches from the looks of you. And the doctor had to treat you.

[Ben Romero]

Take my word for it. Please. I'm all right. I don't want to press charges. Appreciate it if you'd give us some kind of an explanation, Mr. Butler. Why? I don't want to bother, that's all. There's nothing to explain.

[Joe Friday]

You have to admit that this is a little unusual. Somebody beats you up, slugs you, takes $800 from you, and you don't want to do anything about it.

[Ben Romero]

You're going to have to excuse me a minute. I have one of my accordion students down the hall in the. Almost time for him to go. I have to give him his lesson for next week.

[Joe Friday]

All right, sure, go right ahead.

[Ben Romero]

It'll only be. How about that? Yeah, acts like he's scared to death.

[Joe Friday]

Well, whoever it was, they gave him a going over. Half of his head and bandages.

[Ben Romero]

Face all swollen. Sure, something phony.

[Joe Friday]

Well, he's not going to be much help unless we can talk him into a crime report.

[Ben Romero]

Somebody's got to him. I'll bet on it. Oh, hi there, Kitty.

[Iris Adams]

Hi, Kitty.

[Ben Romero]

I've been thinking it over, officers. Sorry you had to come out here.

[Joe Friday]

Go to all this trouble, but I.

[Ben Romero]

Just as soon forget the whole thing. I don't even want to talk about it, if you don't mind.

[Joe Friday]

We don't mean to high pressure you, Butler, but we'd like some kind of an explanation.

[Ben Romero]

Can't you understand? I just don't want to make a big fuss about it. I'd like to have you go along with my feelings in the matter. It's my affair, isn't it?

[Joe Friday]

No, sir. It's ours too. Half a dozen people like yourself have been beaten up and robbed in this neighborhood. All in the last five. Now if we can find the thieves, we can put a stop to it. We can make sure the same thing doesn't happen to your neighbors.

[Ben Romero]

Well, they're going to have to look out for themselves. I'm not getting tied up in a big investigation. The neighbors don't worry about me. Freddie goes a little further than that. You've been beaten up and robbed once. How do you know it isn't going to happen again? Well, it's not, that's all. I'll make sure it doesn't. How?

[Joe Friday]

What's going to stop the same thieves from knocking you over again?

[Ben Romero]

Look, if it's all the same to you, I want to forget about this. I'm going to have to be running along. It's getting late.

[Joe Friday]

Now there's just one more thing, butler. When the doctor was treating you the other night, this Dr. Hart, he says you told him that you knew who the holdup men were. Now is that right?

[Ben Romero]

No, he got it all mixed up. I didn't mean it that way.

[Joe Friday]

How did you mean it?

[Ben Romero]

I'm in a funny position. I just can't explain, that's all. I can't take a chance. Did the hold up men threaten? I can't talk about it. Give me a break, please.

[Joe Friday]

You're making a mistake, mister. Play ball with those thieves and they'll ruin you.

[Ben Romero]

It's not only me. It's my family too. I'm not going to take the chance.

[Joe Friday]

If they threatened you and your family, you're taking more of a chance keeping quiet about it.

[Ben Romero]

They'll bleed.

[Joe Friday]

You're white. Blackmail, robbery, anything you can think of. Now this has happened before.

[Ben Romero]

Can't you see the spot I'm in? I know who they are. I know what they can do. I got a wife to think about. Would you put your family in that position? You're buying protection from a couple of hoods now figured out? How much is it worth? How far can you trust them? If you pick them up, they'll know. I told you, I don't want anything to happen. Can't you see that? I haven't any choice what else can I do?

[Joe Friday]

Help us put the thieves where they belong. You'll have all the protection you need locked up.

[Ben Romero]

It's a big order. I don't know.

[Joe Friday]

You and your wife will be under 24 hour guard. Now that's a promise.

[Ben Romero]

How long would that have to go on? Long enough to bring them to trial and convict him. Now, how about they warned me about telling the police. They said they'd get both of us if I did. Me and my wife. Now they meant it too. They'd get us. What can you do about it?

[Joe Friday]

Get them first. After another hour of talking, we finally persuaded the robbery victim, Louis Butler, to come downtown with us. He dictated a full statement about the holdup and filed a crime report. He told us he'd been robbed and slugged late at night a few blocks from his music studio. Eight hundred and twenty dollars had been taken from him by two bandits, both of whom were armed, both of whom he recognized. He said one of the men was a Marvin Carter, a former bartender at a neighborhood tavern. The other was Ralph Quincy, a merchant seaman. We went across the street and met with Deputy District Attorney Fred Henderson. The next day the case was presented to the grand jury and a true bill was returned. The two suspects, Marvin Carter and Ralph Quincy, were indicted on one count of armed robbery that afternoon. Both of them were booked at the main jail and then released after posting a required bail of $10,000. 4:30pm Ben and I went back to the office and met with Captain Didion.

[Ben Romero]

How are you making out on it? Pretty fair shape, Skipper. The arraignment set for two weeks from Thursday. How about protection for the victim?

[Joe Friday]

Well, it's all set up. Butler and his wife are under 24 hour guard. Three teams of men on it. Yeah.

[Ben Romero]

Those two thieves getting out on bail, it's not going to make it any easier. Who are you working with from the DA's office? Henderson seems to think we've got enough to convict both men. What makes them so sure?

[Joe Friday]

Well, for one thing, we got a line on a couple of good witnesses to behold him.

[Ben Romero]

Excuse me. Robbery did in. Yeah, Mike. No, I'll check it before I leave. Right. What was that about?

[Iris Adams]

Witness?

[Joe Friday]

A man by the name of Bartlett runs a drugstore. He and his son were in the neighborhood when Lewis Butler was held up. They're supposed to have spotted the two thieves running from the scene.

[Ben Romero]

Have you talked to them yet? Just over the phone. We've got an appointment with them at 6:00 tonight to take their statements. I guess I don't have to tell you. Stay as close to this thing as you can. If we miss this time, we may not get another chance. You know as well as anyone how tough it's been reaching these things.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, we wouldn't be this far along if Butler didn't decide to cooperate and file charges.

[Ben Romero]

I wish I knew how many victims there are in this thing just like Butler. People we don't even know about. So scared they don't dare file charges. Guess there's a dozen of them anyway. I can't figure people hire a police force on salary to protect them and their property. Then they turn around, try to make a deal with a bunch of hoods, buy them off. How far have you gotten on the hold up gang?

