
Calling All Cars 34-05-16 Ep025 Gettle Kidnapping Case
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With New Year's resolutions, many of us will make a vow to eat healthier. And that's a good thing. But what about our beloved pets and their Nutrition? Greetings. Naturopathic Dr. Dennis Black here and I'm on a mission to provide better nutrition for cats and dogs. Because truthfully, all pet food is dead food. Which is why we created Ruff Greens and Meow Greens in the first place. We bring their food back to life with live vitamins, minerals, probiotics, enzymes, omega oils, antioxidants and so much more. All in a tasty formula that your dog and cat will love. You can improve your pet's coat digestion energy and have less vet bills. Let 2025 bring a new year and a new pet. Get a jump start trial bag. Normally $20. Get 100% discount with promo code best friend. You just cover the shipping. Go to roughgreens.com use promo code best friend. Bring your pet's food back to life with rough greens so good your pet will ask for it by name.
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Before we begin the dramatization of the ghetto kidnapping case, it is our great pleasure to present a man who played an important role in the peace army which tracked down and captured the ghetto kidnappers. Ladies and gentlemen of America, a message from Chief James E. Davis of the Los Angeles Police Department. I have just returned from San Diego by special plane to be here tonight and to compliment law enforcement heads of this county upon the fine work accomplished in apprehending the ghetto kidnappers and sending them to San Quentin for Life. All within 46 hours. Quick justice such as this will keep Southern California clean of kidnappers. As chief of police, it has been a source of great pride to me to see the marvelous cooperation between the various law enforcement agencies concerned in the capturing the criminals who kidnapped Mr. Gettle. Hand in hand. The police department, the sheriff's department and the federal forces have labored without rest until Mr. Gettle has been returned to his family and the criminals locked in jail. Against such cooperation, no criminal on earth can survive. Together, they staged the biggest manhunt in the history of the Southwest. And together, they got their man. Now, may I introduce to you a man who has worked as hard to bring this case to a happy conclusion as any officer. Buren Fitz, District Attorney of Los Angeles. Mr. Fitz. Thank you, Chief Davis. I can add a little to what the chief has already said. Other than this, every man worked on a 24 hour shift. Few of us had our clothes off or any sleep for a week. From. From a week to night. Until Mr. Gittle was returned to his family 48 hours ago. Our happiness is a job well done. And the reunion between the victim and his family. As law enforcement officers, we are particularly glad. That Los Angeles county still has an unblemished record in kidnapping cases. This is the seventh case. With the kidnappers either hanged or in San Quentin for life. Never in my 15 years as a prosecutor. Have I seen the federal government, the sheriff's office, the police department and this office pull unitedly together. As in this case. It was solved. For that reason and future cooperation of this type. Will continue to make Los Angeles a hot place for kidnappers. Thank you, Mr. Fitz. And now may the man whose case it was. Sheriff Gene Biscalues of Los Angeles County. Thanks, Chief. That was a charming gesture. True, the ghetto case was a county case. But it is doubtful if success would have come as rapidly and as entirely without the skill, resourcefulness and untiring efforts of the men under your command. And those of federal forces and other police departments. In cooperation with the sheriffs of Southern counties and California Highway Patrol. And many others too numerous to mention. Thank you, Sheriff Biscalues. And now federal investigator Reed Vetterly. Assigned to the case by the United States government. The new law on kidnapping brought the United States Department of Justice. Into the Gattle case. The successful solution of this case was the result of perfect coordination on the part of all law enforcement agencies. With proper coordination, crime cannot flourish in any community. And it shall be the purpose of our department. To continue such cooperation. Thank you. And now, friends, you've heard the men who directed the hunt for Mr. Gettle and his captors. Later in the program, you will hear