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

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

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

Date: August 22, 2025
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio

---

Episode Overview

In this classic "Calling All Cars" episode from the golden age of radio, listeners are taken through a dramatized true-crime case titled "The Chloroform Murder." Tonight's broadcast explores the meticulous detective work behind the investigation of the mysterious death of Mrs. Maud Kennedy. Was her death a suicide, as it first appeared, or was it a deviously covered-up murder? The story illustrates the vital role of observant and persistent law enforcement, and how the tiniest overlooked clue can change the very nature of a case.

---

Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Setting the Stage: The Nature of the Crime

• [00:44–04:00]
  • Captain J.A. Wynn, Chief of Detectives, introduces the challenge faced by police in distinguishing between suicide and murder.
  • The episode emphasizes the importance of trained detectives who can discern the truth that others might overlook.
  • Quote (Captain Wynn):

    “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.” [04:00]

2. The Discovery: Mrs. Kennedy’s Final Evening and Murder

• [05:08–10:17]
  • While at dinner with her family and a border, Mrs. Maud Kennedy receives a mysterious, urgent call from a man named Percy, asking to meet her alone.
  • Her family urges caution, particularly over the diamonds she insists on wearing.
  • The meeting escalates: Percy, needing money, pressures her for cash and, failing that, her diamonds.
  • He gives her supposed “perfume,” which is in fact chloroform. He forcibly administers it to her, taking her jewelry, and positions her body to make it seem not like a robbery.
  • Quote (Percy to Maud):

    “Take a p. I'll force it down your throat. And then you'll go to sleep. Yeah, Nice long sleep. … I knew you'd be wearing the ice water. I could depend on that, couldn't I?” [10:17]

3. Initial Investigation: Suicide or Murder?

• [11:00–14:00]
  • The discovery of Kennedy’s body is followed by debate between the police doctor (leaning toward suicide) and Captain Wynn, who’s suspicious because of missing items (shoe, glove, beads) and signs of a struggle nearby.
  • Wynn is determined to pursue the case as a murder, even though the coroner rules it suicide.
  • The victim is identified through a key, informing her family of her death.

4. Family and Friends: Questioning and Suspect Pool

• [14:00–17:00]
  • Captain Wynn interviews the family, who refute any possibility of suicide and help inventory missing jewelry.
  • Further interviews with friends produce the name “Kid Riley,” a boxer with an attachment to Maud and an “influence” over her.
  • Detectives seek out Kid Riley for questioning.
  • Quote (Mrs. Kennedy’s friend):

    “There was Kid Riley… she was a little afraid of him because he had such a compelling influence on her.” [16:44]

5. Detective Legwork: Following the Leads

• [17:49–21:15]
  • Riley is brought in and interrogated, but despite suspicious timing he produces an airtight alibi and is cleared.
  • The border, Normandy, is also questioned based on a tip from another boxer but is similarly cleared. Normandy reveals that Maud would sometimes pawn her jewels, explaining their absence.
  • The investigation turns to Percy Tugwell, who had borrowed money from Mrs. Kennedy on the day of her death.

6. Piecing it Together: The Focus on Percy Tugwell

• [21:55–24:00]
  • Inquiry at Percy’s garage reveals he suddenly left for San Francisco on honeymoon, suspicious as he’d been unemployed.
  • Local neighbors mention Percy selling an unmounted diamond shortly after the murder.
  • Percy’s family provides him with an apparent alibi for the night of the murder, yet police remain unconvinced.

7. Breakthrough and Confession

• [28:01–30:00]
  • Percy is apprehended and invents an elaborate story accusing the Kennedy family of involvement, but this is quickly doubted.
  • Under intense questioning, Percy admits:

    “I vacant lot with chloroform. I told her I had some perfume and asked her if she wanted to smell it. When she took a 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.” [28:52]

  • The next day, Percy tries to recant, accusing Phil Kennedy (Maud’s son), but the combined testimony and confrontation leave his claims without support, and he ultimately breaks down and apologizes directly to Phil.

8. Resolution and Justice

• [30:00–Ending]
  • Philip Kennedy, his wife, and Normandy are cleared and released.
  • After a trial, the jury finds Tugwell guilty, sentencing him to life imprisonment at San Quentin.
  • The episode closes with a nod to vigilant detective work and a plug for the sponsor's "junior police" promotional kits.

