21st Precinct 53-09-01 (009) The Friend

Summary

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Podcast Summary: 21st Precinct 53-09-01 (009) "The Friend"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Title: 21st Precinct 53-09-01 (009) The Friend
Date: February 22, 2026
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio

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Episode Overview

This episode of Harold's Old Time Radio features a dramatic reenactment of a homicide investigation by the 21st Precinct, a fictionalized version of a busy New York police station in the 1950s. The episode, titled "The Friend," delves into the inner workings of a precinct responding to the murder of Edith Camden, a young woman living alone in a luxurious Manhattan apartment. As Captain Frank Kennelly and his officers investigate, the story explores police procedure, the challenges of high-profile cases, and the human motives behind violence.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Discovery of the Crime (00:35–05:45)

• Initial Call: The episode begins with a call reporting a possible homicide at 88 East 70th St.
• Police Response: Captain Kennelly and Sergeant Klein coordinate dispatch and discuss suspicious circumstances around a sick officer possibly avoiding duty, illustrating internal precinct dynamics.
• At the Scene: Kennelly and Burns arrive at a plush apartment building, where a hysterical maid, Doris Rumsey, has discovered the body of Edith Camden.

Notable Dialogue

"Most of the 173,000 people wedged into the 9/10 of a square mile between Fifth Avenue and the East River wouldn't know if you asked them, that they lived or worked in the 21st. Whether they know it or not, the security of their persons, their homes and their property is my job." — Captain Kennelly (01:17)

2. Witness Testimony & Initial Investigation (05:45–09:00)

• Maid’s Account: Doris describes arriving to find the apartment in disarray and Edith's body on the bedroom floor.
• Background on Victim: Edith Camden is revealed to have been kind and solitary, originally from Texas, living without family in New York.
• Early Theories: The police speculate about how Edith could afford such an expensive apartment; it's suggested she had a benefactor, referred to only as "a friend."

Notable Dialogue

"She was so beautiful...to walk in the bedroom like that and find her bowled out cold." — Doris Rumsey (05:48)

3. Media Interest & Police Procedure (09:00–15:00)

• Case Escalation: Detectives, the medical examiner, and the district attorney are summoned. The press circles, hungry for details on the sensational murder.
• Managing Publicity: The officers try to manage both the press and internal procedures, indicating the public relations aspect of major cases.
• Routine Police Work: As the investigation proceeds, other precinct business (e.g., a pedestrian accident, petty complaints) continues alongside the homicide probe.

Notable Dialogue

"The tabloids are gonna have a field day with this one. Made to order for them. It sure is. There's all the elements. A mystery, a blonde and Park Avenue." — Detective at the scene (08:32)

4. The Suspect: Walter Crane Newfield (21:36–25:45)

• Introduction: Investigators bring in Walter Crane Newfield, a middle-aged, well-dressed paper broker from Westchester, for questioning.
• Relationship Revealed: Newfield confesses to a long-standing affair with Edith. He paid her rent and hoped to one day marry her, as his marriage was in name only.
• Alibi Unravels: Initially, Newfield lies about his whereabouts, but the detectives challenge his story.

Notable Dialogue

"I don't suppose there's any use of denying the fact that Edith and I were very close. My wife and I haven't gotten along for years. Someday I hope to marry Edith. That's the way it is. I couldn't help it. A man needs some sort of life." — Walter Crane Newfield (23:14)

“It’ll be worse on them, Mr. Newfield, if you continue to tell us lies.” — Lt. King (24:12)

5. Case Resolution & Reflection (26:18–27:41)

• Confession: After further questioning, Newfield admits to the crime. Edith was going to end their relationship to marry another man, prompting Newfield, in a fit of rage, to kill her with a fire iron.
• Motivation: The murder is characterized as a crime of passion, linked to love, jealousy, and loss.

Notable Dialogue

"He said he killed her because he loved her. Well, if you've got to kill somebody, that's as good a reason as any." — Sergeant Klein (27:37)

6. The Precinct Continues (27:41–28:41)

• Ongoing Duties: Despite the gravity of the case, the 21st Precinct's routine police work rolls on, underscoring the relentless, cyclical nature of urban policing.

