Calling All Cars 34-03-14 ep016 The Chloroform Murder

Summary

Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Calling All Cars 34-03-14 ep016 – The Chloroform Murder

Release Date: July 27, 2025

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Overview

In this riveting installment of Calling All Cars, listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio, immersing themselves in a gripping murder mystery set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Los Angeles. Titled The Chloroform Murder, the episode masterfully intertwines suspense, detective work, and dramatic revelations, showcasing the tenacity of law enforcement in unraveling a seemingly straightforward case that quickly becomes shrouded in deceit and betrayal.

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Plot Summary

The episode centers around the mysterious death of Mrs. Maud Kennedy, a beloved widow residing on 21st Street. Initially presumed to be a suicide, Captain J.A. Wynn of the Los Angeles Police Department suspects foul play and spearheads a meticulous investigation to uncover the truth behind her demise.

Key Events:

1. The Mysterious Phone Call ([00:44] – [06:07])

   • Mrs. Kennedy receives a cryptic phone call from a man named Percy, urging her to meet him alone. Despite concerns from her son, Philip, she agrees to the rendezvous at the corner of 6th Avenue and West Shepherd.

2. The Fatal Meeting ([06:05] – [09:28])

   • At the meeting spot, Percy concocts a deceptive plan to extort money from Mrs. Kennedy by threatening trouble if she doesn't comply. He offers her perfume laced with chloroform, intending to incapacitate her and commit the murder.

3. Discovery and Initial Investigation ([09:28] – [13:00])

   • The next day, Mrs. Kennedy's body is found. While the coroner initially rules it as a suicide, discrepancies—such as missing gloves and trampled weeds—raise Captain Wynn's suspicions, prompting him to treat the case as a potential murder.

4. Unraveling Suspects ([13:00] – [21:41])

   • Investigations reveal Mrs. Kennedy's affinity for diamonds, leading detectives to explore the involvement of Percy Tugwell, a man with dubious motives. Other suspects, including Bert Normandy and Kid Riley, are also scrutinized but present strong alibis.

5. Percy Tugwell's Confession and Deception ([21:01] – [27:57])

   • Tugwell becomes the prime suspect after inconsistencies emerge in his alibi. Under pressure, he initially confesses to the murder to protect Philip Kennedy, but later retracts his statement, revealing deeper layers of deception.

6. The Truth Unveiled ([27:57] – [21:41])

   • Through relentless interrogation and the eventual confession of Tugwell, it is uncovered that he orchestrated the murder to secure funds for his honeymoon. However, real justice is served when Tugwell's manipulative tactics are exposed, leading to his conviction and life imprisonment.

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Key Characters

• Captain J.A. Wynn: The determined lead detective who senses that Mrs. Kennedy's death is not a mere suicide and drives the investigation forward.

• Mrs. Maud Kennedy: The victim, a widow known for her love of diamonds and her social standing within the community.

• Percy Tugwell: Initially a suspect, his manipulative confession adds complexity to the case, ultimately revealing his true motives.

• Philip Kennedy: Mrs. Kennedy's concerned son, whose relationship with Percy becomes central to the unfolding mystery.

• Bert Normandy: Friends with the Kennedy family, briefly suspected but ultimately exonerated.

• Kid Riley: A prizefighter with a tumultuous past, investigated as a potential suspect but found to have a solid alibi.

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Investigation Details

Captain Wynn employs traditional detective techniques, combining witness testimonies, alibi verification, and psychological profiling to peel back the layers of the case. Key investigative milestones include:

• Witness Testimonies ([07:19] – [15:33]): Neighbors report hearing groans and suspect foul play, conflicting with the initial suicide diagnosis.

• Alibi Verification ([15:33] – [21:41]): Rigorous cross-examination of suspects' timelines highlights inconsistencies, particularly in Tugwell's story.

• Confession and Retraction ([21:01] – [27:57]): Tugwell's fluctuating statements expose the fragility of his facade, leading to the unraveling of his true intentions.