Mr. Gettle himself and his faithful friend, Attorney Ernest Noon. But first, the true story of the ghetto kidnapping. It is just a week ago tonight. A warm midnight breeze caresses the lacy green leaves of the pepper trees. And rattles the stiff fronds of a tall palm. The lazy song of a night bird drifts across the lovely garden of the Gettle estate in Arcadia, a suburb of Los Angeles. The guests who have spent a pleasant evening at Bridge have all retired. All but one. James P. Wolf, who has joined his host for a cigarette in the recreat behind the mansion. Certainly is a lovely place you have here, Bill. Yes, I've dreamed of building this house for years. And finally it's all completed. Even to the swimming pool. Are you going to enjoy that? If this hot weather keeps up, I'll say I will. But it's the kids that'll get the most out of it. Yes, they certainly have a paradise to play in here. That's tremendously important, Jim, to give the kids a safe place to play. You know, ever since the Lindbergh kidnapping, I've been worried about those kids of mine. Yes, that was a terrible thing. That's the reason for the barbed wire on top of the concrete wall around the place. That's the reason for the electrically operated gates. I want this place to be safe for my kids. Well, you've done a pretty good job, Bill. Yes, I think I have. Well, it's getting late. Almost 12. Shall we go in? Okay. I'm pretty tired too. This way, Jim. It's shorter. Pick em up, gentlemen. Hey, what is this? Keep quiet. Can't you see this gun? Now put your hands up over your heads. Walk over toward the wall. This ain't a heist, it's a snatch. Listen, boys, my wife's back there in the house. She's sick. Come on back there with me. I've got a lot of money in the safe. I've got $100 or more in my pocketbook. Take it and get out, will you? Listen, fella, everything you got in the house ain't enough. I said this was a kidnapping. Kidnapping. Take off your neckties. Here, Roy, tie this guy. I'll touch up Mr. Gettle. Right there. That ought to hold you. Now, let's have that adhesive tape. There you are. Swell. There. No, no, Roy. Right across the mouth like this. Oh, I get it. There, that's better. All right, Mr. Gettle, up the ladder here and over the wall. And you, mister, stay right where you are for an hour or else we'll come back and bump you off. Come on, pal, let's go. Look out, he's slipping. Oh, come on, hurry up. Hurt, Mr. Geddle? Oh, I. I think my leg's broken Here. Let me see. Where's it hurt you there. Oh, I'll rub it. It'll be all right in a minute. How's that? I don't know. Well, come on, we gotta get you out of here. Give me a hand with him, pal. Okay. There we are. All right, lean on my shoulder. We'll get you over to the car there. All right, Roy, let's get going. Police. Calling all cars. Attention all cars. Attention all cars. The sheriff's office. William F. Gettle had been kidnapped from his home in Arcadia by two men described as American, 5ft 9 or 10 inches, weighing about 160 pounds. The victim was attired in gray flannel trousers, a light tan shirt, tennis shoes. He Wore gold rimmed glasses. Go get em boys. That's all. Rules and quistry Extra. All about the millionaire kidnapping. All about the. I'm WG Luzzi. I was a guest at the gettle home until 5:00 yesterday afternoon. When I left the grounds I saw a young woman sitting in a car by the gate. And when she saw me she drove away as fast as she could. I'm Carl Service. I live across the way from Gettles place. Last night at 9 o'clock I heard a shot. I'm Loretta Turnbull, the outboard motorboat champion. Yesterday I too received a kidnap threat. I'm carrying a gun. I. Missy, look. Several times last week I saw an automobile bearing an Illinois license plate pass the Ghetto home. I am a citizen of Arcadia. I heard a man screaming at midnight last night. I'm a man in the street. I think the Gettle kidnapping is the work of the Dillinger gang. I'm a housewife and I believe the criminals who kidnapped Mr. Ghetto the same fiends that kidnapped that poor Rubles baby over in Tucson. I'm Ernest Noon and I've been authorized by Mrs. Gettle to act as intermediary. I will deal with the kidnappers independently. Owing to the serious condition of Mrs. Gettle, who has been ill for a considerable time, I ask that the kidnappers do not unnecessarily delay reaching me. This is the only Official statement from Mrs. Gettle. She has made no statement herself. I'm Boren Fitzgerald. I'm the District Attorney of Los Angeles. I've ordered every man connected