Notable Dialogue

"A police precinct in the city of New York is a flesh and blood merry-go-round. Anyone can catch the brass ring or the brass ring can catch anyone." — Narrator (27:55)

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Important Segment Timestamps

• 00:35: Police receive homicide call; Captain Kennelly mobilizes response.
• 05:45: Maid Doris's emotional testimony at the crime scene.
• 08:32: Detectives speculate about the sensationalist media impact.
• 14:01: Officer sick leave investigated; police methods and discipline.
• 17:48: Senior staff debates what information to share with the press.
• 21:36: Walter Crane Newfield brought in and interrogated.
• 27:05: Newfield’s confession and motive detailed.
• 27:41: Procedural wrap-up; return to routine operations.

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Memorable Moments & Quotes

• The City as a Living Entity:
  "What makes a city? Not buildings, not subways, not business. People make a city." — Captain Kennelly (01:17)

• Case Motivation:
  "He said he killed her because he loved her. Well, if you've got to kill somebody, that's as good a reason as any." — Sgt. Klein (27:37)

• Reflection on Police Work:
  "A police precinct in the city of New York is a flesh and blood merry-go-round." — Narrator (27:55)

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Tone and Style

This episode blends the straightforward, slightly clipped dialogue style typical of 1950s radio drama with a compassionate undertone, particularly in the scenes depicting the emotional responses of the victim’s maid and the conflicted, desperate confession of the killer. The focus is consistently on professionalism and the human cost, both for the accused and the police handling the tragedy.

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Summary

"21st Precinct: The Friend" takes listeners from the moment of crime report through a complete murder investigation, culminating in a confession that lays bare the tragic intersection of love, jealousy, and violence. The episode is a prime example of Golden Age radio drama, immersing listeners in both the routine and extraordinary events faced by police in mid-century New York, and offering a nuanced look at the personal dramas that underly public crimes.

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Transcript

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[Sergeant Klein]

21st briefing. Sergeant Klein.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Who's dead? Who? He was killed. Ah. Where is this? West 88 east. What? East 70th.

[Sergeant Klein]

Who is this calling?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

You are in the muster room at the 21st Precinct, the nerve center. A call is coming through. You will follow the action taken pursuant

[Sergeant Klein]

to that call from this minute until

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

the final report is written in the 124 room at the 21st Precinct.

[Sergeant Klein]

All right, Just stay right where you are. The officers will be there right away. Yes, right away. They'll take care of it.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yes, right away. 21st Precinct. It's just lines on a map of the city of New York. Most of the 173,000 people wedged into the 9/10 of a square mile between Fifth Avenue and the east river wouldn't know if you asked them, that they lived or worked in the 21st. Whether they know it or not, the security of their persons, their homes and their property is my job. My job and the job of the 160 patrolmen, 11 sergeants and four lieutenants of whom I'm the boss. My name is Kennelly. Frank Kennelly. I'm captain in Command of the 21st. What makes a city? Not buildings, not subways, not business. People make a city. From dawn to midnight, from midnight to dawn, people will pour their lives together and stir up the city where even love can lead to death. I was working my 8am to 6pm tour when I arrived at the station house. I signed the blotter and read over reports and communications that had accumulated since I went off duty 24 hours previously sharply. At eight, I walked into the muster room and turned out the platoon for the day tour. As the men marched out the door to take over their post, Sergeant Burns, the patrol sergeant, indicated he wanted to see me. I came around from behind the desk where Lieutenant Gorman was on duty as desk officer and Sergeant Klein on the boxes and crossed my office. Sergeant Burns was waiting inside.

[Sergeant Klein]

Morning, Captain.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Hello, Sergeant. Well, what is it? Balny went sick this morning, Captain. Yes, I noticed it on the roll call. What about it?

[Sergeant Klein]

Well, he's been riding Inspector Car 2 with Warren. Yes, I know he.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Listen, what's this UF61 here? It says a radio stolen from a parked car. What kind of radio? And where was the car parked? I can't sign a report like that and send it on to Division. Was that on my tour, Captain? Yesterday?

[Sergeant Klein]

Yes.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Don't you look these things over before they're written up.