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Captain Wynn on Detective Work:

  “Justice is inevitable when policemen are trained efficiently and have the cooperation of the public.” [04:00]

• Mrs. Maud Kennedy’s Defiance:

  “Well, even if it is dangerous, I’m not going to stop wearing my diamonds. I love them.” [06:41]

• Percy Tugwell’s Threat:

  “It’s worth something to keep me quiet, isn’t it?” [08:09]

• Percy’s Sarcastic Confession:

  “Perfume? Here it is. … Now, if you don’t mind, I’ll leave you these. I don’t think you’ll need them where you’re going.” [10:11, 10:17]

• Percy’s Breaking Point:

  “I did it. Phil. I want to apologize. Will you shake my hand?” [30:00]

---

Timeline of Important Segments

• [00:44–04:00]: Captain Wynn’s introduction on investigation challenges
• [05:08–10:17]: Mrs. Kennedy’s fatal meeting with Percy
• [11:00–14:00]: Investigation at the crime scene, questioning of suicide vs. murder
• [16:33–17:00]: Interview with Mrs. Kennedy’s friend and suspicion on Kid Riley
• [18:51–21:15]: Riley’s questioning and elimination as a suspect
• [21:55–24:00]: Shift to Tugwell as a suspect
• [28:01–30:00]: Tugwell’s confessions and final confrontation
• [30:00–End]: Epilogue—justice served and life sentence

---

Style and Tone

The episode employs the suspenseful, clipped, and no-nonsense delivery typical of 1930s radio dramas. Dialogue is brisk, often overlapping, with a focus on direct questioning, and delivers a strong sense of urgency and moral righteousness throughout. The cadence is authentic to vintage police procedurals, bringing listeners into the atmosphere of period detective work.

Transcript

[Frederick Lindsley]

Imagine being on a vacation for a very long time. Now imagine saving money nightly while you do it. Sounds pretty great, right? With vrbo's long stay discounts, you can stay longer and save more. Our customers save an average of 10% when they book select properties for a week or longer. Just in case you needed another reason to extend that vacation book the perfect summer getaway today with VRBO Private vacation rentals. Your future self will thank you later.

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

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 silence aiming to the scene of any emergency. No ordinary gasoline is good enough for these emergency cars. More of them are powered with rear branded flat gasoline, every way attainable than any other brand. And the reason for this pronounced weapon 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 Plax 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 Crack. You will feel the difference just as soon as your former Gothams moves up and Rio Grande Crack reaches your caudrey. Your car takes on new life, new liveliness. You accelerate as never before. You breeze up hills that formerly slowed you down and made you sift gear. Your car runs smoother, quieter wheel bend. The track daffoline ignites at the touch of the starter, roars into action. And when you speed ahead of the traffic, you will realize at last what we mean when we promise you police car performance with Rio Grande Crack gasoline. Once more it is our pleasure to introduce HS Figar, 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 o' Wah force is narrated. We want you to listen with particular care to this story that has been selected for this evening. That's 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 eternal vigilance of observing and intelligent law enforcement officers who see the truth behind evidence, which untrained observers would either misconstrue or disregard entirely. 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 us back home to you. One evening in late summer Several years ago, Mrs. Maud Kennedy, a widow, her son, his wife, and Burke Normandy, a border, are at dinner in their home on 21st street when the phone rings.

[Mrs. Maud Kennedy]

I'll get him. Hello?

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

Let me speak to Mrs. Kennedy, please.

[Mrs. Maud Kennedy]

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

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

I've got to talk to her.

[Mrs. Maud Kennedy]

I can call back later.

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

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

[Mrs. Maud Kennedy]

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

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

This is Percy. Morning.

[Mrs. Maud Kennedy]

Oh, hello, dear.

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

I got to see you, Marty.

[Mrs. Maud Kennedy]

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

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

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

[Mrs. Maud Kennedy]

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

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

You're meeting me. Do you understand?

[Mrs. Maud Kennedy]

Okay, Pokey, I.

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

You wouldn't want any trouble, would you?

[Mrs. Maud Kennedy]

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

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

All right, then.

[Mrs. Maud Kennedy]

Where shall I meet you?

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

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

[Mrs. Maud Kennedy]

Very well. I'll be right off.

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

Goodbye.

[Mrs. Maud Kennedy]

Goodbye.

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

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

[Mrs. Maud Kennedy]

Oh. Oh, it's nothing.

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

Who is that on the phone?

[Mrs. Maud 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.

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

Are you going to be gone long?

[Mrs. Maud Kennedy]

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

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

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

[Mrs. Maud Kennedy]

What's that?

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

Please don't wear all those diamonds.

[Mrs. Maud Kennedy]

Why not?

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

It isn't safe, Phillips. Right. Maud. You risk your life every time you go out with that small fortune on your finger.