with my office to get on the job 24 hours a day with my office as the clearinghouse for information. I'm asking every citizen who might observe a suspicious movement to call it to our attention. We believe that we're in a position to conduct a search for the kidnappers which will be as widespread and ultimately as successful as the search for that other notorious kidnapper, Eddie Hitman. Such are the rumors, statements, garbled welter of evidence and clear cut expression of legal policy which develop in the first 12 hours after the abduction of Mr. Gettle. Then as Reed Vetterly, federal agent, arrives in San Francisco. As Chief Davis offers the complete facilities of the Los Angeles Police Department. Sheriff Gene Biscalues of Los Angeles county summons police chiefs from more than 40 Southern California cities to his office for a council of war. Boys Gettle safety is our paramount consideration. We are running down obvious clues and checking suspicious characters of course, but we are making no attempt to interfere with ransom Negotiations? You have heard Mr. Noon's request. Though we have promised not to interfere with the ransom negotiations, we can intensify our activities on all stakeouts and investigations now being conducted. In other words, gentlemen, until we deliver Gettle back to his family, no one is above suspicion. On Friday morning a ransom note arrives at the E.F. hutton Company in Beverly Hills addressed to Bill Drewes, a friend of gettles. At 6 o'clock that evening a second ransom note is delivered to noon demanding a $60,000 ransom and instructing Noon to be in readiness to deliver the money in a Ford coupe with the right door removed and the turtle back taken out. During the day. Erroneous reports spread throughout Los Angeles that the kidnappers are demanding $75,000. And three telephone calls reported to be from the kidnappers are placed into Noon's office during the day. None of these convinces Noone that he's in touch with the actual kidnappers. Then Saturday afternoon at 3 o'clock, noon receives a telephone call which proves through code arranged in the ransom letter to be a genuine telephone contact with the kidnappers. In this note Mr. Noon is instructed to stand by for further instructions. He hurries over to the Gettle townhouse in Beverly Hills with the news. In the sun filled garden of the Gettle mansion, the four children of the kidnapped billionaire, Billy and Betty, the twins, aged eight, Bobby, six and Jimmy, four, are playing all unmindful of the horrible plight of their father. In the darkened room on the first floor, Mrs. Gettle receives Mr. Noon. Oh, Mr. Noon, is there any news? Yes, Mrs. Gettle. I have just received a call from a man who calls himself Percy. And that's the way. The ransom note I got last night said the message would be delivered. What did he say? Well, he said to hold myself in readiness for further instructions. Oh, Mr. Noon. Oh, do you think he's all right? I have every confidence that he'll be back soon. Oh, I hope. Oh, I'm sure he will. But Mrs. Gettle, you have no right being up. You should be in bed. Oh, no, no, I'm all right. Oh, if only those terrible people would stay away. Who? The sightseers? Yes. Well there's little you can do about them. They have no, no feeling all day long. Autos have driven past the house all day long. Those crowds on the lawn. Yes, and there are quite a few police here today. Yes, but they've been so good they've not interfered with our attempt. Well, I'm glad to know that. Oh, how, how thoughtless of me. Those poor officers out there in the sun. Hilda. Yes, Mrs. Gettle. Hilda, take some lemonade to the offices out in the patio, please. Yes, Mrs. Gettle, right away. Mama. Mama, I want my daddy. Where's Daddy? Now, Billy? Now run out and play with your little brothers and sisters. But where's Daddy? Mama, your daddy's gone away for a few days on business. When will he be back, Mama? Why, he should be back. And he Dane. Later in the day, Noon receives a call in his office. Have you got the money? Yes, but I'm not satisfied with the signature. Well, what do you want me to do about that? Now, look here, if you're really on the level and you are holding Bill Gittel, ask him these questions. First, what did I play with on my one and only trip to the ranch? And second, who was in the automobile on that trip? Okay, I'll call you back. Mr. Noon did not expect to hear from the kidnappers until the following day. But at 2:00am Sunday morning. Hello, this is Percy. The answer to the first.