[Sergeant Klein]

How did he get by you?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Who's this Parker? Check his memorandum book and see if he's got the facts himself. If he hasn't, get on his tail. Yes, sir. All right. What about Boney? Well, he's been riding as a Recorder Inspector Car 2 with Warren. Yes. I noticed they hadn't been getting along so well together. Always clapping about who's going to take what pinch and so forth. No complaints to me. But I could see that's been going on.

[Sergeant Klein]

I warned them that I'd split them

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

up if they didn't knock off. Well, it kept going on after the tour yesterday. I told them I was going to put them both on fixed posts today. And Boney went sick this morning? Yes, sir. How about Warren? He's swinging. You think Boney's malingering? He looked all right yesterday afternoon, Captain. Did he? Yes, sir.

[Reserve Surgeon / Sergeant Coyote]

Sergeant Klein.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Sergeant, get me the reserve surgeon, will you?

[Reserve Surgeon / Sergeant Coyote]

Yes, sir. Captain, looks like we've got a bad homicide.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Where the boy's hopping.

[Reserve Surgeon / Sergeant Coyote]

Captain, I got four or five calls.

[Sergeant Klein]

All right, I'll be out. It looks like we've got a bad homicide.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Where's that? I don't know. The board's jammed up.

[Sergeant Klein]

That's all we know about it. Call came through CB I caught it on the air. Okay. I'm sorry, Captain.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

That's all right.

[Sergeant Klein]

What do we got? It came over the air as a signal. 32, ambulance responding. I rang down to CB and they told me a woman called in the maid. Apparently, she got to work this morning and found the lady's body.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Homicide for sure?

[Sergeant Klein]

A little hysterical. That's what they gather. No name? No, sir, not yet.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Well, did you notify the detectives? Yes, they're just now. That's the press again.

[Sergeant Klein]

They've been burning in here since the call was put out. 88 East 70th. That's a good address. 21st Precinct. Sergeant Klein. Let's take a ride over there.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Morning. Yes, sir.

[Sergeant Klein]

Look, you know as much about it as we do. Call didn't even come through here. The detectives are just now on the way.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

I just know I gave Instructions to the desk officer to reach the surgeon on reserve by telephone with a request to visit the home of Patrolman Boney who reported sick under circumstances which indicated he might be attempting to evade disagreeable duty. Men With Sergeant Burns, I drove to 88 East 70th street, the scene of the reported homicide. The house was a four story white stone mansion built early in the century and converted within the last 10 years to an apartment building. One apartment on each floor. One of the sector men had been posted at the street door to keep the curious out of the entrance hall. He told us the occurrence did in fact appear to be homicide. We went inside and took the small self service elevator to the third floor. The door to the apartment was standing wide open. The place was magnificently furnished. There were thick wall to wall carpets. I went over to talk to the maid who sat on the living room couch. She still wore the hat she had on when she arrived at work.

[Maid Doris / Witness]

Holden. Peter.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

I'm Captain Kennelly.

[Maid Doris / Witness]

She was so beautiful. So beautiful. To walk in the bedroom like that and find her bawled out cold.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Did you call the police?

[Maid Doris / Witness]

Yes, I called the police. When I first opened the door of the apartment, I knew there was something the matter. I knew it.

[Sergeant Klein]

The television was on.

[Maid Doris / Witness]

Newspapers. Grasses were all over the front room ashtrays. Pull up. Miss Edith never left anything like that.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Looks pretty straightened up in here now.

[Maid Doris / Witness]

Yes, sir. I turned off the television and picked up a little. Then I walked back to the kitchen. That's when I saw her. From there I saw her. I knew it. Laying on the floor there in the bedroom. Just stretched out. That yellow hair she had all turned everywhere. She always had it so neat. So neat.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Mrs. What's your name?

[Maid Doris / Witness]

Mom?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yes.

[Maid Doris / Witness]

Doris. Doris Rumsey Ramsey? No, sir. With an O. My family spell it with an O. Head. Bare skin. Like that. Who could do something like that to mes? Edith, he never hurt anybody in the world. Never anybody in the world. So kind and nice.

[Sergeant Klein]

Where do you live, Donna?

[Maid Doris / Witness]

134th Street.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Where on 134th Street?