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Resolution

The climax of the episode sees Percy Tugwell's eventual confession, solidifying his culpability in Mrs. Kennedy's murder. Despite his initial intent to protect Philip Kennedy by taking the blame, the evidence and persistent detective work leave no room for doubt. Tugwell is sentenced to life imprisonment, restoring peace to the Kennedy family and affirming the efficacy of diligent law enforcement.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Captain Wynn on Training and Justice:
  [00:44] "Justice is inevitable when policemen are trained efficiently and have the cooperation of the public."

• Mrs. Kennedy Defying Danger:
  [08:36] "I'm not going to stop wearing my diamonds. I love them."

• Detective's Doubt on Suicide:
  [07:19] "I'm not satisfied with this. That this was a case of suicide."

• Percy Tugwell's Manipulation:
  [09:11] "That's nice, Maud. Now, if you don't mind, I'll... We'll leave you."

• Confrontation with Tugwell:
  [25:34] "I did it. Phil. I want to apologize."

• Final Revelation:
  [26:00] "Percy Tugwell reiterates his version of the murder... Tugwell was sentenced to life imprisonment."

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Conclusions and Insights

The Chloroform Murder serves as a quintessential example of classical radio drama, combining suspenseful storytelling with intricate character development. The episode underscores the importance of meticulous detective work and the relentless pursuit of truth, even when initial evidence points toward an apparent conclusion. Through Captain Wynn's unwavering commitment, listeners are reminded that beneath every mystery lies a web of truths waiting to be uncovered.

Moreover, the integration of ethical dilemmas—such as Tugwell's decision to confess to protect another—adds depth to the narrative, prompting audiences to ponder the complexities of human motivations and moral choices. The episode not only entertains but also imparts timeless lessons on justice, integrity, and the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity.

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Final Thoughts

Calling All Cars continues to honor the rich legacy of the Golden Age of Radio by delivering compelling stories that resonate with both nostalgic listeners and new audiences alike. The Chloroform Murder epitomizes the blend of drama, mystery, and insightful commentary that Harold's Old Time Radio masterfully presents, ensuring its place in the pantheon of classic radio storytelling.

Transcript

[Narrator]

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[Mrs. Kennedy]

You look great.

[Narrator]

What have you been doing?

[Mrs. Kennedy]

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[Narrator]

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[Mrs. Kennedy]

That's care to pound 250.

[Narrator]

Calling all cars a copyrighted program created by the Rio Grande Oil Company. Tonight there are thousands of police and sheriff cars out on the streets and roads, pursuing criminals or cruising watchfully, ready to dash with silent screaming to the scene of any emergency. No ordinary gasoline is good enough for these emergency cars. More of them are powered with real branded flat gasoline everywhere is attainable than any other brand. And the reason for this pronounce gasping is that the police have tested all brands of gasoline in their emergency cars and they have yet to find any gasoline which will exceed the performance of your grand declass. You can make these same tests in your own car and discover for yourself why Rio Grande Cracks Gasoline is the choice of the leading cities and counties of the West. Go to the independent service station in your neighborhood and fill up with Rio Grande d'. Crack. You will feel the difference just as soon as your former gatherings lose up and Rio Grande Cracks reduces your carburetor. Your car takes on new life, new liveliness. You accelerate as never before. You breathe up hills that formerly slows you down and makes you shift gears. Your car runs smoother, quieter, real bendy, cracked, gaffening ignite at the touch of the starter roars into action. And when you speed ahead of the traffic, you realize at last what we mean when we promise you police car performance with real Grande Crack Gasoline. Once more it is our pleasure to introduce HS Digar, Chief of Detectives of the Los Angeles Police Department. Good evening friends. Murder or suicide? That is often the question that police officers must answer and answer quickly when they start investigating a death. Because there is sometimes such a fine line distinguishing self destruction from murder, it is difficult for the police to act quickly. In order that justice may be done, it is necessary for all police officers, and particularly the detectives, to be trained in such a manner that they may judge at once the nature of the case they are investigating. In tonight's broadcast, an example of keen detective work and persistence on the part of one of our force is narrated. We want you to listen with particular care to this Story that has been selected for this evening. Catch every word of it as it is spoken by the players in this drama. And I believe that such close attention will conjure up in your mind how easily, in some cases, even murderers might escape if it were not for the attorneys vigilance of observing and intelligent law enforcement officers who see the truth behind evidence which untrained observers would either misconstrue or disregard. And tired, no matter how cleverly a criminal may cover his crime, justice is inevitable when policemen are trained efficiently and have the cooperation of the public. Tonight's story brings this back home to you. One evening in late summer Several years ago, Mrs. Maud Kennedy, a widow, her son, his wife and Bert Normandy, a border, are at dinner in their home on 21st street when the phone rings.