[Mrs. Maud Kennedy]

Oh, that's really.

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

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

[Mrs. Maud Kennedy]

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

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

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

[Mrs. Maud Kennedy]

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

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

Why not?

[Mrs. Maud Kennedy]

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

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

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 what, at that time is a thinly settled section of town. The houses are few and far between. The streets generally lift.

[Mrs. Maud Kennedy]

Percy, what is it this time?

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

I've got to have some money, Maud.

[Mrs. Maud Kennedy]

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

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

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

[Mrs. Maud Kennedy]

Get married? How can you get married? You haven't even got a job.

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

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. Maud Kennedy]

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

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

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

[Mrs. Maud Kennedy]

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

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

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 polter, would you?

[Mrs. Maud Kennedy]

Oh. Oh, you wouldn't.

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

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

[Mrs. Maud Kennedy]

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

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

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

[Mrs. Maud Kennedy]

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

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

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

[Mrs. Maud Kennedy]

Semi diamonds. Oh, no, I can't do that.

[Frederick Lindsley]

I'm here on the job site with Dale, who's a framing contractor.

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

Hey, good morning.

[Frederick Lindsley]

Dale traded up to Geico Commercial Auto Insurance for all his business vehicles. We're here where he needs us most.

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

Yep, they sure are.

[Frederick Lindsley]

We make it easy for him to save on all his insurance needs. All in one place with coverage that fits his business and bottom line. Oh, I shouldn't have looked down.

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

It's all right.

[Frederick Lindsley]

We're so far up here.

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

Look at me. Take a deep breath.

[Frederick Lindsley]

I'm good. So good.

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

Get a commercial auto insurance quote [e-mail] and see how much you could save. Get more with geico.

[Frederick Lindsley]

I'm here on a job site with Tim, who owns his own electrical contracting business.

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

Three employees and two work trucks.

[Frederick Lindsley]

Tim traded up to Geico Commercial Auto Insur. We're positively here where he needs us most.

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

They sure are.

[Frederick Lindsley]

With step by step help on all his insurance needs. All for shockingly low rates.

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

Shockingly low, huh?

[Frederick Lindsley]

Just a little bit of electrician humor. Do you get it?

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

I got it.

[Frederick Lindsley]

You know, it feels like we have a real connection. All right, I'll stop.

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

Get a commercial auto insurance quote [e-mail] and see how much you could save. Get more with geico. I know. I guess they mean more to you than your own son's opinion of you, huh?

[Mrs. Maud Kennedy]

I can't see how you can treat me like this after all I've done for you. I don't think you're in mine.

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

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

[Mrs. Maud Kennedy]

But would you understand how it is? Do you take.

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

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

[Mrs. Maud Kennedy]

And you won't give up anything?

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

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

[Mrs. Maud Kennedy]

Perfume? Oh, that's nice of you.

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

Perfume? Here it is.

[Mrs. Maud Kennedy]

Oh, I'd love to.

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

Yes. Everywhere. Drink it all. Take a p. I'll force it down your throat. And then you'll go to sleep. Yeah, Nice long sleep. 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 ice water. I could depend on that, couldn't I? My dear friend, we got all of it on, even the one eye pulling to you. That's nice, Maud. Now, if you don't mind, I'll leave you these. 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 sparkles so it won't look like robbery. Hello, Marge. Thanks, all kids. The body of Mrs. Kennedy is not discovered until the next day. A police doctor has already examined the body when Captain of Detectives J A Wynn arrives on the scene from headquarters. Well, Doctor, what's your diagnosis? Strangulation induced by ammonia or Similar liquid 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 and no signs of the struggle. Robbery was not the motive for. She's wearing two diamond rings and a wedding band. Obviously it's suicide. Perhaps. What is it? Suicide. Can you explain what happened to her shoe and her gloves? Observe that they're missing. Oh, I hadn't noticed that. I see. Well, suppose we look around a bit. All right. Ah, here we are, Doctor. A clump of weed, a shoe string of seeds, a glove. There are 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. How did the slipper and the glove and the beads get here? On the other hand, if she was murdered at this spot, why was the body moved over there? I'm not at all satisfied that this is. That this is the 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 a suicide. Through a face deposit box key found on her person, the victim is identified as Mrs. Maud Kennedy. Captain Wynn has the unfortunate task of breaking the news to Mrs. Kennedy's son and daughter in law after they have recovered somewhat from the shock of Wynn's tragic announcements. The defective question. I'm terribly sad intrude 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. I say you don't believe in this suicide theory. That's ridiculous. Mother would never commit suicide. Well, I don't believe she did. Under the circumstances of the discovery of the body. 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, we were generalizing it when she.