[Maid Doris / Witness]

4, 6 West. Poor missy. Poor sweet little thing.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Excuse me.

[Maid Doris / Witness]

Cousin never hurt nobody.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

You better keep them out in the corridor. The fewer people walking around in here, the better. Tell them her name was Edith Camden.

[Maid Doris / Witness]

Yes. Edith Camden. Yes.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Does she have any family?

[Maid Doris / Witness]

No, sir, no family. At least not in New York. She comes from Texas. She's got brothers in Texas too, I think. Oh, sweet little girl. So sweet.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

She must have been pretty well off to live in an apartment like this. She live here alone?

[Maid Doris / Witness]

Yes, sir. All Alone?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

She wasn't married?

[Maid Doris / Witness]

No, sir.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Was she ever married?

[Maid Doris / Witness]

No, sir. Not that she told me.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Did she go to business?

[Maid Doris / Witness]

What do you mean?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Well, I mean, did she have a job or anything like that?

[Maid Doris / Witness]

Oh, no, sir. Not much either.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Well, what did she do?

[Maid Doris / Witness]

She had a friend, Captain.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Oh, hello, Captain. Oh, hello, man. Doris, this is Lt. King. He's in charge of the detectives who take over this case.

[Maid Doris / Witness]

Yes.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

You tell him everything he wants to know.

[Maid Doris / Witness]

Yes, sir. Poor Miss Edith. I don't know what I'm going to do without her. I couldn't work for nobody else. Nobody else.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Where is it, Captain? In there? Yeah, let's take a look. You sit here, Doris. All right?

[Maid Doris / Witness]

Yes, sir. It's all right. I'm not going no place.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

What do you think the rent is on this place, Captain? Four or five hundred a month? Yeah, something like that, I guess. Pretty steep. Not if someone else does it in here. Man. Pretty dress she was wearing, not torn. She wasn't struggling with anyone? No, it doesn't appear that way. That's what she was hit with, I guess. What is it, do you think? I don't know. Looks like a fire tool to me. Who was she? What'd she do? You know she didn't do anything. She had a friend. Oh. Well, the tabloids are gonna have a field day with this one. Made the order for them. It sure is. There's all the elements. A mystery, a blonde and Park Avenue. Yes. Too bad she's not around to read about it. The call had come in at six minutes after 8am it was now 8:25. At the moment, little more was known about the case than what we could see. A striking blonde named Edith Campton was dead from a blow across the base of the skull in the bedroom of her apartment just off Park Avenue. Within minutes, the apartment began to fill up with specialists and experts. Detectives from the Manhattan East Homicide Squad arrived to work with detectives from the 21st squad. As required, the Chief Medical examiner and the New York County District Attorney were notified. Latent fingerprint experts and a photographer from the police laboratory were summoned. Superior officers of the Detective division who had been notified in accordance with the manual of procedure began to arrive on the scene at 10 minutes before 9. When I left the apartment, the investigation was well underway. I instructed Sergeant Burns to have his men resume patrol as soon as possible. On the street, a considerable crowd had gathered. The press was out in force. I suggested they direct their questions to the chief of detectives, the commander of the Manhattan East Homicide Squad and the District attorney's office. At five minutes after 9 o', clock, I returned to the precinct house.

[Maid Doris / Witness]

Hello?

[Sergeant Klein]

Captain. Sergeant. Excuse me.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

This board has been humming 21st briefing Sergeant Klein, Chief. Who?

[Sergeant Klein]

Oh, he's not here. I haven't seen him. Just seconds. Captain, it's the borough commander's office.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Did you see Deputy Chief Polk this morning? He was over at the scene of that homicide. Hello?

[Sergeant Klein]

He was over at the scene of that homicide we had.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Is he still there, Captain? He was there when I left.

[Sergeant Klein]

He was there when Captain Kennelly left. All right, call his office. I'll tell him.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yeah.