[Joe Friday]

Well, how do you mean?

[Ben Romero]

The two men you've got, Tad Carter and Quincy. Anyone else working with them?

[Joe Friday]

Possible. Not sure yet. Both Carter and Quincy have juvenile records. That's about it. We're still checking on them.

[Ben Romero]

Robbery did in. Yeah, Tom, that right? No, I'll tell them. They're here with me now. Right. Thank you. It started already. How's that? The victim, Louis Butler, he got a phone call at his house a few minutes ago. Yeah, Figured it was one of the hold up gang. They gave Butler a choice. What did he say? Either he drops the charges or they'll kill him.

[Joe Friday]

5:30Pm Captain Didion issued orders that the two suspects in the case, Marvin Carter and Ralph Quote, be placed under 24 hour surveillance. An additional team of men was assigned to guard Louis Butler. Each officer was carefully instructed to take all possible precautions to prevent the robbery victim and his wife from being harmed in any way. 6:00pm Ben and I met with the two witnesses to the holdup. A drugstore proprietor, Sam Bartlett and his teenage son Harold. They told us that they'd been in the immediate vicinity the night Butler was robbed and that they'd gotten a good look at the two gunmen as they ran from the scene of the holdup. Bartlett and his son Harold identified the suspects as Marvin Carter and Ralph Quincy. Statements were taken and both witnesses were warned to maintain absolute secrecy about their part in the case. Next day, we made arrangements to have the druggist and his son subpoenaed for the superior court arraignment. Six days went by. Thursday, October 17, 8am we checked in the office and found the message waiting for us.

[Ben Romero]

What is it, Joe?

[Joe Friday]

The druggist's son, Harold Bartlett.

[Ben Romero]

What about.

[Joe Friday]

Found him in an alley, 3 o'clock this morning.

[Ben Romero]

What? Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

Slugged and beaten late that afternoon. Ben and I Received permission from the doctors to visit briefly with our witness, 17 year old Harold Bartlett. His injuries were painful but not critical. The beating he'd received was nothing less than brutal. His left forearm had been broken and he'd been beaten viciously about the face and chest. He told us that he was on his way home from a neighborhood movie just before midnight when two men jumped him from behind on a deserted street.

[Ben Romero]

Well, I drove around some maybe five or 10 minutes. Most about least three men in the car.

[Joe Friday]

Why do you say that?

[Ben Romero]

Well, there were two in the backseat with me. Somebody else had to be doing the driving. It had to be a sedan or a club coupe. Yes, sir. Yeah. After he drove around a while, he stopped the car. And then they began slugging me. Didn't say a word the whole time, just started slugging me. I asked them why. They just kept slugging me. I see. At first I think they were hitting me with their fist and it felt like something locked a lot harder. A piece of iron or metal or something. That's when I grabbed the cloth off of my face and I started to holler.

[Joe Friday]

What happened then?

[Ben Romero]

Yes. Nobody heard me. Nobody came anyway. One of the men swore at me and grabbed my arm filled with something. Cheers.

[Joe Friday]

Sore?

[Ben Romero]

They didn't say anything to you all this time? No. I told them just before they pushed me out of the car. Well, it seemed like I was at that car for hours when they started.

[Joe Friday]

To talk to you, Harry. What did they say?

[Ben Romero]

It was about that robbery. My father. And we saw the one they talked to us about last week. Mm.

[Joe Friday]

What'd they say about it?

[Ben Romero]

I said, maybe this will help you keep your mouth shut or stay out of other people's business. They said that a couple of times. I said a lot more would happen to dad and me if we went to the police, if we were witnesses at that trial. You remember if the men called each other by name? No, I don't. I don't remember anyway.

[Joe Friday]

Well, son, you remember when we talked to you and your father last week? We told you to say nothing about the case to anyone, did we?

[Ben Romero]

I remember, Sergeant. This is my fault.

[Joe Friday]

Well, did you tell other people that you were a witness in the case? Did you mention it in public?

[Ben Romero]

I guess I did, yeah. I didn't think it was that important. Guess I. I talked about it quite a bit. I'm sorry. It's my fault. It's all right, Harry. If you remember it from now on, it'll save a lot more drama. I remember, Sergeant. Those two men last night Scared me for a while. Guess most of it was talking, huh? How do you mean, Tim? They were warning me about staying away from the cops. They said they'd kill me and my dad if we were witnesses. Mm. They're probably just trying to scare us, huh? They were four.

[Joe Friday]

Well, you had a sample last night, son.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

Were they fooling? After we left Harry Bartlett, we went back to the office and arranged for a 24 hour guard to be assigned to the teenage boy and his father. A thorough investigation of the attack on the boy failed to turn up any leads. On the surface, the two robbery suspects, Carter and Quincy, were not involved. During the week that followed, we heard of no further threats or attacks either on the victim, Lewis Butler, or the witnesses involved in the case. Ben and I worked with Deputy District Attorney Henderson preparing the case against the two suspects. Two days before the trial opened in Superior Court, we got an urgent call.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah, I know, but how'd it happen? Mm. Yeah. You're all right, Tom. Thanks.

[Joe Friday]

What's the trouble?

[Ben Romero]

Couldn't be worse. No victim. What do you mean? Mr. And Mrs. Butler and disappeared.

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[Joe Friday]

Tuesday, November 5, 9am the trial of robbery suspects Marvin Carter and Ralph Quincy opened in Superior Court Department 88. The complaining witness, Lewis Butler, failed to appear. For two solid days, we'd been busy checking all of the butler's friends and relatives in the city. They couldn't help. Each time the Butlers had left their residence, they'd been under surveillance. We'd had an understanding with them that in the event that they were in their automobile and for some reason the officers assigned to them lost in traffic, the Butlers would immediately return to their home. On the night of November 3, under the pretext of going to a neighborhood theater, the Butlers made a right hand turn from a left hand lane of traffic. So it became obvious that they were trying to elude the officers following them. A check was made at their home as prearranged and they failed to return. When they failed to appear for the trial, a bench warrant was issued by Superior Court for the missing couple. Deputy District Attorney Henderson asked the court to grant a delay in order to find the Butlers. It was granted. In the meantime, we'd gotten out a broadcast and an APB Missing Persons detail helped out in the search. Still no sign. Tuesday, November 12, 11am Deputy DA Henderson phoned us from the hall of Justice.