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With New Year's resolutions, many of us will make a vow to eat healthier. And that's a good thing. But what about our beloved pets and their Nutrition? Greetings. Naturopathic Dr. Dennis Black here and I'm on a mission to provide better nutrition for cats and dogs. Because, truthfully, all pet food is dead food. Which is why we created Ruff Greens and Meow Greens in the first place. We bring their food back to life with live vitamins, minerals, probiotics, enzymes, omega oils, antioxidants and so much more. All in a tasty formula that your dog and cat will love. You can improve your pet's coat, digestion, energy and have less vet bills. Let 20, 25 bring a new year and a new pet. Get a Jump Start trial bag. Normally $20. Get 100 discount with promo code Best Friend. You just cover the shipping. Go to roughgreens.com use promo code best Friend. Bring your pet's food back to life with rough greens so good your pet will ask for it by name.
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First question is Green Parrot. The answer to the second question is Lucy Richards Gettle, yourself and another man were in that car. All right, I'm convinced you're the man to deal with. Okay, I'll call you tomorrow afternoon at your house. Mr. Noon confers with the bank of America through Mr. Charles E. Carrillo, and the bank agrees to forward the money for the ransom. Two employees are kept on duty all day Sunday to provide the money. Early Sunday afternoon, the intermediary receives another telephone call. Noon speaking. Have you received the letter? Yes. Have you got the money? Yes, I could get it when necessary. You have $60,000? Yes. Have you got it with you? No, but I can get it whenever you want it. Well, I'll call you at 8 o'clock and tell you what to do. Mr. Noon remains steadfastly at his post during the hot Sunday afternoon. Late in the day, Chief of Detective Joe Taylor calls on him. Good afternoon, Mr. Noon. Good afternoon, Chief. Well, what do you know? Anything new? No, nothing much. Listen, Mr. Noon, don't you think it's about time to let this truce go and start after these birds? No, no, not yet. But why not? Nothing's happened. Why, Chief Davis and Sheriff Biscalues have got an organization worked out that'll sweep Southern California like a swarm of locusts. They couldn't escape our dragnet. Yes, and Bill Gettle would never get out of it alive. How do you know he is still alive? Well, I feel sure he is. Come on. Mr. Noon, something's happened. What is it? Well, I may as well tell you, Chief. I'm waiting for definite orders from the kidnappers. They've agreed to $60,000 and they're to call me at 8 o'clock. They have? Yes. Pardon me a moment. Certainly. Hello. Further instructions New? Yes. Got a Ford coupe? Yeah. Well, you told me about that in your letter. I know I did, but I want you to get it right. Take the right hand door off, get the money and when we call you tonight, come alone. Very well. Something hot. Yes. I'm to get the money and follow instructions when they phone me. When will that be? Eight o'clock, they said. Listen, Mr. Noon, do you know what those monkeys are liable to do? No, what? Well, they're liable to give you a rush call to someplace way out in the valley and you'll be hijacked to that door before you get there. If they don't bump you off in the bargain. Well, I'm not afraid of that as long as I get Bill back. Yes, but that sort of stuff wouldn't get him back anyway. And you'd lose the dough and maybe your life and he'd still be where he is. Now, what do you propose? Let me put one of my men in the car. Well, what would I tell the kidnappers? Tell them anything. Tell them that they wouldn't let you have the money yourself and that you have to send someone from the bank. Well, I'll. I'll think it over. Acting in the hopes that Mr. Noon will see the wisdom of his plan. Chief Taylor dispatches 50 police radio cars with two men to each throughout the various substations in the city. Then he selects Blainey Matthews of the District Attorney squad to drive the ransom car. All plans laid, each district captain provided with his instructions. Each radio car carrying a map of the sections is expected to patrol. Chief Taylor returns to Mr. Noon's office. Sunday evening. 8:00 comes and goes. 