[Sergeant Klein]

Told you, Captain. Hopping 21st Precinct, Sergeant Klein. Listen, Coley, somebody called in here and said there was a bus stop stanchion in the second floor hall. A622E64. Well, how should I know? Some drunk must have carried in there during the night. Walk over there and take a look.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yeah, all right. How should I know Alex Stanton got in the fall? Did you hear from the surgeon on reserve, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Klein]

No, sir, not yet. How does this homicide look?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Pretty heavy, Sergeant. That's all we need around here now. Another Lonergan case. What else is doing, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Klein]

A car struck a pedestrian on Lexington Avenue in 60th.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Bad.

[Sergeant Klein]

The man got up and walked away from it. Then he decided his back hurt and

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

he went into Metropolitan. Did we hold the driver? No, sir.

[Sergeant Klein]

Man walked out between two parked cars and right into the side of the automobile.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Just given the summers before they break.

[Sergeant Klein]

21st briefing Sergeant Klein. The detectives are all out. Can I help you? That's what the detectives are all out on that homicide. No, I don't know any more about it.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Okay, you're welcome.

[Sergeant Klein]

Some guy from the piano. You'll have that all day, Sergeant.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

You might as well be ready for it. I know. What's it look like, Captain? What do you mean?

[Sergeant Klein]

Any idea who killed her?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

I just started looking into it when I left. How was she killed? With a fire tool, apparently. Listen, what time have you got Farrell and Eisman down for their meals?

[Sergeant Klein]

12:30 to 1 for Eisman.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

1:00 clock to 1:30 for Farrell, Ken. Well, switch him around because I want the car at 1 to take me downtown to Division. Yes, sir. Let Eisman take his meal at one and put him on post until Farrell gets back with the car.

[Sergeant Klein]

She was supposed to be a pretty good looking head, Captain.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

I imagine she was one of those

[Sergeant Klein]

fellows in the press. Told me she won a beauty contest

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

in Texas seven or eight years ago.

[Sergeant Klein]

That's how she first happened to come to New York.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Judges picked her unanimously. Texas Venus, they called her. Did they? I wonder what the judges would have called her if they'd seen her this morning. Homicide is, of course, the most serious crime on the books. But it's not very often that detectives are called upon to deal with a murder mystery typical of detective fiction, in which the guilty party must be singled out from among a number of known suspects. Nearly all homicides fall into two other categories. Either they're crimes committed in the heat of passion, with the killer readily identifiable and easily apprehended perhaps within minutes after the act, or their felony murders committed during the course of robbery, burglary or rape, in which case the killer seldom had any previous connection with the victim. In the case at hand, there was an element of mystery. At 20 minutes past 10:00am I had finished reading and signing reports and communications. Captain Kelly, Sergeant Klein.

[Reserve Surgeon / Sergeant Coyote]

Captain, the surgeon on reserve is ringing in, Dr. Mantella.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Oh, all right.

[Reserve Surgeon / Sergeant Coyote]

Hold on, Captain.

[Sergeant Klein]

Captain Canelli.

[Reserve Surgeon / Sergeant Coyote]

Hello, Captain. Dr. Van Tiller, Chief Surgeon's office.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yes, Doctor.

[Reserve Surgeon / Sergeant Coyote]

I called at the home of Patrolman Bonave. He was in bed.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Did you examine him?

[Reserve Surgeon / Sergeant Coyote]

Yes, I did.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Did he appear to be malingering?

[Reserve Surgeon / Sergeant Coyote]

Well, he complained of a pain in his stomach.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

I see.

[Reserve Surgeon / Sergeant Coyote]

Of course, anyone can complain of a pain in the stomach, whether they got it or not. A temperature of 101 and a half is a little bit difficult to manufacture. He's sick, all right.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Oh. Well, what's the matter with him, doctor?

[Reserve Surgeon / Sergeant Coyote]

Well, it looks like this virus is going around. That's what I'd say it is.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

How long do you think he'd be out?

[Reserve Surgeon / Sergeant Coyote]

A couple of days, that's all.

[Sergeant Klein]

All right, Doctor.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Thank you.

[Reserve Surgeon / Sergeant Coyote]

Bye, Captain.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Goodbye. Much obliged. Captain Canelli.

[Reserve Surgeon / Sergeant Coyote]

Sergeant Coyote on ts. Captain Joe Wigan of the News is out here. He wants to see you.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

About what?