[Ben Romero]

When was that, Fred? Is that right? Mm, hell, thanks a lot. For what do you have sake? The attorney for Carter and Quincy ask the court for dismissal. No complaining witness.

[Joe Friday]

Well, the judge rule on it yet?

[Ben Romero]

Yeah. Case dismissed.

[Joe Friday]

No matter how guilty the two men might have seemed, there was nothing further anyone could do without a complaining witness. Our case was finished. The two suspects, Carter and Quincy, were released from custody in a few days. Quincy left town for the East. Carter remained in the city. The search for Mr. And Mrs. Butler went on. No sign of either one of them. December came and then the Christmas holidays. New Year's. On January 16, Louis Butler suddenly reappeared back in town and surrendered on the bench warrant. They explained to the judge that because of the numerous threats on their lives just before the trial, they were afraid to appear and that they left the state without telling anyone. The judge gave them a lecture and a warning and dismissed charges. Another month passed, February and March. On April 2, we got word from Denver, Colorado that one of our former robbery suspects, Ralph Quincy, had shot and killed a 24 year old policeman while attempting a robbery in that city. Quincy was tried and convicted of murder and received a life term. In the meantime, we'd heard little or nothing about the other former robbery suspect, Marvin Carter. Another two months passed. Spring months wore on into summer.

[Ben Romero]

Monday, July 8, 8am Friday Romero, see you a minute? Yes, Skipper. You want to sit down? We got something for you. Sure. Hold up. Victim, a man by the name of Sheridan. Came in late last night, filed this crime report here. Have a look. Let's see, Joe. You can notice there. It happened in the same area where we had that rash of holdups last fall. I see.

[Joe Friday]

Victim robbed and beaten.

[Ben Romero]

Suspects use the Same approach, same MO Followed it right down the line. Yeah, Victim warned not to contact police. Bodily harm threatened if victim did. So.

[Joe Friday]

How about the descriptions of the holdup men here? The victim? Pretty sure about them.

[Ben Romero]

Gaffney handled the report. The victim said he got a good look at one of the thieves. Gaffney gave him a bunch of mug shots to look at. Yeah. Here's the one he picked out of the lot. Thanks. Have a look, Joe. Marvin Carter.

[Joe Friday]

As soon as the robbery report had come in, an immediate check had been made of Marvin Carter's last known address. An apartment in the West Pico district. The landlord revealed that the suspect had moved at least two months before. We got out a broadcast and an APV on him. Together with Sergeants Gonzalez and Henry, Ben and I started on the systematic check of all of Carter's known friends, relatives and associates. After that, we started on the places he was known to frequent. Hotels, bars, restaurants. No luck. Two weeks went by. There were no further reports of robberies where the M.O. of the criminal matched that of Carter's. Tuesday, July 26, 2pm we got a call from one of our informants, Birdie Simmons, who told us that he might have some information for us. He said it concerned Marvin Carter. He told us he'd meet us at MacArthur park on the 6th street side at 2:30pm 2:50pm.

[Ben Romero]

You have to excuse me, Sergeant. Sorry I'm late. I have to move from that other place. Things haven't been going too good for me. That's all right, Birdie. What's the matter? No luck with the horses? Yeah, a lot of luck. It's all bad. If there's a pig in the race. I have to bet on him every time. Getting so I can't even pick him to show anymore.

[Joe Friday]

I don't know what else is. No job yet?

[Ben Romero]

No, I'm still looking down around some of the joints. South Maine, Alameda. Keeping an air to the ground. Mm. Want to smoke? Yeah, thanks. Don't mind if I do. Yep. Delight for you. What have you heard, Birdie? Anything that'll help that Marvin Carter. You're still looking for him, aren't you? That's right. Any rumbles? I heard it last night. Having a beer downtown. I knew you fellows were in a little bind on the thing. I always like to help you when you're in a bind. Well, what'd you hear? Burt Kyle is still in town, hiding out. Like I say, always like to help you out when you need it. Mm. I know what it is to be in a Bind. That's when you appreciate help most. I'm kind of in a bind right now. A little short, you know. A couple of dollars, Burt.

[Joe Friday]

That's all I have on me.

[Ben Romero]

Will I help you out any? Saved my life, Sergeant. Tell you the truth, I didn't know where dinner was coming from tonight. No need telling you. I appreciate it. What was this you heard about Carter still in town? There's a place down by Venice, near the beach. Mm. Carter's been seen there once, twice lately. It's a little sink joint, Beard and clams down by the beach.

[Joe Friday]

Well, now, is that somebody's story, or is it the real thing?

[Ben Romero]

The real thing, Sergeant. You know me better than that. No phony leads from me. Where's Carter supposed to be staying? Down there, you know. Well, I do and I don't, I guess. What do you mean? This moocher told me about Carla last night. He didn't know the address, but he described the place Carla's supposed to be hiding out in. I know the joint he means.

[Joe Friday]

But you don't know the address.

[Ben Romero]

No, but I can point out the place he means. It's a shack right along the speedway down there, down by the beach. You want to run down there with us now?

[Joe Friday]

Sure.

[Ben Romero]

I'll point it out for you. I'm not going near it, though.

[Joe Friday]

Why do you say that?

[Ben Romero]

Don't want to mix with it, that's all. I got the word.

[Joe Friday]

What do you mean?

[Ben Romero]

Carter won't be an easy one to take.

[Joe Friday]

How do you know?

[Ben Romero]

He's got a gun.

[Joe Friday]

2:55Pm along with our informant, Birdie Simmons, Ben and I drove down to the beach town of Venice. Birdie pointed out a brown wooden frame cottage where Carter was supposed to be hiding out. While Birdie waited in the car, Ben and I checked it out. There was nobody at home, but there was plenty of evidence inside the cottage that Carter was living there. I went back down the street to.

[Ben Romero]

Where we parked our car.

[Joe Friday]

I kept an eye on the cottage while Ben got to a phone to call the office.

[Ben Romero]

Pretty down here, huh, Saga?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, it's a nice day.

[Ben Romero]

I don't get out in the air enough. I think that's my trouble. Some of this good ocean air makes you feel like a million.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Ben Romero]

Did you notice the place where your partner went to phone down the street there?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, what about it?