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, passed by. And then at 11:30. Hello? Hello, news? This is Percy. Yes. Where is it? In the car, but I can't bring it. Why not? Well, they won't let me handle it. I've got to send someone from the bank. Well, get this news. I don't give a damn who brings the money. Send a cover if you like. Fix it any way you want of it. Get that dough to us. All right? Now get this. Tell your man to come over Kawinga Pass, the Lau Canyon. Halfway up the canyon, you'll find a stake with a handkerchief. At the foot of the stake, you'll find a letter with instructions. Very well. Get that door to us and get it to us right away. Laney Matthews drives the ransom car, followed at a quarter mile by a police car weaving through the swift traffic of Cuenga Pass. He finally reaches the canyon and turns into the blackness of the country road, the soft hills looming above him. Driving carefully, he watches for the stake, sees it, stops the car, finds a letter, reads it, drops it on the road and drives on the tail. Car swiftly approaches the spot where Matthews had dropped the note. How does the note pick it up? Fred, I got it. Let's get out of here fast. Okay. What's it say? Turn your dash light on. Thanks. It says, go down Crenshaw Boulevard to find Florence. Go east to Alameda and south on Alameda to Firestone. Drive slow. Not over 20 miles an hour. All the time at Firestone, you will find another handkerchief with a letter. That means we got to get to the nearest town and send that dope into headquarters. The setting for a thrilling detective story is laid cryptic messages in the dead of night. Instructions carried out to the letter. The story runs on in perfect form as Chief Davis, allowing Matthews time to get into the hot area, dispatches his 50 police cars to blockade every cross street and boulevard in the region of Firestone and Alameda. The tactics work perfectly, but the kidnappers do not appear to claim the ransom. Discouraged, the strategists of the peace force are required to develop a new line of attack. But at this point, the story takes an unexpected turn. For several weeks, Chief Taylor has had a Dictaphone planted in the apartment of a gang of suspected bank robbers. From the adjoining apartment, Detective Lieutenants H.P. gerhardt and W.C. burris, after their patient vigil, at last hear a snatch of significant conversation. I bet you're scared about that phone call. Oh, nuts. They can't take the call from a payphone. Well, from the newspapers, it looks like the police are laying off. I don't think so. But it ain't the phone call that worries me. I just got a hunch. This place is getting hot. We better scrap get that bill. We'd better knock them over. Yeah, I'd like to get all this mob, but if they're going to hire balloons, we'd better take what we can get. Come on. The man and the two women in the apartment are arrested and brought into Chief Taylor, who recognizes the man at once as Jimmy Kirk, once a power in the alcohol racket. A search of the man's person reveals nothing of interest with the exception of a card, on the back of which is scrawled a license number and an address. Chief Taylor, fingering this card, faces Kirk across the desk in his office. Hmm. 3S9267, 723 Linden Avenue. Do you know whose address and license number this is, Jimmy? Yeah, Gettles. How come you to have it? Oh, I just read in the papers about the kidnapping. So I drove by the house in Beverly Hills. I saw the car out there, so I just jotted him down. Why? Oh, no particular reason. You're in a pretty hot spot, Jimmy. Why? What do you mean? Did you ever hear of anyone called Percy? No. Why? How many times have you used the dial phone since Sunday night? What do you mean? You know what I mean. Your phone, Sunday afternoon from the 8200 block on Santa Monica Boulevard. What would I be doing there? You were in there over an hour drinking beer. You called Mr. Moon from there. I don't have to go into detail with you, Jimmy. You were in on this kidnapping deal from the start. Why, in 10 minutes I'll get 10 identifications on you. We've got you, Jimmy. Harry Seger. This is your man, Harry. He's the fellow who did this telephoning. Now look here, Harry. I gotta go over to Gene Biscalue's office. And I want you to stick with him until you find out where Gettle is, okay? You might as well come clean, Jimmy. You'll save us all a lot of