[Reserve Surgeon / Sergeant Coyote]

About what, Joe? About the homicide, Captain.

[Sergeant Klein]

Tell him I don't know anything about that.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

He ought to talk to the detectives.

[Reserve Surgeon / Sergeant Coyote]

Yes, Captain.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Says he doesn't know anything about it.

[Reserve Surgeon / Sergeant Coyote]

Joe, talk to the detectives. Oh, just a second. He wants to see you anyway, Captain.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

All right. Tell him to come on in.

[Reserve Surgeon / Sergeant Coyote]

Yes? Morning, Joe.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Oh, sergeant.

[Sergeant Klein]

Who's on post?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Number six Singleton, Captain. Come in when he rings in, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Klein]

Hello, Captain.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Leave the door open, Joe.

[Sergeant Klein]

When he rings in, tell him I've

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

got a written complaint from a citizen about a peddler selling fruits and vegetables from a wagon over there.

[Sergeant Klein]

Tell him if he runs across that

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

fella to check and see if his license is okay. How?

[Maid Doris / Witness]

Sit down.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Joe McDoun's up here today. Captain. Well, I can't tell you anything about it, Joe. I don't know anything. I was only there for a few minutes or something. What'd the apartment look like upstairs? Plush? Yeah, it was plush, if you want to call it that. But you better talk to Lt. King or the chief of detectives or the Homicide captain. They've got it all over there. We don't know anything here.

[Sergeant Klein]

Look, Captain, I got tired of waiting

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

out on the street.

[Sergeant Klein]

I saw all the big brass going in and none of them coming out.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

You get tired of standing first on one foot and then the other. What's the deal?

[Sergeant Klein]

Who did I run, Joe? I told you, I don't know any of you. The captain of the place.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Things aren't you. Well, I still don't know anything. What is it, Frank? The Wilhelm Strasse?

[Sergeant Klein]

Somebody's gotta know something.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Now, be patient, Joe.

[Sergeant Klein]

You've got a morning paper. You've got all day to get your story. You'll get it. I'm embarrassed, but call my city editor.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Well, don't be embarrassed, Joe. He understands. You'd never know how to talk to him.

[Sergeant Klein]

Get your story out there, Joe. The chief of detectives. Excuse me, Captain. Thanks a lot.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

The muster room was alive with activity. Lieutenant Matt King of the 21st Detective Squad had walked in the door with the chief of detectives and the acting captain in command of the Manhattan East Homicide squad. Close on their heels were reporters from all of the seven daily papers with general circulation in New York, the Associated Press and a newsman from CBS Radio. Working on all sides were photographers from most of the papers and motion picture cameramen. It was apparent that these top officers had avoided talking to the press at the scene of the homicide. But now they were cornered. I walked out into the muster room where the questions were being fired at a rapid rate.

[Sergeant Klein]

Think that the medical examiner fixed the time of death? Not yet. Not definitely. Sometime during the night. Take it easy. Just as quiet yet. Listen, Chief, we don't have anything for a story yet.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Nothing.

[Sergeant Klein]

Give us a break, will you? Well, I'll tell you what we'll do, boys. There's some things we know we can't tell you yet. Give us a couple of minutes to decide what we can tell you. You'll have a start. Okay. Here's the captain's office. Excuse us. Coming through, then. Hello, Frank. Chief Love. See you, Rock. Wicked.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Go ahead, help the show.

[Sergeant Klein]

Come ahead, Frank. Frank, let's give us a break, will you close that door. They'll find a way, those guys. How you been, Frank?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Okay. Fine. How's Ellen? Good.

[Sergeant Klein]

I'm giving my best. Well, I guess I'll have to tell those boys something, Matt. They're entitled to their story. Yes, sir.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

But I'd like to keep quiet about the boyfriend for a while. I don't think there's any point putting him into it yet, Chief.

[Sergeant Klein]

No, neither do I. We can tell him that Edith Camden isn't a real name. He's just been using it since she came to New York.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yes, sir. What else? Well, she worked as a model. Not a cover girl? No, sir. For a fashion house and in a store. But I think they know that.

[Sergeant Klein]

How about suspects?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Who, Chief?