[Mrs. Kennedy]

I'm getting. Hello?

[Narrator]

Let me speak to Mrs. Kennedy, please.

[Mrs. Kennedy]

Just a minute, please. It's to you, Mother. Who is it? I don't know. Some man. I'm sorry, but she's at dinner.

[Narrator]

I've got to talk to her.

[Mrs. Kennedy]

Take a call back later.

[Narrator]

No, it's important. I tell you. I've got to talk to her right now.

[Mrs. Kennedy]

Very well. I think she can come to the phone, Mother. He says it's very important. Oh, all right. Hello?

[Narrator]

This is Percy. Morning.

[Mrs. Kennedy]

Oh, hello, dear.

[Narrator]

I got to see you, Mar.

[Mrs. Kennedy]

Well, why didn't you drop over? I'll be here.

[Narrator]

No, I want to see you alone. You'll have to meet me somewhere.

[Mrs. Kennedy]

I can't do that. I got some friends coming in this evening.

[Narrator]

You're meeting me. Do you understand?

[Mrs. Kennedy]

Okay. Thank you.

[Narrator]

You wouldn't want any trouble, would you?

[Mrs. Kennedy]

Oh, no, no, don't do that.

[Narrator]

All right, then.

[Mrs. Kennedy]

Where should I meet you?

[Narrator]

The corner of 6th Avenue and West Shepherd. As soon as you can.

[Mrs. Kennedy]

Very well. I'll be right off.

[Narrator]

All right. If possible. Goodbye.

[Mrs. Kennedy]

Goodbye.

[Narrator]

What's the problem, Mother? You look worried.

[Mrs. Kennedy]

Oh. Oh, it's nothing.

[Narrator]

Who is that on the phone?

[Mrs. Kennedy]

That's a friend of mine. Aren't you going to finish your dinner, Mother? No, I don't feel like it. I'm not that hungry now, and I have to go out for a while anyway.

[Narrator]

Are you going to be gone long?

[Mrs. Kennedy]

No, I'll be back in about a half hour. The students are dropping in, you know.

[Narrator]

Well, I wish you'd do one thing, Mother.

[Mrs. Kennedy]

What's that?

[Narrator]

Please don't wear all those diamonds.

[Mrs. Kennedy]

Why not?

[Narrator]

That isn't safe. Phillip's right, Maud. You risk your life every time you go out with that small fortune on your finger.

[Mrs. Kennedy]

Oh, really?

[Narrator]

No, it isn't, Mother. It makes me nervous every time you go out alone at night.

[Mrs. Kennedy]

Well, even if it is dangerous, I'm not going to stop wearing my diamonds. I love them.

[Narrator]

Well, if you insist on wearing them, let me go along with you.

[Mrs. Kennedy]

Oh, no. You know you can't do that.

[Narrator]

Why not?

[Mrs. Kennedy]

I've got some business to do. A personal business.

[Narrator]

Oh, very well, then. But I wish you'd leave those diamonds at home. They're going to get you in trouble one of these nights. A few moments later, Mrs. Kennedy meets the man who telephoned her. The rendezvous is in what at that time is a thinly settled section of town. The houses are few and far between. The streets generally lift.

[Mrs. Kennedy]

Percy, what is it this time?

[Narrator]

I've got to have some money, Mother.

[Mrs. Kennedy]

I thought so. I suppose you spent that $5 I left you yesterday?

[Narrator]

Yeah. It's nearly gone. I've got to have more. I've got to get married.

[Mrs. Kennedy]

Get married? How can you get married?

[Narrator]

You haven't even got a job. I don't care. I'm a regular girl and I want to marry her. I'll get a job somewhere. You got to give me the money to get married on.

[Mrs. Kennedy]

I can't. I haven't any money.