trouble. So Long. Hey, look here, Seeker. I don't know what this is all about. Not much, I don't. With Gettle's license number and address on this card. What's this? What? This car. W.N. zinner Real Estate, La Santa. I don't know nothing about it. Oh, yeah? Hello, 1000. Get me WMN Zimmer, La Casanta. He's a real estate dealer. Harriet. So you don't know anything about it, eh, Kirk? Come on now. Where'd you get this car? I don't know, I tell you. I just found it in my pocket. I don't know where it came from. Who else is in this kidnapping racket with you? Listen, I ain't in any kidnapping deal. Oh, come on, Kirk. Now listen here. Hello, Zimmer? Captain Sieger, Los Angeles Police. Yeah, you know a fellow name might be Kirk? Yeah. Oh, he's short, heavyset, redneck, and let's see. Pavici. Yeah, that's fine. Thank you very much. Well, Kirk, Mr. Zimmer says he rented a house to you at 4246 Rosemont Avenue Locker center just a few days ago. We're going to look into that. Captain Sigurd turns over his momentous information to Sheriff fiscalues and within 30 seconds a police car bearing Deputy Sheriff Harry Brewster and Jack Southard, investigator for the District Attorney's office, has careened out of the driveway by the hall of justice and siren screaming tears through the traffic of downtown Los Angeles, out through quiet Glendale, through the flood ravaged town of Montrose, up into the foothills of the Sierra Madras, up to La Crescenta, to the address on Rosemore Avenue. The two men leap out of the car and rush up the front steps of the house. Get around the back, Tim. Yes, sir. Come on, buster, let's push it in. Oh, come on, let's go. Hey, there goes the guy through the window. Get him, Tim. I got him, sir, but another one got away. Where? Off the back way. He's got too big a head start to run after him, but we'll pick him up soon enough. Oh, that's fine, Mr. Gittle. Hey. Hey there. Hey, he's in here. Well, Mr. Gittle, you don't know how glad we are to see you boys. You don't know how glad I am to see you. I'll bet. Here, wait till I cut these ropes loose here. There. Well, we got two of your kidnapping friends, sir, and it won't be long until we get the third. Good. And now can we go? Can I go back to. To my family? Los Angeles Police. Calling all cars. Attention all cars. Attention all cars to sheriff's office. Pick up Larry Kerrigan, wanted for ghetto kidnapping. Described as 28 or 30 years of age, 5ft 9 inches tall, has reddish hair, sallow complexion, slender. Bring him in. That's all. Rosenquist, Detective Bureau, Captain Stensman talking. Hey, you want Larry Kerrigan, don't you? Do I? I'll say I do. Where is he? Over here on North Broadway. Kerrigan is quickly apprehended and arrested. And quickly he confess. Williams, too confesses and both men implicate Kirk, the alleged brains of the kidnapping mob is brought into Sheriff Vistalou's office and made to listen to his colleague's confessions before a room full of police officers. Well, Kirk, you've heard the statements of these men. Have you anything to say? Sure. It's just a lot of lies. I don't know why they're trying to bring me into it. Is there anything to add to these statements? Yeah, will somebody take these cuffs off of me and let me take care of those two dirty stool pigeons? Is there anything you want to add to their statement, Kirk? Ah, nuts, what's the use? It's all true. Everything they said is true. Just 24 hours ago, the grand jury returned an indictment accusing Kirk, Williams and kerrigan of kidnapping Mr. Gettle. Fourteen minutes later, the three men stand before Judge Fricke. He reads the indictment to them and then pronounces judgment. Roy Williams, Jimmy Fredkirk, Larry Kerrigan, it is the judgment of this court that you be confined in San Quentin Prison for the rest of your natural life. And at this moment, the three kidnappers are speeding north to prison. The greatest manhunt in the history of California is at a successful end. And California's reputation is still spotless. For never has a kidnapper in California successfully escaped the penitentiary. And now, friends, before we leave you tonight, I want to introduce to you Mr. Ernest Noon, faithful friend of Mr. Gettle, a man whose head never touched the pillow. From last Wednesday until last night when he knew that Bill Gettel, his friend, was safe. Mr. Noon, if it were not for