[Sergeant Klein]

Well, supposing I say there's four or five people we want to talk to, but that we can't divulge any names at this point?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yes, sir. That'd be good. Might want to mention her address and phone book, that we're checking every one of her friends.

[Sergeant Klein]

No, I'd better say acquaintances.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yes, sir.

[Sergeant Klein]

Yes, Just that address and phone book ought to make him happy.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Always does.

[Sergeant Klein]

30 detectives assigned to the case.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

How's that? Fine.

[Sergeant Klein]

They want to know if there was any evidence of her being killed by a burglar or someone who entered the apartment with criminal intent. I think you can tell them the

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

place wasn't broken into, Chief. Okay.

[Sergeant Klein]

Want them to let him talk to the maid, Matt?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

I think all they'll want is pictures of her. We can go that far. All right.

[Sergeant Klein]

Guess that about does it, Frank. Let's get together some night, huh? I'll be glad to, Chief. I'll tell Mary to call Ellen and we'll set it up, okay?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Fine.

[Sergeant Klein]

Okay, Matt, Tell me that it works.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yes, sir.

[Sergeant Klein]

All right, fellas, give him a chance. Chief, one question first. My desk wants to get a photographer into her apartment. When can we do that? Sometime early this afternoon. Just as soon as the technicians in the police laboratory get finished.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

What time?

[Sergeant Klein]

What time, Matt?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

1:30 at the latest.

[Sergeant Klein]

Why? Why, yes. All right, boys, this is the story. We've got 30 men on the job. At this moment, we have no more idea than you do who the killer is. However, there are four or five people with whom we want to talk about this. Now, in addition to that, Ms. Camden had a telephone and address book. A little black book. What color is it, Matt?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Baby blue leather.

[Sergeant Klein]

Now, in addition to the four or five, we'll be in touch with every person listed in her phone book in order to get some idea of a movement yesterday in last night. As I told you before, the ME's office is not just reported. All that could be divorced without hindrance to the investigation was given to them.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

In a few minutes, the reporters hurried out of the precinct house to find telephone.

[Sergeant Klein]

The chief of detectives and the acting

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

captain of the homicide squad went upstairs to the 21st Squad with Lt. King. Within an hour, both had left the precinct house. Now started the real work of the homicide investigation. Detectives of the homicide squad teamed off into pairs with men of the 21st Squad to Work as partners until the crime was cleared. At 1:30, the car came by the station house to take me to 6th Division Headquarters, 160 East 35th street for a conference with the division commanders. While I was out of the precinct, a well dressed graying man in his late 40s was brought in by detectives Whitey Howard of the 21st Squad and Edward mcinerney of the Manhattan east homicide squad.

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[Captain Frank Kennelly]

They took him directly upstairs to the 21st Detective Squad. This way, Mr. Newfield? Yes. You don't think it will take long, do you? I wouldn't know about that, sir. Come in. Lieutenant, we got Mr. Newfield here. Oh, good. Come in, Mr. Newfield. Thank you. Thank you very much. Have a seat. Thank you. This was some shock. You have no idea what a shock when these officers told us like a. Like a bolt of lightning. Cigarette, Mr. Newfield? Oh, much obliged, Ed. Whitey. Thanks, Lieutenant. Thank you. I'm lieutenant King. How do you do? You know what this is all about, don't you, Mr. Newfield? Yes, I suppose so. Is Walter Newfield your full name, sir? Walter Crane Newfield. And where do you live? I have a home in Westchester. Where in Westchester? Winslow park. Your business in New York?

[Maid Doris / Witness]

That's right.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

What is your business? Mr. Newfield, I'm a paper broker. What is that? I act as broker for mills in selling paper to printers and publishers. I see. Do you commute to New York every day? Every Weekday, yes. Married, Mr. Newfield? Yes. For how long? 19 years. Any children? Two. Two girls in high school, 15 and 17. You were acquainted with Miss Camden? Yes. For how long? Oh, I don't know. Three, three and a half years, I suppose. What can I do with this? I really don't feel like smoking. No? Yeah. Thank you. How well acquainted, Mr. Newfield? Oh, quite. Well. Did you see her frequently? Yes. How frequently? Two, three times a week. Ever oftener? Yes. Sometimes in her apartment? Yes.

