Calling All Cars 37-12-07 ep211 Skeleton in the Desert

Summary

---

Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Calling All Cars 37-12-07 ep211 Skeleton in the Desert

Date: October 3, 2025
Podcast Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Original Airdate of Episode: December 7, 1937
Episode Theme:
A reenactment of a true crime investigation—a mysterious murder in the California desert. Sheriff Shea and his deputies piece together evidence and pursue a killer using then-modern detective methods, culminating in a dramatic trial and execution.

---

Episode Overview

This classic "Calling All Cars" dramatization follows law enforcement as they unravel the case of a dead body discovered near Langford's well in the Mojave desert. By tracking clues from a bloodstained murder scene to a single slip of paper from a bank, police doggedly follow a trail of financial transactions and witness recollections leading to the apprehension of a killer. The episode showcases the transition from old-fashioned law enforcement to scientific criminal investigation—a hallmark of the Golden Age of Radio crime dramas.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

---

1. Crime Discovery and Initial Investigation

[00:10–04:30]

• Body Found: Officers discover a body in the desert, initially located by two children riding with a prospector.
  • "Looks like the man was killed here on the road and dragged over there." (A, 02:19)
• Crime Scene Analysis:
  • Officers observe marks suggesting the body was dragged.
  • No immediate identification available, no dental work or pocketed belongings.
• Crucial Clue: A shred of memo paper from Security State Bank, Ogden, found among the victim's belongings, is noted with figures: "87, 79."
  • "Looks like there's some printing... that's just what it is. Came from the Security State Bank." (A, 03:29)

---

2. Following the Financial Trail

[04:31–13:00]

• Sheriff Shea's Deduction: Travels to Ogden, Utah, to investigate bank connection.
  • "I'm going up to Ogden and see what I can find out from the Security State Bank. Do you think they'll recognize this memo sheet?" (A, 05:50)
• Bank Teller Discovery: The memo pad is traced—used only since June of that year.
• Identification via Telegraph Records:
  • Telegraph records reveal the victim's name as Wilford Hay, via two money transfers.
    • "Have you got it there?" / "Yes. Shall I read it? ... It's signed AT Wilson Hay." (A & B, 10:54–11:04)
• Physical Description: Hay described as slight, reddish-brown hair, refined, a printer traveling west for work.
• Hotel and Garage Leads: Hay and a companion, Watts, stayed in Ogden; their car broke down and was fixed at a garage.
  • "Recall how this man Watts look? ... 5, 9 or 10 inches tall... athletic." (A, 12:52)

---

3. Piecing Together the Victim’s Background

[13:01–17:35]

• Detroit Bank Details:
  • Hay previously lived in Detroit, sold war bonds, and had money transferred west.
  • "According to our records, he left about $100 in that account and left for California." (A, 15:10)
• Landlady Reminiscence:
  • Mrs. Forrest describes Hay as a quiet former soldier and printer, supportive even of his less-fortunate friend Watts.
• Last Seen: Both men depart together by car at the end of October.

---

4. Following the Killer’s Trail

[17:36–21:18]

• Tracing Telegraph and Bank Activity in California:
  • Telegram and account records in Los Angeles show funds transferred for Hay by an acquaintance, also identified as Watts, using Hay’s identity.
  • "That would indicate that Hay was alive on December 9th." – "Emmett. Yes? I don’t believe it." (A, 18:58–19:01)
• Post Office and Forwarded Address:
  • Change of address to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, suspected as a false lead.
• Nationwide Alerts:
  • Warrants, bulletins, and vehicle tracing are issued for Watts, now using multiple aliases.

---

5. Apprehension and Exposing the Fraud

[21:19–22:20]

• Capture in San Francisco:
  • Watts, going by "Craig," is apprehended at a post office while trying to collect mail. He insists on his innocence.
  • "'We do police officers.' / 'You?' / 'Yeah. What's the idea?' / 'A little item of murder. San Bernardino.'" (A & B, 21:33)
• Evidence Gathering:
  • Checks, handwriting samples, and telegraph records are scrutinized. Sand from the suspect’s clothing matches the murder scene.

---

6. Trial and Forensic Testimony

[22:21–23:42]

• Handwriting Analysis:
  • Handwriting expert confirms Watts forged Hay’s signature on checks.
  • "Is it the signature of Wilfred Hayes? No, it is not. It is identical with the handwriting of J.H. Watts." (A, 23:18)
• Telegraph and Sand Analysis:
  • Witnesses identify Watts as the man sending telegrams under Hay’s name; sands are forensically identical.
• Crucial Testimony:
  • Watts’s own brother testifies about helping him use Hay’s identity to open accounts.