[Ben Romero]

You see the sign? Beer and clam right over the door. Beer and clams.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Ben Romero]

Best in the city. I know. I've been there. Only great. Good beer for a dime. Fresh clam Nothing better. You like clams?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, they're all right once in a while.

[Ben Romero]

What am I going to do if you two have to wait here all night?

[Joe Friday]

Well, we'll get you back to town, Bert. We'll figure out something for you.

[Ben Romero]

Hi, Ben.

[Joe Friday]

Did you get ahold of the captain?

[Ben Romero]

Yeah. Marvin Carter was picked up downtown 20 minutes ago. What? Yeah, he's driving a rented car. Traffic unit picked him up.

[Joe Friday]

Will they tab him on his description?

[Ben Romero]

Not at first. The reason they noticed him was because he was double parked on a busy street and they pulled him over and got a better look at him. I did.

[Joe Friday]

Any trouble with him?

[Ben Romero]

Not at all. Got him booked at main jail. Say, that? Sure. Too bad. And what do you mean by your case? Isn't it? How long you fellows been working on it? Just about a year, huh, Joe?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, just about.

[Ben Romero]

Coming all this way for nothing. You're ready to make the pinch and somebody else does it for you. Must be kind of disappointing, huh? All that time, all that work.

[Joe Friday]

Well, Carter's in jail, that's the main thing.

[Ben Romero]

I guess we better drive back in, huh, Bill? Say, just a minute, Sergeant. No use coming all this way for nothing. Wonder if you do me a favor. What's that, Bert? That sign down the street. What? The blue and white sign. Beer and Clam. Wonder if you could drop me off right in front. Beer and Clam. Oh, yeah. Berto, huh? Sure nice of you. Just like I was saying. What's that?

[Joe Friday]

No.

[Ben Romero]

He was coming all this way for nothing.

[Narrator]

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

[Commercial Announcer]

On October 29, 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.

[Narrator]

And now here is our star, Jack Webb.

[Joe Friday]

Thank you. Friends. Let me tell you how to size up king size cigarettes. First, take a Fatima and then any other king size. Now, side by side, the two look alike. But they're not. Because no other king size cigarette has Fatima quality. That's right. In Fatima, the difference is quality. Quality, that results from a blend of the finest domestic and Turkish tobaccos. Quality, that gives you extra mildness, a much better flavor and aroma. Remember, if you haven't tried Fatima yet, take my advice, buy a pack, smoke Fatima's and you'll discover what I know. In Fatima, the difference is quality.

[Commercial Announcer]

Marvin Lawrence Carter was tried and convicted on several counts of first degree robbery and was sentenced to the state penitentiary where he is now serving his term. First degree robbery is punishable by imprisonment from five years to life.

[Narrator]

Ladies and gentlemen, Ms. Lyle Rooks, editor of Radio Television Mirror.

[Iris Adams]

The readers of Radio Television Mirror have chosen Dragnet, the favorite program of its type for 1950. I am privileged to present the citation to you on behalf of the editors and readers of Radio Television Mirror throughout the Nation.

[Ben Romero]

Thank you, Ms. Rooks.

[Commercial Announcer]

You have just heard Dragnet, a series of authentic cases from official files. Technical advice comes from the office of Chief of Police W.H. parker, Los Angeles Police Department.

[Narrator]

Fatima Cigarettes. Best of all, Long Cigarettes has brought you Dragnet. Portions transcribed from Los Angeles.

[Joe Friday]

Stay tuned for counterspy next over many NBC stations.

[Ben Romero]

Time'S almost up on holiday shopping and so are amazing deals at Amazon.

[Joe Friday]

You'll save so much on early holiday electronic gifts like monitors, tablets and video games.

[Ben Romero]

You'll have money left over to snag a VR headset for some serious post holiday entertainment.

[Joe Friday]

Go long or an outdoor speaker system so the entire neighborhood can hear your holiday tunes.

[Ben Romero]

Oh what fun it is to save.

[Joe Friday]

Shop new deals added every day. It's better over here now. At T Mobile get four 5G phones on us and four lines for $25 a line per month when you switch with eligible trade ins. All on America's largest 5G network. Minimum of 4 lines for $25 per line per month with autopay discount using debit or bank account. $5 more per line without autopay plus taxes and fees and $10 device connection charge phones via 24 monthly bill credits for well qualified customers. Contact us before canceling entire account to continue bill credits or credit stop and balance on a required finance agreement. Due bill credits end if you pay off devices early. CT mobile.com.

[Narrator]

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

[Commercial Announcer]

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

[Narrator]

You're a detective sergeant. You're assigned to robbery detail. A doctor is severely beaten, robbed and left in critical condition. Suspicion points to a narcotics addict. Your job. Get him. You'll be amazed when you compare Fatima with other long cigarettes.

[Commercial Announcer]

You'll find they now cost the same. But in Fatima, the difference is quality.

[Narrator]

You see, Fatima is the quality king size cigarette because it contains the finest domestic and Turkish tobaccos, superbly blended. And Fatima is extra mild with a much different, much better flavor and aroma than any other long cigarette.

[Commercial Announcer]

So compare Fatima yourself. Fatima's now cost the same as other long cigarettes, but your first pup will.

[Ben Romero]

Tell you, ah, that's different.

[Narrator]

Yes, in Fatima the difference is quality. Ask your dealer for Fatima, the quality king size cigarette. Best of all, long cigarettes. Start enjoying Fatima tomorrow.

[Commercial Announcer]

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.

[Joe Friday]

It was Monday, August 7th. It was warm in Los Angeles. We were working the day. Watch out. A robbery detail. My partner's Ben Romero. The boss is Thad Brown, Chief of Detectives. My name's Friday. It was 1:15pm when I got to 4656 Collis Avenue. The front door.

[Iris Adams]

Is that you, Joseph?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, Ma, it's me.

[Iris Adams]

I didn't expect you so soon.

[Joe Friday]

Well, I'm off for lunch and Ben and I were in the neighborhood, so.

[Iris Adams]

Oh, well, I'll get the telegram.

[Joe Friday]

Thank you.

[Iris Adams]

I say, I'm glad you could get home. Telegrams always make me nervous. Nobody ever sends a telegram unless it's important. Here, son.

[Joe Friday]

Thank you. Yes, they do, Ma. Some people send wires to invite you to lunch or to a reception or something like that.

[Iris Adams]

Is that so?