[Sergeant Klein]

There.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

And we'd go out to the theater and clubs together. Was that her apartment, Mr. Newfield? She lived there. Yes, I know she lived there, but who paid the rent? Well, I imagine she did. Who gave her the money? I don't suppose there's any use of denying the fact that Edith and I were very close. My wife and I haven't gotten along for years. Someday I hope to marry Edith. That's the way it is. I couldn't help it. A man needs some sort of life. You paid the rent? Yes. When did you last see her, Mr. Neufeld? The night before last. You didn't see her yesterday? No. The last night? No. Were you in New York yesterday? Yes. Where? I was at my office until 5:15 and then I went to Grand Central. Took the 534 home. To Winslow Park? That's right. Was your wife at your home in Winslow Park? No. Where was she? She and the girls are in Cape Cod for a month. Was anyone at your house in Winslow park beside you? No, I was all alone. Did you see anyone you knew on the train? Well, I think so, Lieutenant. Yes. Who? Well, I don't recall at the moment. I have to think about that. Sure. Go ahead. Think about it, Mr. Neufeld. Lieutenant, I know this can't help coming out. This whole thing is bound to get in the papers. I don't care about myself or what anybody says about me. But those two young girls of mine, this is going to be terrible on them, just terrible. It'll be worse on them, Mr. Newfield, if you continue to tell us lies. Well, I haven't told you any lies. Just said you didn't see Ms. Camden last night. That's a lie, isn't it? No, it isn't. Said you were home in Winslow park last night. That's also a lie. We know you never left New York. How about the truth? Mr. Newfield, how about the truth? Well, I don't know what to say. I. I don't know what to do. I haven't had time to think. I have nothing in the world but those two girls. Please, think of them. That was your job, Mr. Newfield. I've got mine. The interrogation of Walter Crane Newfield continued. So did my conference at Division headquarters. It finally broke up at 3pm Patrolman Farrell drove me uptown at the 21st. I instructed him to pick up his partner and resume patrol. He drove away and I walked up the steps and into the muster room. 21st.

[Sergeant Klein]

Pre Tank Sergeant Klein. All right, 17. Hello, Captain.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

What's doing, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Klein]

There's nothing like this. Morning, sir.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

That's good. Where's Lieutenant Gorman?

[Sergeant Klein]

I'm filling in for him, Captain.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

The A's office called for him to come down in a hurry. Yeah, that burglary case went to bat this afternoon. Which he made the arrest when he was a sergeant in the 64th last winter. Well, this is a fine time to let us know, isn't it?

[Sergeant Klein]

Well, the boy was going to take a plea, but he decided to stand

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

trial at the last minute. Oh, all right. Stand right up to the desk there, would you, please? Yeah, okay. Why do you book him in? Yes, sir. Just a second. Hello, Matt. Captain Walter Crane Newfield. Matt. Yes, Captain. What's this? That homicide middle name is C R

[Sergeant Klein]

A N E Crane, is that right?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yes, that's right. What? He got twisted up in his own lives. N U F F I E L D. How did happen? When he finally told us, he said she was going to break it off. She had a guy she wanted to marry, age 47. He was so enraged, he picked up a fire iron and hit her over the head. Murder first. Why'd he do it? What'd he say? He said he killed her because he loved her. Well, if you've got to kill somebody, that's as good a reason as any.

[Sergeant Klein]

21st Precinct. Sergeant Klein stole your what?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Your safe. Where is it? And so it goes around the clock through the week, every day, every year. A police precinct in the city of New York is a flesh and blood merry go round. Anyone can catch the brass ring or the brass ring can catch anyone. 21st Precinct. A factual account of the way the police work in the world's largest city is presented with the official cooperation of the Patrolman's Benevolent association, an organization of more than 20,000 members of the Police Department, City of New York. Everett Sloan in the role of Captain Kennelly. Ken lynch is Lieutenant King. Featured in tonight's cast were Lawson Zerby, Wendell Holmes, George Petrie, Joseph Julian, Frank Reddick, Eric Gressler and Rosetta Lenoir. Written and directed by Stanley Ness Produced for CBS Radio by John Ives Art Hannah speaking.

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