[Narrator]

Ah, come on now, Ma. Don't hand me that.

[Mrs. Kennedy]

I haven't. Percy and broke the King of Polka the other night.

[Narrator]

Ma, did you understand what I said? I've got to have money. You wouldn't want me to tell Philip about all that dough you lose at polka, would you?

[Mrs. Kennedy]

Oh. Oh, you wouldn't.

[Narrator]

I might. The little boy wouldn't think the harder of his mother then, would he?

[Mrs. Kennedy]

Oh, please don't do that. Please don't.

[Narrator]

It's worth something to keep me quiet, isn't it?

[Mrs. Kennedy]

I suppose it is. I've been telling you the truth. I really haven't got any money. Really?

[Narrator]

Well, how about those diamonds? We could sell a couple of them. That'd be all I need now.

[Mrs. Kennedy]

Sell my diamonds? Oh, no. I can't do that. Or those diamonds mean everything to me.

[Narrator]

I know. I guess they mean more to you than your own son's opinion of you, huh?

[Mrs. Kennedy]

I can't see how you can treat me like this after all I've done for you. I. I haven't thought you were trained in mine.

[Narrator]

I am. Maybe I'm a little too hasty. I know how you feel about your diamonds. I sort of thought there that I could depend on you. But if you haven't any cash, that's that.

[Mrs. Kennedy]

But what you understand how it is?

[Narrator]

Oh, sure. Let's forget all about it.

[Mrs. Kennedy]

And you won't give up anything?

[Narrator]

No. What kind of a guy do you think I am? Just to show you I'm a friend of yours. I. I bought some perfume for you with a loss of that money you gave me yesterday.

[Mrs. Kennedy]

Perfume? Oh, that's nice of you.

[Narrator]

Perfume? Here it is. That's nice.

[Mrs. Kennedy]

Oh, I'd love to.

[Narrator]

Yes. Everywhere. Off. Drink it. Drink it off.

[Mrs. Kennedy]

Drink it.

[Narrator]

I'll push it down your throat and then you'll go to sleep. Yeah, Nice long sleep. Now I'll get you back on this vacant lot here where no one's liable to find you for a while. I knew you'd be wearing the I. I could depend on that, couldn't I? My dear friend, we got all of it on, even the one I phoned to you. That's nice, Maud. Now, if you don't mind, I'll. We'll leave you. Leave? I don't think you'll need them where you're going. I'll just leave you that wedding ring and a couple of small sparklers so it won't look like robbery. The body of Mrs. Kennedy is not discovered until the next day. It's police doctor has already examined the body when captain of Detective J A Lynn arrives on the scene from headquarters. Well, doctor, what's your diagnosis? Strangulation induced by ammonia or similar liquid swallowed with suicidal intent. There really was no reason for you to come out. Just an ordinary suicide. What makes you think so? Well, there's no evidence of criminal assault, no signs of a struggle. Robbery was not at the motive for. She's wearing two diamond rings and a wedding band. Obviously it's suicide. Perhaps. But if it's suicide, can you explain what happened to her? Sho and her gloves? Observe that they're missing. Oh, I hadn't noticed that. I see. Well, suppose we look around a bit. Ah, Here we are, Doctor. A clump of weed, two string of speed. The gloves are there, 20ft from the body. Look, I should say the way these weeds are trampled down would indicate quite a struggle, wouldn't you, doctor? Well, maybe. Now this woman had committed suicide on the spot where the body was found out of the slipper and the glove and the beads get here. On the other hand, if she was murdered at this spot, why was her body moved over there? I'm not at all satisfied with this. That this was a case of suicide. I'm going to work on the assumption that it's murder. Despite Captain Wynn's conviction, the coroner Pronounces the death of suicide through a face deposit box key found in her person. The victim is identified as Mrs. Maud Kennedy. Captain Wynn has the unfortunate task of breaking the news to Mrs. Kennedy son and daughter in law after they have recovered somewhat from the shock of wind's tragic announcements. The defective question I'm terribly sorry to include upon your grief like this, but you realize of course how important it is to get at the bottom of this thing as quickly as possible. Naturally, Captain. Why you say you don't believe in this suicide here? That's ridiculous. Mother would never commit suicide. I don't believe she did under the circumstances of the discovery of the party. I think she was murdered. Oh, I'm sorry to be so blunt. Forgive me. Now, will you please tell me what happened the last time you saw her? Well, dinner last night when she would.