you, Chief Davis, you, Bjorn, Fitz and Eugene Biscalues, and the rest of you, including the Department of Justice agents, I doubt Bill Gettle and myself would be alive today. I say this because Kirk has admitted that he thoroughly intended to kill the man who drove the money car. Sometimes I wonder if the people who perpetrate such crimes realize the misery they cause. Sometimes I wonder if you out there who hear my voice realize it after you read the sob stories about such vicious criminals. There is only one sort of payment. But then I am not the law. I am only a lawyer. But I am sure you want to hear from Bill Gettle himself. Who, thanks to God and the splendid cooperation which I have had from organized law enforcement agencies, including our own Beverly Hills Police Chief Charlie Blair, who placed his entire force at my disposal, has once more been returned to us. None the worse for his experience. Thank you all. You'll have to pardon me as I'm still a little weak and rather. Rather not talk about the last few days. I've only come down here tonight because I want to publicly thank everyone who at the great light, greater part of my life. The opportunity to return to my family. I also hope this purpose will give others the same admiration for the four Cs of the law I have gained in this rather awful affair. It's in a little like a dream that I have this broadcast in studio tonight to go home again and thank you. And thank you, Mr. Gettle, Chief Davis, District Attorney Fitz, Sheriff Biscalues. And all you other kind people who have given of your time to make this momentous broadcast possible. The Rio Grande Oil Company sincerely hopes that we shall never again be able to broadcast such a program. Because to get such a story would mean that some other fine citizen would have to suffer, as did Mr. Gettle. Los Angeles Police. Calling all cars. Attention, all cars. Cancellation broadcast 25 regarding a kidnapping. Suspects in this case are now in custody. That's all, Rosenquist. This special episode of Calling All Cars was written and produced by William N. Robeson, who worked unceasingly for 36 hours to make tonight's timely broadcast possible. This is Frederick Lindsley saying good night for the Rio Grande Oil Company.
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With New Year's resolutions, many of us will make a vow to eat healthier. And that's a good thing. But what about our beloved pets and their Nutrition? Greetings. Naturopathic Dr. Dennis Black here, and I'm on a mission to provide better nutrition for cats and dogs. Because, truthfully, all pet food is dead food. Which is why we created Ruff Greens and Meow Greens in the first place. We bring their food back to life with live vitamins, minerals, probiotics, enzymes, omega oils, antioxidants and so much more. All in a tasty formula that your dog and cat will love. You can improve your pet's coat, digestion, energy and have less vet bills. Let 2025 bring a new year and a new pet. Get a JumpStart trial bag. Normally $20. Get 100% discount with promo code Best friend. You just cover the shipping. Go to roughgreens.com use promo code best Friend. Bring your pet's food back to life with rough greens so good your pet will ask for it by name.
Podcast Summary: "Calling All Cars 34-05-16 Ep025 Gettle Kidnapping Case"
Podcast Information:
The episode delves into the dramatic and meticulously orchestrated kidnapping of William F. Gettle, a wealthy businessman from Arcadia, Los Angeles. Set against the backdrop of the Golden Age of Radio, the story unfolds with vivid descriptions, engaging characters, and intense investigative efforts that highlight the collaborative spirit of law enforcement agencies in Southern California.
Setting the Scene: The narrative begins on a serene night at the Gettle estate in Arcadia. The tranquil environment is disrupted when two masked assailants ambush William Gettle and his companion, James P. Wolf, forcing them into a perilous situation.
The Crime: The kidnappers seize Gettle, threatening his family and demanding a hefty ransom. Their methodical approach, including the use of specific instructions and coded messages, sets the stage for a high-stakes manhunt.
Official Statements: Shortly after the kidnapping, key figures from law enforcement address the public, emphasizing swift action and inter-agency cooperation.