---

7. Conviction and Aftermath

[23:43–End]

• Guilty Verdict:
  • Jury finds Watts guilty of first-degree murder.
  • "We the jury, find the defendant, J. H Watts, guilty of murder in the first degree." (A, 24:13)
• Execution:
  • Watts is executed at San Quentin, as the narrator notes, "Watts walked up the steps of the gallows... Without an apparent qualm, he plunged through the trap and the brutal murder of Wilford Hay was avenged." (A, 25:31)
• Case Legacy:
  • The case sets a precedent on convictions made by circumstantial evidence.

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• [02:19] "Looks like the man was killed here on the road and dragged over there." (Sheriff’s team at the crime scene)
• [03:29] "Looks like there's some printing... that's just what it is. Came from the Security State Bank." (Discovery of vital clue)
• [18:58]
  "That would indicate that Hay was alive on December 9th."
  "Emmett. Yes? I don't believe it. Neither do I. That body has been out there for at least a month when we found it." (Sheriff Shea suspects fraud)
• [21:33]
  "'We do police officers.' / 'You?' / 'Yeah. What's the idea?' / 'A little item of murder. San Bernardino.'" (Watts arrested at the post office)
• [23:18]
  "Is it the signature of Wilfred Hayes? No, it is not. It is identical with the handwriting of J.H. Watts." (Handwriting expert at trial)
• [25:31]
  "Watts walked up the steps of the gallows... Without an apparent qualm, he plunged through the trap and the brutal murder of Wilford Hay was avenged." (Narrator’s closing)

---

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Timestamp (MM:SS) | Segment/Event | |:---------------------:|:-----------------------------------------------------| | 00:10–04:30 | Discovery of body and investigation at the scene | | 04:31–13:00 | Tracking bank records, telegrams, and victim ID | | 13:01–17:35 | Background checks in Detroit, landlady testimony | | 17:36–21:18 | Following financial and telegraph leads in CA | | 21:19–22:20 | Arrest of Watts (alias "Craig") in San Francisco | | 22:21–23:42 | Trial evidence: handwriting, sand analysis, witness | | 23:43–End | Conviction, execution, and case legacy |

---

Tone & Style

The narrative and reenactments carry the clipped, formal, and slightly dramatic style typical of 1930s radio crime shows. Law officers speak in measured, matter-of-fact tones, with the investigation unfolding methodically. Occasional moments of dark humor—“I'm riding with the dead one”—and the weight of justice served permeate the dramatization.

---

Summary

“Skeleton in the Desert” is a gripping tale of meticulous detective work, following a thin thread of circumstantial evidence from a memo slip to telegraphs, financial records, and eyewitness accounts. The case not only highlights the transition into scientific criminal investigation but also cements the power of persistence, patience, and attention to detail in law enforcement’s pursuit of justice. The dramatization brings listeners into the heart of Depression-era forensic methods, ending with a reflection on the precedent set by this circumstantial evidence conviction.

---

Transcript

[A]