[Mrs. Kennedy]

Scroll to the phone. From the conversation it seemed she knew.

[Narrator]

The party well and she left the table and went out. Think she wouldn't belong? Is your mother read any other jewels than the two diamond rings found on her fingers?

[Mrs. Kennedy]

Yes, plenty of them.

[Narrator]

Diamonds were her weakness. She was known around here as a lady of the diamond. I wonder often about wearing them. I. I wonder which you are not like. Now, Mr. Kennedy, please try to control yourself. It's most important that we get to the bottom of this thing, you know.

[Mrs. Kennedy]

I'm sorry.

[Narrator]

I'll do my best. You know of anyone who might have a motive other than robbery for her murder? No. Everyone loved mother. Had she had any disagreements with anyone? No. Had she reported any strange or suspicious happenings in her life recently? No. She liked everyone and everyone liked her. Mr. Kennedy, could you give me a list of the violence that your mother wore when she left the house? Yes, I think. Let me think. With a four carat solitaire. Returning to headquarters, Captain Wynne finds Charles Whitehead, Chief nurse at the Receiving hospital, waiting for him. Hello, Charlie. What's on your mind? Ah, that Kennedy case. I think you ought to know. What is it? Well, about 10 o' clock last night, a young fellow came into the hospital and asked if Mrs. Maud Kennedy had been injured. I asked him if Mrs. Kennedy was his wife and he said no, it was his mother. I told him that no one by that name had been brought in and he. Thanks, man. Left peculiar. Thanks for the tip, Charlie. I'm going to call up Kennedy and see if he was the guy. Oh, sure. You give me Jefferson. 230W. Hello, Mr. Kennedy. Captain Winceygan. I just got a report that a young man claiming to be Mrs. Kennedy's son inquired about her at the receiving Hospital last night. Did you go down there? You didn't? Thanks a lot. Goodbye. Dispatching detectives to search the neighborhood of the scene of the crime, Captain Wynn succeeds in discovering two witnesses who had heard the groans of Mrs. Kennedy. Their stories coincide and establish the time of the murder is approximately 9 o'. Clock. Investigations among Mrs. Kennedy's many friends reveals a young woman who had been an intimate companion of the slain woman, Captain Wynn and his age. Interviewer.

[Mrs. Kennedy]

I wish that a Maggie. Who would do such a thing?

[Narrator]

Ms. Robertson, think now, did anyone who had a grudge against Mrs. Kennedy?

[Mrs. Kennedy]

No, I. I don't think so. But there was Kid Riley.

[Narrator]

Who's Kid Riley?

[Mrs. Kennedy]

Well, he was a prize fighter. He was very much in love with Maud. And she was a little afraid of him because he had such a compelling influence on her. Of course, she realized he wasn't her kind. And yet he held a fascination fight she couldn't escape.

[Narrator]

Possibly he's the man we're after. She was filled with chloro or ammonia. Ammonia is used a lot around doctor training order. Boys, I want you to go out and find this Kid Riley. I don't know what's come over the kid lately. Look at him smack that foreign partner. His noise seemed to be trapped. Well, don't worry about the kid. He's been kind of worried about Joe this time out of him. I forgot to tell you, there's a big guy waiting on the dressing room to see him. It's like a dick. Yeah, Riley's always in some kind of trouble. Wonder what it is this time. Hey, Riley, lay off that guy before you kill him.

[Mrs. Kennedy]

Hey, what's the matter with you, Al? Gee, everything. Everything I do is wrong. Now what is it?

[Narrator]

Ain't nothing wrong, kid. Hold on to your noise. Bill says there's a guy who wants to see you in the dressing room.

[Mrs. Kennedy]

Yeah, well, if it's one of them newspaper guys, I ain't interested. I need all the dough I got right now.

[Narrator]

This mug looks like a dick.

[Mrs. Kennedy]

A dick? We'll tell them I'm busy. Tell them anything.