[Mrs. Maud Kennedy]

Would scroll to the phone. From the conversation it seemed she knew.

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

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

[Mrs. Maud Kennedy]

Yes, plenty of them.

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

Diamonds were her weakness. She was known around here as a lady of a diamond. I warned her often about wearing them. Please try to control yourself. Most important that we get to the bottom of this thing. I'm sorry. I'll do my best. Do 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 likes everyone. Everyone liked her. Mr. Kennedy, could you give me a list of the diamonds that your mother wore when she left the house? Yes, I think. Let me see. It was a four carat solitaire. Returning to headquarters, Captain Wynn finds Charles Whitehead, Chief nurse at the Receiving Hospital, waiting for him. Hello, Charlie. What's on your mind? Ah, that Kennedy case. Something 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 Mr. 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 thanked me and left. That's peculiar. Thanks for the tip, Charlie. I'm going to call up Kennedy and see if he was the guy. Oh, sure. He. Give me Jim Jefferson, 230W. Hello, Mr. Kennedy. Captain Windsen. 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. I see. 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. Maud Kennedy]

I was telling Maggie. Who would do such a thing?

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

Ms. Robertson, think. Now, was there anyone who had a grudge against Mrs. Kennedy?

[Mrs. Maud Kennedy]

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

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

Who's Kid Riley?

[Mrs. Maud Kennedy]

Well, he was a pride fighter. 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 bite.

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

She couldn't think possibly he's the man we're after. Ammonia. Ammonia fused a lot around doctor training orders. Boys, I want you to go out and find this kid Riley.

[Frederick Lindsley]

I'm here on the job site with Dale, who's a framing contractor.

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

Hey, good morning.

[Frederick Lindsley]

Dale traded up to Geico Commercial Auto Insurance for all his business vehicles. We're here where he needs us most.

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

Yep, they sure are.

[Frederick Lindsley]

We make it easy for him to save on all his insurance needs. All in one place with coverage that fits his business and bottom line. Oh, I shouldn't have looked down.

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

It's all right.

[Frederick Lindsley]

We're so far up here.

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

Look at me. Take a deep breath.

[Frederick Lindsley]

I'm good.

[Mrs. Maud Kennedy]

So good.

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

Get a commercial auto insurance quote [e-mail] and see how much you could save. Get more with Geico. Lowe's knows that no matter your paint project, saving is at the top of your list. That's why when you shop today, you can buy one, get one free Select Valspar and HGTV Home by Sherwin Williams. One coat coverage interior paints via rebate. Shop these deals in store or online. Today at Lowe's, we help you save. Selection varies by location while supplies last. Discount taken at time of purchase. See sales associate for details. Offer valid 821 93. I don't know what's come over this kid lately. Look at him smack that sparring partner. His noise seemed to be flat. 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 addressing room to see him. Looks 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. Maud Kennedy]

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

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

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

[Mrs. Maud Kennedy]

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

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

This mug looks like a dick. A dick?

[Mrs. Maud Kennedy]

Well. Well, tell them I'm busy. Tell them anything.

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

Come on, Ted. Let's see what it's all about.

[Mrs. Maud Kennedy]

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

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

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

[Mrs. Maud Kennedy]

Oh, I know. Now, listen, I. I didn't have nothing to do with that liquor deal of Lester's nuisance on the square. I was just busy.

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

Just a minute. I'm not here about any liquor deal. This is murder. Huh? Murder? Yes, murder. Mrs. Maud Kennedy has been murdered.

[Mrs. Maud Kennedy]

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

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

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. Maud Kennedy]

The 31st? Well, that was Thursday, wasn't it? No, I never saw her.

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

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

[Mrs. Maud Kennedy]

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

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

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

[Mrs. Maud Kennedy]

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

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

7:15?

[Mrs. Maud Kennedy]

Yeah. Yeah, she carried me along a while.

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

And then she told me to come.

[Mrs. Maud Kennedy]

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

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

And did you go?

[Mrs. Maud 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.

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

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

[Mrs. Maud Kennedy]

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

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

Don't help me.

[Mrs. Maud Kennedy]

Ask my mother.

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

Ask my father. They'll tell you. They're church people.

[Mrs. Maud Kennedy]

They ain't gonna lie to you. You ain't gonna hang they song I'm innocent I tell you I I tell you I'm innocent.