[Joe Friday]

Sure. You've just forgotten, haven't you? I've gotten them before like that.

[Iris Adams]

There's no way to do anyhow.

[Joe Friday]

Why not?

[Iris Adams]

People always associate frightening things with telegrams. Well, aren't you going to open it?

[Joe Friday]

Oh, yeah, sure. Now, if you were worried you could open it, Ma'would have been all right.

[Iris Adams]

Well, you know I never opened anything addressed to you, Joseph. Anything important.

[Joe Friday]

It's from Belmont, my old high school.

[Iris Adams]

Oh, yeah?

[Joe Friday]

They want me to come up next week. They're having some sort of assembly up there. Want me to talk to the student body.

[Iris Adams]

Well, that's nice. You going to go?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, I think I'd better, don't you? I'll have to clear it through Captain Sheldon, though.

[Iris Adams]

I think it's awfully nice for them to remember. Yeah. What are you gonna talk on? Does he say?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, Police work, it says here. I'll have to think of something to base it on though, won't I?

[Iris Adams]

Well, you'll have to memorize it, Joseph. Doesn't look well for a man to stand up on a platform, read a prepared talk.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, I know. Well, that's Ben. I gotta go, Ma.

[Iris Adams]

Would you and Ben like some lunch? I can fix you something in about a minute.

[Joe Friday]

No, we haven't got time, dear. I'll see you later.

[Iris Adams]

I don't know why they couldn't have written A letter instead.

[Joe Friday]

What's that, Ma?

[Iris Adams]

I said they could have written you a letter. Besides, it's much cheaper than a telegram.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, Ma, I'll see you later.

[Iris Adams]

Bye, Joseph.

[Joe Friday]

Bye.

[Ben Romero]

Just got a call, Joe. They want us to call the office.

[Joe Friday]

Oh, Well, I might as well do it from the house, huh?

[Ben Romero]

Yeah. All right.

[Joe Friday]

I'll be right back.

[Ben Romero]

Right.

[Joe Friday]

It's just me again, Ma. Came back to use the phone.

[Iris Adams]

You're all right.

[Joe Friday]

251 1, please. 2511.

[Ben Romero]

Robbery Chamber this Friday.

[Joe Friday]

Glenn got one for you, Joe. What? I can't hear you. Glenn got one for you. Wait a minute. I can't hear you. Hey, Ma, would you hold that vacuum for a minute, please? I can't hear. Thank you. I'm sorry, Glenn. What'd you say again?

[Ben Romero]

Sorry. That young kid hit again. Doctor's office. Yeah, it's that same kid. Only this time he got a little rough. Victims of Georgia Street. He's still carrying that gun. Did he use the gun to beat the man with? Victim's a 55 year old doctor. No reason for it, Joe.

[Joe Friday]

All right, we'll get right on it.

[Ben Romero]

Right.

[Joe Friday]

Bye. Yeah, bye. Okay, Mom. All through. All right, son.

[Ben Romero]

Anything?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. That young hype hit again. Doctor's office beat him up pretty bad. He's down at Georgia.

[Ben Romero]

Great combination, isn't it, Joe?

[Joe Friday]

What's that?

[Ben Romero]

Arm full of narcotics and a loaded gun.

[Joe Friday]

Monday, August 7th. Since June 27th, Ben and I had been assigned to a case involving a young narcotics thief. For seven weeks now, he'd been robbing every possible source available to him of narcotics. Since the inception of the investigation, we'd seen this young criminal develop from a small time sneak thief to a full fledged armed and vicious thug. The descriptions of the young thief taken from his various victims, tallied almost to the letter. Blonde, light complexion, small stature, 57 to 5 10. Nervous and unusually juvenile in appearance. Everything possible was being done for his quick apprehension. Hundreds of mug shots were screened and shown to victims. Identification, 3:30pm we checked back in at the office. Went to see Sergeant Ed Hall, Narcotics Division.

[Ben Romero]

Chandler said you went over to Georgia street to see that doctor. Yeah, that's right, Ed. Short visit. Poor guy. Pretty bad, huh?

[Joe Friday]

No, the guy's really a mess. Kid must have worked overtime on him.

[Ben Romero]

Who wants his condition still critical?

[Joe Friday]

And we laugh.

[Ben Romero]

They wouldn't let us stay long. We got a description. It's the same kid. Doctor's name was Gannon, huh? 55 years old. Yeah. Pistol whipped him, knocked out seven of his teeth, fractured his jaw. Doctor was wearing glasses. They don't know if he'll see out of his right eye anymore. Well, this puts Junior in the big leagues now.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, it sure does. We got out of supplementary all points on him. Here's a list of the junk that he got. It's quite a haul here.

[Ben Romero]

Yep. Morphine, quarter grain, 30 vials, five vials. Half grain coating. Dolphin quarter grains, six vials. Yeah, you did all right. Long list here. We got that from the nurse. She was out to lunch when it happened. It's a small office out there, and the doctor closes up at noon. Nurse goes out to lunch and he eats in the office. That's when the kid got to him. He knew when to hit, didn't he?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Ben Romero]

Our boys haven't been able to turn up a thing for you. Nobody seems to know the kid well.

[Joe Friday]

The amount of stuff he hauled out of that doctor's office, something ought to show, shouldn't it?

[Ben Romero]

Should?

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[Ben Romero]

With a hall like that, you got anything at all to work on? Yeah. That car that was used on the job. Still got it staked out.

[Joe Friday]

We just picked this up from the report, Connor. The car was reported stolen two hours after the robbery. It's a little bit of a break, huh?

[Ben Romero]

The report was taken out at the Wiltshire station. Mrs. Irving Adams states that her husband had notified her that the car was stolen from him while he was at work today. Said he always parks it out in front on the street.

[Joe Friday]

We haven't checked it out yet. We figured it was a good place to start.

[Ben Romero]

Mamie, wait a minute. What'd you say that name was? Irving Adams. Let me see that report. Melissa Adams is a user. He's up in county now waiting trial.

[Joe Friday]

Are you sure about that?

[Ben Romero]

Yeah, Walker and I picked him up. I just talked to Adams up in the county jail this morning. How long has he been in? Let's see. It was last Tuesday, July 30th.

[Joe Friday]

The car couldn't have been stolen from Adams today if he's been in jail for a week.

[Ben Romero]

Well, there's one guy can figure it out for you. Adams.