[Narrator]

Come on, kid, let's see what it's all about.

[Mrs. Kennedy]

Oh, okay. I ain't done nothing. I'll see him. Did you want to see me, pal?

[Narrator]

Yes. Just want to ask you a couple of questions.

[Mrs. Kennedy]

Oh, I know. Now listen, I. I didn't have nothing to do with that liquor deal of Les Mutiny on the square. I was just there.

[Narrator]

Just a minute. I'm not here about any liquor. This Is murder, huh? Murder? Yes, murder. Mrs. Maud Pennedy has been murdered.

[Mrs. Kennedy]

Oh. Oh, no. Oh, no. Oh, no, that. That ain't right. Nobody killed her, see? She was a swell woman.

[Narrator]

So what are you trying to do, kid me? No, we don't. About anything. This is serious. I want an answer from you, Riley, and I want it straight. Did you see Mrs. Kennedy on the night of August 31st?

[Mrs. Kennedy]

Well, that was crazy, wasn't it? No, I never saw her.

[Narrator]

I went over to her house, though, huh? How'd you know? I didn't know. I just took a chance and I was right, huh?

[Mrs. Kennedy]

Oh, so you're trying to frame me, huh? Sure, I went over, but I never.

[Narrator]

Killed her, and you know it. No, I don't know it. You'll have to have an airtight alibi if you want to get out of this thing.

[Mrs. Kennedy]

Listen, I never had much to do it on the square. I went over there on the night of the 31st. I phoned her about 7:15.

[Narrator]

7:15?

[Mrs. Kennedy]

Yeah. Yeah, she carried me along a while.

[Narrator]

And then she told me to come.

[Mrs. Kennedy]

Down to the house and if I saw a light, Vernon to come in and see her.

[Narrator]

And did you go?

[Mrs. Kennedy]

Yeah. I waited outside the house for about an hour, but she didn't show up. So I walked back home and went to bed.

[Narrator]

Well, your story sounds pretty weak to me. I'm going to take you in until we've got time to investigate.

[Mrs. Kennedy]

Oh, no, no, no, no. Listen, that's honest truth.

[Narrator]

So help me.

[Mrs. Kennedy]

Ask my mother. Ask my father. They'll tell you. They're church people. They ain't going to lie to you. You. You ain't going to hang this on. I'm innocent. I tell you, I. I tell you I'm innocent.

[Narrator]

Kid Riley has brought him in question, but he proves an airtight alibi. So the investigation drags on. Suspect after suspect is taking the headquarters question and freed Normander. The border of Mrs. Kennedy skipped off the police to another prize fighter who was friendly with a murdered woman. This man, located in Fresno where he was taking a bogus sketch card, is brought back to Los Angeles. He places the speaking on Normandy, claiming that the border had torn some of Mrs. Kennedy's dime. Questioned again, Normandy reluctantly explained that Mrs. Kennedy was an avid poker player and that she sometimes covered her losses by pawning her diamonds. Then, out of the welter of fruitless questioning and worthless clues emerges the name of Percy Tugwell. It is discovered that Tugwell had borrowed $5 from Mrs. Hen the day of her death. Captain Wynn questions the manager of the garage where Tugwell was known to loaf. Yeah, Price hung around here, but he ain't here now. Where is he? He got married. He's in Cisco on his honeymoon. I didn't know he could afford a trip like that. Neither did I. He ain't worked for a year. And then a couple of days ago he shows up with a pair of tickets at Frisco and he tells me he's gone and got his. I know where he got that. Now the trail goes warm as Captain Wynn interviews a neighbor of the Tugwell.

[Mrs. Kennedy]

Well, I ain't one to carry tails, Captain, but there's some funny business about that Tugwell boy. Why, I heard that direction. Alice Carter, who boards with the Tugwells, the person asked for a sweetheart to sell a diamond for him.

[Narrator]

When was this?

[Mrs. Kennedy]

Just a day after Mrs. Kennedy was murdered.

[Narrator]

Asked him to sell a diamond?

[Mrs. Kennedy]

Yes, it was unmounted and Percy said that it belonged to his fiance. He got $62 for it. So Alice says.