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

Kid Riley is brought in in question, but he proves an airtight alibi. So the investigation drags on. Suspect after suspect has taken to headquarters, questioned and freed. Nor the border of Mrs. Kennedy tipped off the police to another prize fighter who was friendly with a murdered woman. This man located Fresno, where he was facing a bogus sketch. Charge is brought back to Los Angeles. He places suspicion on Normandy, claiming that the border had torn some of Mrs. Kennedy's diamonds. Questioned again, Normandy reluctantly explained that Mrs. Kennedy was an avid poker player and that she sometimes covered her lottery by pawning her diamonds. Then, out of the welter of fruitless, threatening and worthless clues emerges the name of Percy Tugwell. It is discovered that Tugwell had borrowed $5 from the 2 cents 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. Then a couple of days ago, he shows up with a pair of tickets of Frisco and he tells me he's gone and got his. I don't know where he got the noun. The trail goes warm as Captain Wynn interviews a neighbor of the Tugwell.

[Mrs. Maud Kennedy]

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

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

When was this?

[Mrs. Maud Kennedy]

Just a day after Mrs. Kennedy was murdered.

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

Asked him to sell a diamond?

[Mrs. Maud Kennedy]

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

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

Know anything more about this?

[Mrs. Maud Kennedy]

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

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

Thank. I think I'll talk to them myself. Captain Wi and Lieutenant Hol interview the entire Tugwell family. Their stories are the same. Please, Mr. Tugwell, can you tell us what your son's movements were on the night of August 31st? Why were. Yes, he and the his girl was here for supper and after supper they had a little 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 than he did for her anyway, so 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 about.

[Mrs. Maud Kennedy]

About 8:30.

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

No later he comes back in and film and him patch up their little bat. Where is Percy staying in San Francisco? I. I think he's at the Bayview hotel. Very well, Mr. Tugwell, 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 Tugwell house. Just the same, I want to talk to this Tugwell. Give him a leap of footstep a night and bring him back with you. All right. In the meantime, 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 with home on the trail of Tugwell in San Francisco. Win Interviews with 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 who carried that night? 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 conduction. Thanks, Sergeant. Probably from Lieutenant Home in San. This is a lump of peace. 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. Will arrive in Los Angeles with Percy Tugwell in the morning. Can you imagine that? But you can't go out and arrest them on a say show like that. I don't intend to. I'm going to call Lieutenant Holman Sabbath and find out what this is all about. From lieutenant home in San Francisco, Captain Wynn gets the details of Sudwell's accusation. Equipped with his information, he and an assistant sweeps for the Kennedy home. Philip Kennedy. And missed him. Oh, good evening, Captain. Come in. Are there any. Any developments in the case? Here's Mr. Kennedy. There are. Is your wife here? And Mr. Normandy. Yes, they're here. I'd like to talk to them too. Very well, I'll get them. Hello. Captain Wynn wants to see you in Berkshire Minute. Will you come in?

[Mrs. Maud Kennedy]

Thank you. Good evening, Captain.

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

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. Maud Kennedy]

A risk.

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

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. Let me 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. This is Kennedy, according to his story and attempting to separate you was knocked unconscious. Why, that's ridiculous. Then your wife here attempting to recuse, gave an overdose of ammonia causing a death that's pretty. Well, that's hysteric. 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 he 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. Maud Kennedy]

Percy Pedrel 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. They leave him in me. So they're all trying to lay the blame on us because he killed himself.

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

Angler 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 vacant lot with chloroform. I told her I had some perfume and asked her if she wanted to smell it. When she took a 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. Was given something to eat and sent to bed. Next morning, he sends for the detectives 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? Phil 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 my chair. No doubt in the world that Pug was 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, Bu. I want to repeat your statement before Mc 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. Phil killed her and I got a diamond. You never saw me out there. Tell the truth. Tell the truth. What are you trying accusing me of.

[Mrs. Maud Kennedy]

Killing my own mother?

[Captain J.A. Wynn]

Yourself again, the candidate. Take him out with your son. Faced 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 will feel a lot better if you do. Then bring Phil back. Okay? Mr. Kennedy, will you come in, please? S will have 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. 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 a verdict of Gilly and Tugwell was sentenced to to life imprisonment in 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 Grande 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 gift illustrated there and you will learn how you can get the complete junior detective outfit absolutely free. Every motorist can help some boy or girl get these valuable gifts merely by using Rio Grande cracked 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 Rio Grande 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 real Grande dealers feature Sinclair oils because they can guarantee no matter how fast you go, Sinclair 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 brand new dealer hazardous low as 25 cents a quart that narrator Frederick Lindsley giving you good night for the Rio Grande Oil Company.