[Joe Friday]

4:05Pm we went up to the 10th floor of the county jail, the interview room. We talked to Irving Adams for an hour. He said he wanted to cooperate, but he couldn't explain his wife's action in reporting the car stolen from him. He kept repeating that he knew his wife was not involved in anything. That she was innocent of any complicity in the case of the youthful gunman. He could give us no information on anyone fitting the gunman's description. He insisted that the entire matter was a mistake and that his wife could clear everything up if we just talked to her. 5:20pm Ben and I drove out to 239 W. 92nd St. The Adams residence was a small white bungalow trimmed in red. The front lawn needed cutting and care. There were four bottles of soured milk on the front porch, along with several old newspapers. The front blinds were down. Although it was still early, the front porch porch light was burning. The other homes in the neighborhood appeared to be neat and well kept. The screen door was a jar and supported by one rusty hinge. 5:21pm.

[Ben Romero]

Looks like nobody's home.

[Joe Friday]

Well, let's give it a try, huh?

[Ben Romero]

Give me a minute. I'll cover the back.

[Joe Friday]

Right.

[Iris Adams]

Yes?

[Joe Friday]

Police officer. My name's Friday. You're Mrs. Irving Adams?

[Iris Adams]

Yes, that's right.

[Joe Friday]

I'd like to talk to you about your stolen car.

[Iris Adams]

Have you found it?

[Joe Friday]

Yes, we have. Can I come in?

[Iris Adams]

Place is in such a mess. Can't we talk here?

[Joe Friday]

Well, if you don't mind, I'd rather come inside.

[Iris Adams]

All right. Don't look at the house. I've been kind of sick. Haven't felt much like cleaning up.

[Joe Friday]

All right. You alone here? Are you?

[Iris Adams]

Right now? My husband's at work.

[Ben Romero]

Mm.

[Joe Friday]

Mind if I go through the house?

[Iris Adams]

You mean searching? You got a warrant?

[Joe Friday]

Well, I just want to go to the back door.

[Iris Adams]

What for?

[Joe Friday]

Well, my partner's around back there. This is the way to the back door here?

[Iris Adams]

That's right.

[Joe Friday]

This it?

[Iris Adams]

It's locked. Keys in the door.

[Ben Romero]

All right.

[Joe Friday]

Hey, Ben?

[Ben Romero]

Yeah? Everything all right?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, fine.

[Iris Adams]

Is he a police officer, too?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, that's right. Is this all there is to the house here?

[Iris Adams]

What do you mean?

[Joe Friday]

Well, just these three rooms here?

[Iris Adams]

Yes, that's all.

[Joe Friday]

I thought you said you were alone here.

[Iris Adams]

I am now.

[Joe Friday]

Who's that woman lying down in the other room?

[Iris Adams]

That's Catherine. I didn't want you bothering her. She's been sick, too. She sleeps most of the time. I just forgot about her.

[Joe Friday]

Anybody else around?

[Iris Adams]

No. Nobody?

[Joe Friday]

No, I mean anybody sick or otherwise. Anyone besides you and this girl in there.

[Iris Adams]

Well, you've been in every room in the house except the bathroom.

[Joe Friday]

Miss it here?

[Iris Adams]

Yes.

[Ben Romero]

Okay.

[Iris Adams]

I don't understand all this. I reported my car stolen, and you come out here and search my house? If I did steal my car, I wouldn't hide it in here.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. Ben, want to come in?

[Ben Romero]

Yeah.

[Iris Adams]

Could you tell me something?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Iris Adams]

Why are you here?

[Joe Friday]

Well, I told you. We found your car. This is Sergeant Romero.

[Ben Romero]

How do you do?

[Iris Adams]

What's the trouble? Anything wrong?

[Joe Friday]

Who'd you say your car was stolen from?

[Iris Adams]

From me. It was my car.

[Ben Romero]

Is that the way you made the report? Mrs. Adams was stolen from you?

[Iris Adams]

I think so, yes.

[Joe Friday]

Ms. Adams, according to the report that you made out this morning. You stated that the car was stolen from your husband. Isn't that right?

[Iris Adams]

Is that what I said?

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'am, that's right.

[Iris Adams]

I don't remember. We both used the car so much, I forgot.

[Joe Friday]

Well, now, which is it, you or your husband?

[Iris Adams]

I'm not sure.

[Joe Friday]

You've been drinking, have you?

[Iris Adams]

A little bit, just to ease my nerves. I haven't been feeling well.

[Ben Romero]

It's obvious you're not drunk, Mrs. Adams. Why don't you keep your story straight?

[Iris Adams]

Well, Officers, I am telling the truth.

[Joe Friday]

Your husband's in the county jail. He's been there for a week. The car couldn't have been stolen from him, now, could it?

[Iris Adams]

I didn't say it was stolen from him.

[Ben Romero]

Is this your signature, Mrs. Adams?

[Iris Adams]

Yes, sir.

[Ben Romero]

This is a copy of the auto theft report. That you made at the Wilshire Division.

[Iris Adams]

Yes.

[Joe Friday]

Well, is this report a true one or a false one? There's a penalty for making a false report, Ms. Adams. I'm sure you're aware of that.

[Iris Adams]

I only want my car back.

[Ben Romero]

Who was it stolen from?

[Iris Adams]

Whatever it says there. My husband.

[Joe Friday]

Well, we just told you that he's in jail. He's still in there. We just talked to him. The car couldn't have been stolen from him. Have you got anything to say to that?

[Iris Adams]

No.

[Joe Friday]

Well, I think we better go downtown. Where you can sit and straighten yourself out. And give us some right answers.

[Iris Adams]

I don't want to go to jail.

[Ben Romero]

That's just where you're going if you don't snap out of it and come up with the truth.

[Iris Adams]

I know who you want. It's Rex Burley, isn't it?

[Joe Friday]

Who's Rex Burley?

[Iris Adams]

Young kid, blonde, small. He told me he was in some kind of trouble with the car. Said if I tell the police it was stolen, it'd be all right that way.

[Joe Friday]

Do you know where he is now?

[Iris Adams]

No, I don't.

[Joe Friday]

You sure about that?

[Iris Adams]

That's the truth, man.

[Joe Friday]

Come on.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah.

[Iris Adams]

Catherine's awful sick.

[Ben Romero]

She always sleep this heavy?