[Narrator]

Know anything more about this?

[Mrs. Kennedy]

Oh, that's about all. Of course I could tell you plenty about the family, but you thank I.

[Narrator]

Think I'll talk to them myself. Captain Wynn and Lieutenant Holme interview the entire Tugwell family. Their stories are the same. Mr. Tugwell, can you tell us what your son's movements were on the night of August 31st? He and Thelma, his girl was here for supper.

[Mrs. Kennedy]

And after supper they had a little.

[Narrator]

Argument because Percy wanted to go out to the garage and say goodbye to the gang. And Thelma said that he. That he cared more for the gang.

[Mrs. Kennedy]

Than he did for her.

[Narrator]

Anyway, at her she went. What time was that? About seven o', clock, I should say. And what time did he get back? I guess it was long.

[Mrs. Kennedy]

About. About 8:30.

[Narrator]

No later he comes back in and filming him patch up their little spat. Where is Percy staying in San Francisco? I think he's at the Bayview hotel. Very well, Mr. Douglas, thank you very much. Not at all. But would you mind telling me what all this your question is all about? Oh, we're just trying to complete a report, Mr. Tugwell. Good night. Well, mother, sister, brother and father all tell the same story. Yeah, if I tell them the truth, I think to eliminate Tugwell. Mr. Kennedy. Mrs. Kennedy was murdered at 9:00 clock and he was back home at 8:30. He's got a pretty tight alibi. Well, there's no doubt about that when you consider that the scene of the murder must be five miles from the trouble house. Just the same, I want to talk to The Tugwell. You better leave for Fritz here tonight and bring him back with you. All right. In the meantime, I'm going to see if any of the streetcar conductors who are working West Jefferson on the night of the murder can identify this picture. Tugwell we get from the family at home on the trail of Tugwell in San Francisco. Win interviews the streetcar conductors you were working on the West Jefferson between the hours of 7 and 9 on the night of August 31? Yes, sir. Do you recognize the man in this picture as one of the passengers he carried that night? Oh, let me see. No, no, I don't think so. I never saw him before. Nope, I never did. All right, that's all. Thanks for coming in. You're welcome, Captain. Well, we're not getting any place in this line. That's the 15th conductor. Telegram, sir. Thanks, sergeant. Probably from Lieutenant Holman too. So this is a long piece. What is it? Listen to this place. A man in the home of Mr. And Mrs. Philip Kennedy. They're accused of being involved in the murder. You'll arrive in Los Angeles with Percy Tugwell in the morning. Can you imagine that? But you can't go out and arrest him on a say all like that. I don't intend to. I'm going to call Lieutenant Holm in San Francisco and find out what this is all about. From Lieutenant Holm in San Francisco, Captain Wi gets the details of Tug Wells accusations. Equipped with his information, he and an assistant fre for the Kennedy home. Phillip Kennedy admits them. Oh, good evening, Captain. Come in. Thanks. Are there any developments in the case? Yes, Mr. Kennedy. There are Mr. Wife here and Mr. Normanby. Yes, they're here. I'd like to talk to them too. Very well, I'll get them. Well, Captain Wynn wants to see you in breaker a minute.

[Mrs. Kennedy]

Good evening, Captain.

[Narrator]

Good evening, Captain. Good evening. Now that the three of you are here, I regret to inform you that I have to place you under arrest.

[Mrs. Kennedy]

Oh yes?

[Narrator]

On what charge? Suspicion of murder. What? That's ridiculous. Who made this charge? Percy Tugwell. Tugwell? Tugwell was arrested in San Francisco today and will be here in the morning. Then we can clear this thing up. In the meantime, I'll have to place an officer here. But how could Tugwell implicate us? He claims that on the night of Mrs. Kennedy's death he called here. During his visit, you two gentlemen became involved in a fight. Mrs. Kennedy, according to his story, in attempting to separate you, was not unconscious. Why, that's ridiculous. Then your wife here, attempting to resuscitate her, gave an Overdose of ammonia causing a death.

[Mrs. Kennedy]

Why, that's pretty.

