Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – "Call The Police 48-07-20 25 The Case Of The Unknown Strangler"

Episode Information:

• Title: Call The Police 48-07-20 25 The Case Of The Unknown Strangler
• Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Release Date: July 19, 2025
• Description: Dive into the riveting radio drama set in Ashland, where Commissioner Bill Grant and his dedicated team work tirelessly to capture the elusive Unknown Strangler, a killer terrorizing the town with motive-less murders.

1. Introduction to the Mystery

The episode opens with Commissioner Bill Grant addressing the Ashland Police Department's homicide section, introducing the puzzling case of the Unknown Strangler. The town is gripped by fear as three innocent lives have been taken without any discernible motive, leaving the community and the police baffled.

Notable Quote:

Dr. Bernard Rayburn (00:55): "Between you and the evil outside the law stands the policeman of your community. He gives up his safety that you may be safe. And sometimes he gives up his life to protect yours."

2. The First Victim and Initial Clues

The narrative recounts the first murder of Francie Abbey, a 47-year-old schoolteacher killed while preparing dinner. Two hours later, another victim, lawyer Joel Crocker, meets a similar fate. The murders occur within a tight timeframe, escalating the urgency for the department to find the killer.

Notable Quote:

Commissioner Bill Grant (02:31): "That was the curtain raiser. We found the dead woman two hours later and nothing, absolutely nothing to give us any insight into the motive behind the crime."

3. Seeking Expertise: Dr. Bernard Rayburn

Realizing the complexity of the case, Commissioner Grant enlists the help of Dr. Bernard Rayburn, an expert in abnormal psychology. Dr. Rayburn proposes that the strangler may suffer from schizophrenia, causing him to lose awareness of his heinous actions during different phases of his condition.

Notable Quote:

Dr. Bernard Rayburn (09:07): "I can tell you that he's an obviously schizophrenic type. Meaning, among other things, that even he very probably doesn't know that he's the strangler."

4. Uncovering the Link: The Pen Cap Clue

Sergeant Maggio discovers a clue—a fountain pen cap—in the victim Leonard Walker's car. This pen cap connects to Dr. Rayburn, raising suspicions about his involvement. The team pieces together the geographic patterns of the murders, focusing their search within a specific area bounded by Fulham Street, Tyson Street, and Dale Avenue, with Burgoyne Park at the center.

Notable Quote:

Commissioner Bill Grant (12:07): "His ring features this particular key. Look at the tag on it, chief, huh? Key to the basement of 894 Tyson St."

5. The Arrest and Shocking Revelation

The team arrests Ray Hinderman, a janitor connected to the crime scenes. However, as they interrogate him, a shocking twist unfolds. Commissioner Grant realizes that Dr. Rayburn himself is the strangler. Due to his schizophrenic condition, Rayburn inadvertently committed the murders without conscious awareness, embodying a monstrous personality different from his usual self.

Notable Quote:

Commissioner Bill Grant (23:15): "I am. Prescription, doc."

6. The Aftermath and Unresolved Tensions

Despite apprehending Hinderman, it becomes evident that Rayburn is the true perpetrator. As Rayburn attempts to flee, Commissioner Grant experiences a phase change, momentarily losing control and witnessing Rayburn's escape. The episode concludes with unresolved tensions, highlighting the complexities of mental illness and the challenges faced by law enforcement in such intricate cases.

Notable Quote:

Libby Tyler (26:17): "So Hinderman was all coincidence. Sick enough, but definitely not the killer."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Dr. Bernard Rayburn (00:55):

  "Between you and the evil outside the law stands the policeman of your community. He gives up his safety that you may be safe. And sometimes he gives up his life to protect yours."

• Commissioner Bill Grant (02:31):

  "That was the curtain raiser. We found the dead woman two hours later and nothing, absolutely nothing to give us any insight into the motive behind the crime."

• Dr. Bernard Rayburn (09:07):

  "I can tell you that he's an obviously schizophrenic type. Meaning, among other things, that even he very probably doesn't know that he's the strangler."

• Commissioner Bill Grant (12:07):

  "His ring features this particular key. Look at the tag on it, chief, huh? Key to the basement of 894 Tyson St."

• Commissioner Bill Grant (23:15):

  "I am. Prescription, doc."

• Libby Tyler (26:17):

  "So Hinderman was all coincidence. Sick enough, but definitely not the killer."

Conclusion

"The Case Of The Unknown Strangler" masterfully weaves a tale of suspense, psychological intrigue, and unexpected twists. Through Commissioner Grant's relentless pursuit and the collaborative efforts of his team, listeners are engaged in a classic whodunit that underscores the unpredictable nature of criminal investigations during the Golden Age of Radio.