[Iris Adams]

Only when she's sick.

[Joe Friday]

She's really out, isn't she?

[Ben Romero]

Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

Look at her leg.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah. She's a user.

[Joe Friday]

Say, this girl's on narcotics. Mrs. Adams, are you a user?

[Iris Adams]

No, I'm not. I don't know where Catherine gets it.

[Ben Romero]

How about Rex Burley?

[Iris Adams]

He's on it too. Maybe she gets it from him.

[Ben Romero]

Is there any stuff in the house now?

[Iris Adams]

Not that I know of.

[Joe Friday]

You want to tell us where Rex Burley is?

[Iris Adams]

I don't know. He called here about an hour ago. Catherine talked to him.

[Ben Romero]

Did he tell her where he was?

[Iris Adams]

Yes, he did. She wrote it down on a piece of paper.

[Joe Friday]

Where's that paper?

[Iris Adams]

Under a pillow.

[Commercial Announcer]

You are listening to Dragnet from beginning to end. Dragnet is the authentic story of your police force in action.

[Narrator]

Now, from beginning to end, the Fatima story. Actual convincing proof that in Fatima the difference is quality.

[Commercial Announcer]

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[Narrator]

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[Commercial Announcer]

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[Narrator]

Because of its quality, its extra mildness, its better flavor and aroma, more long cigarette smokers are now insisting on Fatima than ever before.

[Commercial Announcer]

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[Narrator]

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[Joe Friday]

Monday, August 7, 6:30pm the young girl who was identified as Catherine Dorrance was awakened and she produced Rex Burley's address. She stated that she'd known him for the past year. She had just graduated from high school and gave her age as 18. And talking further with both Iris Adams and Catherine Dorrance, we found that the description of Rex Burley checked out with that given us from the suspect's victims. They both stated that as far as they knew, it was his true name. That he had no friends or associates known to them. A check with RI showed no record on the name Rex Burley. At 6:37pm Sergeants hall and Walker from Narcotics Division arrived and continued the investigation of the two female suspects. A stakeout was placed on the house at 239 W. 92nd St. The address we got from Catherine Doran was a hotel on Washington Boulevard. We drove out and checked with the clerk. We asked if he had anyone registered under the name of Rex Burley and he told us no. We gave him Burley's description. He said that a young man similar to that had registered and was in room 210. We got a pass key from the clerk. We walked up to the second floor. This is it. Hmm. Lights on under the door.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah. Careful, huh?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Ben Romero]

Who is it?

[Joe Friday]

Open up. We want to talk to you.

[Ben Romero]

What about?

[Joe Friday]

It's the key in the door.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah. Basket key's no good.

[Joe Friday]

All right, come on, open up. Police officers.

[Ben Romero]

He isn't gonna open.

[Joe Friday]

All right, let's hit it. Right again. Once more.

[Ben Romero]

Him. Window's open. Up the fire escape. Joe. Police officers.

[Iris Adams]

Hold it up.

[Joe Friday]

Watch it. You all right?

[Ben Romero]

Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

All right, come on, let's go. All right, hold it up there. He doesn't want to stop.

[Ben Romero]

He's over the side under the roof.

[Joe Friday]

All right, come on. All right, easy.

[Ben Romero]

See him?

[Joe Friday]

No, it's pretty dark. All right, come on. Easy now. Right, easy.

[Ben Romero]

Over there on that side. Can you see him?

[Joe Friday]

No, it's too dark.

[Ben Romero]

Watch that skyline. He's over there in that corner. See him?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. Now he's gone.

[Ben Romero]

Must have ducked back down. Well, he's in that car.

[Joe Friday]

All right, let's take him. Now, keep down. You circle around from that side. I'll go around this way.

[Ben Romero]

Right.

[Joe Friday]

Be careful. Keep down.

[Ben Romero]

Don't you. Don't you. Please, don't you. All right, throw that gun out.

[Joe Friday]

Get your hands in the air. Walk toward the middle of the roof. All right.

[Ben Romero]

All right, here's the gun. I see him, Joe. I got him covered. You all right?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Ben Romero]

All right, keep those hands up.

[Joe Friday]

All right, stand still. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. All right, get your hands behind you. Ben, let's go. Bernie.

[Ben Romero]

I didn't mean to do it. I was wrong. I knew I was wrong. Should have thought about that a long time ago.

[Joe Friday]

How old are you, Burley?

[Ben Romero]

20.

[Joe Friday]

You're living pretty high, aren't you?

[Ben Romero]

I had to have this stuff. I needed it. How else could I get it? I didn't have money to buy it. You didn't have to get started on it. Come on, let's go. I didn't want to get started. All of a sudden, I was just on it. I couldn't do anything about it. You don't understand. There's just somebody else to explain it to.

[Joe Friday]

There is, but they won't understand it either. Monday, August 7, 8. 40pm Rex Burley was taken downtown to the Robbery Division for further interrogation. He told us that he was in his senior year in high school when he got started on narcotics. He kept repeating that he didn't mean to get started. He readily admitted his participation in Six narcotics robberies. He told us that he got Catherine Dorrance, his 18 year old girlfriend. Started on dope. Gene Bechtel took his statement and a complete report was made. A partial recovery of the stolen narcotics was made from his hotel room. The remainder had been found at Irving Adams residence on 92nd Street. Both female suspects, Iris Adams and Catherine Dorrance were filed on for violation of the state narcotics. Exact. A show up was scheduled for August 8th to allow a positive identification from Rex Burley's victims. We received word from Georgia street that Dr. Gannon's condition was improved. The suspect was transported to the main jail where he was booked. It was 10:38pm when I got to 1456 Collis Avenue. The front door.

[Iris Adams]

Justin, is that you?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, Ma.

[Iris Adams]

Have you had your dinner?

[Joe Friday]

No, I'm not hungry.

[Iris Adams]

You'll have to eat. I'll fix you something.

[Joe Friday]

Well, I'm kind of tired. I just like to sit down for a minute.

[Iris Adams]

All right. There's evening paper.

[Joe Friday]

Oh, thank you.

[Iris Adams]

What'd you do to the sleep of your coat?

[Joe Friday]

Where? Guess I must have ripped it, huh?

[Iris Adams]

You slip it off. I'll mend it after I fix you some dinner.

[Joe Friday]

Well, why don't you sit down and work on it now? If you want to. I've got something I'd kind of like to go over with you.