[Narrator]

Well, that's a story then. He said that you, Mr. Kennedy, had forced Mr. Normandy and himself to take the body to the vacant lot where it was found. But his share in disposing of the body, he says he was given a diamond. That story is so fantastic, Captain, that it seems ridiculous to attempt to refute it. You've already got our statements. They're true. I didn't see Pugwell here the night of Mrs. Kennedy said. Nor did I see him the next day. There was no fight and no one administered ammonia in my presence.

[Mrs. Kennedy]

Percy Tagell is a miserable liar. I want to meet him face to face in jail to try and lay a suspicion of murder against my husband. Loved his mother better than anything on earth, Bill. Even in me. T's trying to lay the blame on us because he killed himself.

[Narrator]

Philosopher Percy Tugwell reiterates his version of the murder. Police doubt his preposterous story. Deputy District Attorney Joseph Ford attempts to break down Tugwell's statement. For five hours, Tugwell is questioned, and then he finally admits. I go to that vacation lot and cured her with chloroform. I told her I had some perfume and asked her if she wanted to smell it. When she took the bottle, I grabbed her by the throat and forced her to swallow the contents. I wanted to get married and I needed the money to finance my honeymoon. Codewell was given something to eat and sent to bed. Next morning, he sends for the detective and repudiates his confession of the night before Phil Kennedy killed his mother. I confessed last night to shield him. Why should I take the rap for him? She sent me a note on the evening of her death. And I met him on the West Jefferson streetcar and got off at 6th Avenue. We met his mother and Phil killed her. I got a diamond for myself there. No doubt in the world that C's guilty. The only question is whether Philip Kennedy was in on the deal. Personally, I doubt it. Let's bring the two of them face to face. That's a good idea. All right, P. I want to repeat your statement before Mr. Kennedy here. Well, sent me a note and I met him on the Jefferson street car. We met his mother at the corner of 6th Avenue. Bill killed her and I got a diamond. Tug. Well, you never saw me out there. Tell the truth. Tell the truth.

[Mrs. Kennedy]

What are you trying accusing me of killing my own mother?

[Narrator]

Yourself together, candidate. Take him out with you, son. By Philip's wife and Normandy, who repeat their previous testimony, Tugwell begins to weaken. Finally, he speaks to Lieutenant Holmes. I want to tell the truth, Lieutenant. If I do, it means the rope to someone. Well, you better get it off your conscience, Tugwell. You feel a lot better. If you do, then things go back. Okay. Mr. Kennedy, will you come in, please? Segwell has something to say. Mr. Kennedy, we want you to hit it. I did it. Phil. I want to apologize. Will you shake my hand? Why? You don't know Philip Kennedy. His wife and the Normandy were released immediately from custody. And four months and a half after Mrs. Kennedy's death, Tugwell went on trial in Superior Court. The jury, after five hour deadlock, returned the verdict of Gilly and Tugwell was sentenced to life imprisonment. San Quentin Penitentiary. Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. Among the boys and girls listening tonight, thousands have joined the Junior Police department and are now wearing police badges carrying handcuffs, fire and whistles and guns. Many have detective fingerprint, optics, microscopes and other valuable articles all given away free by the Rio Gandhi Oil Company. We invite every boy and girl listening who has not already joined to go at once to the service station in your neighborhood. Featuring Rio Grande cracked gasoline. Ask for a free copy of the Calling All Cars News. You will find the 14 free gifts illustrated there and you will learn how you can get the complete genie detective outfit absolutely free. Every mover can help some boy or girl get these valuable gifts merely by using Rio Grande Cracks Gasoline. The same gasoline that's used by the police cars, the ambulance, the fire engines and other emergency equipment of the leading cities and counties in the west. Drive into the R station, get a tank full of police car performance. And if you're going to enjoy the full thrill of greater speed, faster acceleration and instantaneous starting, protect your engine with Sinclair Motor Oil. All wheel grand motors feature thin Claire oils because they can guarantee no matter how fast you go, thin claire motor oil guarantees you perfect lubrication. All wax petroleum jelly impurities have been extracted. No matter how much you pay, you can't possibly buy better motor oil than Sinclair. And your real grand rebirth has it as low as 25 cents a quart. SA it narrator Frederick Lindsley bidding you good night for the Rio Grande Oil Company.