Chief James E. Davis ([01:10]):
“Quick justice such as this will keep Southern California clean of kidnappers. Together, they staged the biggest manhunt in the history of the Southwest. And together, they got their man.”
District Attorney Buren Fitz ([02:30]):
“Never in my 15 years as a prosecutor have I seen the federal government, the sheriff's office, the police department and this office pull unitedly together.”
Collaboration Across Agencies: The episode highlights the seamless collaboration between local police, sheriff's departments, and federal agencies, showcasing a unified front against criminal activities.
Intermediary's Role: Ernest Noon, acting as an intermediary, becomes a pivotal character in the negotiation process with the kidnappers.
“I will deal with the kidnappers independently. Owing to the serious condition of Mrs. Gettle, who has been ill for a considerable time, I ask that the kidnappers do not unnecessarily delay reaching me.”
Strategic Maneuvers: Law enforcement employs strategic tactics, including stakeouts and the deployment of multiple police cars, to intercept the kidnappers during ransom exchanges.
“Until we deliver Gettle back to his family, no one is above suspicion.”
Technological Aids: The use of planted Dictaphones in suspect apartments and real-time communication among officers underscores the advanced investigative techniques employed.
After several thwarted attempts by the kidnappers to collect the ransom, including cryptic messages and failed rendezvous, the pressure mounts on law enforcement to locate Gettle.
“Chief Taylor dispatches 50 police radio cars with two men to each throughout the various substations in the city.”
Breakthrough: A pivotal moment occurs when a conversation overheard via a Dictaphone leads to the identification of key suspects, including Jimmy Kirk, a known figure in the alcohol racket.
“This place is getting hot. We better scrap get that bill. We'd better knock them over.”
Arrests and Confessions: Law enforcement successfully apprehends the kidnappers—Roy Williams, Jimmy Fredkirk, and Larry Kerrigan—who subsequently confess to their crimes, revealing the mastermind behind the operation.
“Roy Williams, Jimmy Fredkirk, Larry Kerrigan, it is the judgment of this court that you be confined in San Quentin Prison for the rest of your natural life.”
The Return of Gettle: William Gettle is safely returned to his family, albeit physically unharmed but emotionally scarred by the ordeal.
“There is only one sort of payment. But then I am not the law. I am only a lawyer.”
Victim's Gratitude: Gettle expresses profound gratitude towards the law enforcement officials and intermediaries who played crucial roles in his rescue.
“If it were not for you, Chief Davis, District Attorney Fitz, Sheriff Biscalues, and all you other kind people, I doubt Bill Gettle and myself would be alive today.”
Closing Remarks: The episode concludes with reflections on the effectiveness of coordinated law enforcement efforts and a hopeful note that such sinister events will remain rare.
“Sometimes I wonder if the people who perpetrate such crimes realize the misery they cause.”
"Calling All Cars 34-05-16 Ep025 Gettle Kidnapping Case" masterfully captures the tension and drama of a high-stakes kidnapping case, intertwined with the unwavering dedication of law enforcement. Through engaging storytelling and authentic dialogue, the episode not only entertains but also underscores the importance of cooperation and persistence in solving complex criminal cases.
Notable Quotes:
Chief James E. Davis ([01:10]):
“Quick justice such as this will keep Southern California clean of kidnappers.”
District Attorney Buren Fitz ([02:30]):
“Every man worked on a 24 hour shift. Few of us had our clothes off or any sleep for a week.”
Ernest Noon ([10:15]):
“I ask that the kidnappers do not unnecessarily delay reaching me.”
Judge Fricke ([25:45]):
“It is the judgment of this court that you be confined in San Quentin Prison for the rest of your natural life.”
William Gettle ([30:20]):
“If it were not for you, I doubt Bill Gettle and myself would be alive today.”
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of the episode, providing listeners with a clear understanding of the narrative, character dynamics, and the eventual resolution of the Gettle kidnapping case. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to "Harold's Old Time Radio," this episode offers a gripping tale of courage, collaboration, and justice.