[Iris Adams]

All right.

[Joe Friday]

You remember that telegram from Belmont this morning?

[Iris Adams]

Yeah, your old high school.

[Ben Romero]

Mm.

[Joe Friday]

Well, I think I got an idea for a speech. Maybe. Just made a few notes here. Wrote down some of it. You think you feel like listening to it, see if it's okay.

[Iris Adams]

All right. Did you write the speech today?

[Joe Friday]

Well, just parts of it. I hadn't written a clarat yet. I just got a few notes. I wanted to see what you thought of it.

[Iris Adams]

All right. Let me have your coat, son.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. There you go. Thank you.

[Iris Adams]

Now let's hear you talk.

[Joe Friday]

Well, remember, it's not written down yet. It's just kind of hit and miss as I go along. But I think I can get the thought across and then I'll put it all down on paper.

[Iris Adams]

All right.

[Joe Friday]

Mr. Fisher. That's the principal up there. Yes, Mr. Fisher. Members of the faculty and students, I like to tell you about a young boy who started out in high school and ended up on the roof of a downtown hotel dodging police bullets. I like to tell you about his girlfriend, 18 years old in the Dope Addict. This young fellow started out on narcotics in search of a new thrill. Something new that he hadn't experienced in his young life. He was still in high school when a group of the more high living youngsters used to congregate at the local malt shop. That's not so good, is it? Well, maybe it sound better this way. There was a malt shop on the corner where some of the youngsters used to get together after school. Kind of a place where if you had the right connections and our young boy and girl did, you could get a drink of liquor in the back room. Well, the high school faculty knows all about this local malt shop and they inform the authorities and pressure is brought to bear. But the man who operates the place is clever, if you can call the operations of a man like this clever. He knows how to cover up, how to keep the front room legitimate and the back room a spawning place for juvenile delinquency. And the students don't help much. There seems to be something during the formation of a juvenile mind that when his teachers or his parents catch him doing wrong or they try to tell him it's bad, he prides himself in seeing how long he can get away with it. Undercover seems to be the stylish thing to do to outwit your parents and teachers. As the youngsters grow older, they invariably find out how infantile and stupid this is. But sometimes it's too late. Does that sound kind of stuffy, Ma? What do you think?

[Iris Adams]

Sounds like the truth. Let me hear the rest of it.

[Joe Friday]

You know how kids are sometimes they resent it if they think you're lecturing them. They could have been with Ben and I tonight. Might make a difference. Well, I don't want to make this too long, Ma. I think maybe I ought to finish up something like this from this malt shop on the corner in that back room. Our young boy gets a good shove down the road of self degradation. He has the right connections and isn't too long before he graduates the liquor in the back room for something. He thinks it's far better narcotics. He's heard that unlike liquor, you can't smell it on his breath. And he's a real veteran now. He has hangovers. He's heard that narcotics doesn't leave you with a hangover, so it doesn't take too long before in our. Well, in police parlance, he's hooked. Living in this day and age, he thought that they taught him well in his economics and civics classes. He thought he knew what post war inflation was all about. He didn't have the vaguest notion of the cost of his daily supply of narcotics. Once he hooked on it. He found that before long he had to have his daily dosage in no time at all. He found that it was all he could do to get by on $30 a day. That's what it cost, Ma. $30 each and every day. Or he became violently ill. So sick that he couldn't seem to function properly. Well, in order to maintain his daily needs, he got a gun and he robbed and he beat people and he stole. He shared with his girlfriend. And he dragged her down with him. He ended up on the roof of a hotel trying to shoot his way out. Well, the boy was 20 years old. His girlfriend was 18. Two years ago they both sat out there in a high school auditorium during an assembly. He went a long way, didn't he? In his two years out of high school. He was taken into custody on the night of August 7th. He was crying when we put the handcuffs on him. He was crying when we left him in his cell at the county jail. I guess he's still crying now. What do you think, Ma? That's just rough, Ivan.

[Iris Adams]

Well, will they believe it? You think it'll do any good?

[Joe Friday]

Well, I don't know, Ma. It's up to.

[Narrator]

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

[Commercial Announcer]

On November 9, trial was held in Superior Court Department 83, City and County of Los Angeles, State of California. In a moment, the results of that trial.

[Narrator]

And now here is our star, Jack Webb.

[Joe Friday]

Thank you, friends. There are many cases on record of two people not related looking so much alike, it's hard to tell them apart. A quick check of fingerprints, however, easily proves who's who. At first sight, you could just as easily be fooled by king size cigarettes. If you were to place a Fatima and any other king size cigarette side by side. You'd find they look identical. But believe me, there's a real difference. In Fatima, that difference is quality. Quality that gives you extra mildness, a much better flavor and aroma. Compare Fatima with any king size cigarette. The size is the same. Now, the price is the same. But in Fatima, the difference is quality. Buy a pack tomorrow.

[Commercial Announcer]

Rex Martin Burley was found guilty of three counts of robbery in the first degree. And was sentenced to the state penitentiary where he is now serving his term. First degree robbery is punishable by imprisonment from five years to life.

[Narrator]

The Federal Civil Defense Administration will send you an air raid instruction sheet. If you will write the Superintendent of documents, Washington, D.C. enclosing 5 cents in coin or stamps.

[Commercial Announcer]

You have just heard Dragnet A series of authentic cases from official files. Technical advice comes from the Office of Chief of Police W.H. parker, Los Angeles Police Department Fatima cigarettes.

[Narrator]

Best of all, Long Cigarettes has brought you dragnet portions. Transcribed from Los Angeles.

[Ben Romero]

Stay tuned for.

[Narrator]

Counterspy next over many NBC stations.

[Joe Friday]

Thanks for joining us at 1001 Radio Crime Solvers. Reviews and comments are always appreciated after investing billions to light up our network T Mobile. T Mobile is America's largest 5G network. Plus right now you can switch keep your phone and we'll pay it off up to $800. See how you can save on every plan versus Verizon and at&t@t mobile.com KeepAndSwitch up to four lines via virtual prepaid card. Allow 15 days qualifying unlock device credit service ported 90 plus days with device and eligible carrier and timely redemption required Card has no cash access and expires in six months. This holiday season, surprise everyone on your list with the best gifts tickets to see their favorite artists live.

[Ben Romero]

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[Joe Friday]

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