Calling all cars. A copyrighted program created by Rio Grande. San Bernardino Sheriff's Office. Calling all cars, San Bernardino Sheriff's car to broadcast 211 regarding a dead body in the desert near Langford's. Well, that's all. Drones were quick. Officers of the law conduct many a secret investigation. But it is no secret as to what takes them there and brings them back with maximum speed, safety and economy. Everyone on the Pacific coast knows by this time that it is Rio Grande cracked gasoline that spins the wheels of more police cars, ambulances, fire engines and other public service cars wherever it is sold than any other brand. Yes, most of the drivers of emergency cars use Rio Grande Crash exclusively. But they are not the only ones. Countless thousands of motorists also have discovered that this really superior gasoline starts more quickly, deliver smoother acceleration and more miles with greater reserve power and speed. You needn't envy your neighbor. If you want police car performance for your car, follow that neighbor into the nearest red and white Rio Grande station tomorrow morning and get it. Take on a tank full of Rio Grande cracks and you will understand why this finer motor fuel is the most highly recommended gasoline in the West. For fuller measurements, more complete motoring pleasure. Get Rio Grande crack gasoline. It is our pleasure to present a message from the Sheriff of San Bernardino County, Emmett L. Shea. Thank you, Dr. Lindsley. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Today, throughout all the far flung territory that comprises California, there is not a single outpost of the law where out of date police methods are involved. Today, the San Bernardino Sheriff's Office, of which I have the honor to be the head, is in common with every other law enforcement office in the state. State equipped and alert to meet the best of the worst in criminal elements. Crimes today are of course, the same as they were years ago. Murder is still murder. But no longer does the sheriff gallop force at the head of a posse to sack his man through the trackless desert. But scientific methods are employed to bring the criminal to justice. Perseverance, patience and intelligent deduction coupled with expert analysis contributed to the solution of the case we are about to hear. Say, Sheriff, this is Jim Lucas out of Daggett. Fine. Say, Walter, a couple of kids riding on top of an old prospectus wagon came through here a little while ago and said they saw a man lying back at some mesquite bushes out close to Langford's. Well, that's about 25 miles northeast of where you are now, isn't it? That's right. When did they make this time? Just a few hours ago. No Club when? Hard to say exactly. Must be quite a spellback, though. Maybe a month. Had any rings up there? No, not for a couple of months. No dust storms either. That's good. You left the body there, of course. Right where it was found. Fine. I round up some of the boys and be right out. Oh, and Jim, you better meet up a jacket, please, and show us where the body is. All right, Walter, I'll be ready for you. Across the vast expanse of a county that is almost half the size of the entire state of New York, Sheriff's Cave piloted his men northward over historic El Cajon Pass, over which early day Mormons had driven off cart into the fertile San Bernardino Valley, past picturesque Victorville, sweeping beside the meandering Mojave, and out into a dusty road that leads to Langford's well right over there behind that second clump of bushes. Oh, yeah. Oh, wait a minute. You see those two fellows? Looks like the man was killed here on the road and dragged over there. Yeah. Guess his heels made those marks. Here's a big patch of blood. Looks like the killer rested a while here. Must have been a fairly small man. How do you know? Well, I looked at the body this morning and the fellow wasn't very big himself. Well, anyway, we know that two men could have carried the body. Must have been just one man in on the job. That's what I figured. Oh, is this the body? Yeah, what there is left of it. No dental work to purchase Any clues. Figure he'd weigh about 135 pounds, wouldn't you, Jim? Just about. Well. Hey, Emmett, have butter off bring his camera over here and the rest of you boys can be looking the ground over. Make a circle out about 100 yards and don't miss anything. All right, dad. Well, Jim, you better write down a list of these clothes and things. I'll call them off to you. All right, go ahead. Blue thread suit, knitted sweater. I meant I got it. White shirt, no collar, no tie, brown socks, tan shoes. Any labels in the clothes? No, I don't want very. Dad, I picked up all around here. Apparently the man was killed in the car and then dragged over here. There's no blood where the heel tracks again. Find anything in the pocket? I don't have a thing here. Wait a minute, wait a minute. There's something down at the front of the wet bucket. Looks like there's some printing on the other side. It looks like a sheet off of a memo pad. Yes, sir, that's just what it is. Came from the Security State Bank. Albenita. Looks like there are some notes and some figures on here, too. I can't make them out, though. How about you, Emmett? Well, let me see. So good, dad. Guess you better take it back and look at it under a good magnifying glass. Yep. Guess that's the best. Well, let's get busy and bury this fellow. Don't want to take any more chances on losing any other identification there might be here. Realizing that with the the chances of escape for the criminal were 1,000 to 1, Sheriff Shea and his men set to work to establish the identity of the victim and to tie to the slender thread of a clue the train of circumstances of his death. What have you found on that paper, Emmett? Well, besides a lot of figures I can't read, there seems to be a complete set right there on the back. Let's see. 87, 79. That might mean anything. That's right. But since this is a bank memo, I'd figure they meant that much money. That's a natural assumption. But that doesn't bring us any nearer solution of the case than we were before. I'm not so sure about that. What do you mean? I'm going up to Ogden and see what I can find out from the Security State Bank. Do you think they'll be able to recognize this memo sheet? Well, maybe not, but then again, they might. It's a chance. But this is the only clue we have. We might as well work on it. I know I'm not going to pass it up. Well, I wish you luck, dad. Thanks, son. And keep an eye on things while I'm gone. Good morning. May I help you? Well, yes. I'm looking for the president of this bank. Why, he's not here right now. Going to lunch. Probably won't be back for two hours. So maybe I could help you. Well, maybe. I'm Walter Shay, Sheriff of Stanza down in California. Well, how do you do, sir? I'm George Dye, cashier of the bank. Well, maybe you can help me at that. You see, we had a little killing down in our neck of the woods some time back. Found out about it just after Christmas. Well, we haven't got hide nor hair of a clue as to who committed the matter. The only thing we found was this little piece of paper. Now, where did I put that? There it is. You ever see a piece of paper like that? Yes, of course. That's one of our memos. We keep them right here on the counter for the customer to use. I see. Yep, the same kind, all right. Well, that means our man was here recently, doesn't it? I imagine it does. We got the last shipment of these pads about June. That was the first time that we'd used this particular kind. There's a set of figures on the back right here. 87, 79. Now, I know it's asking a lot, but is there a possibility that those figures mean anything to you? Let me see. Well, I. I don't know about the other writing, but Mr. Stevens, the bank president definitely wrote those figures down for one of the customers. And I've got to know which customer. Those figures look familiar. Let me think. No, no, that wouldn't be the one. Let's see. George, I do remember something about that. Seems to me I remember a transaction involving that amount. It was right around a holiday. Let me think. Let's see, that was Christmas. Before that was Thanksgiving. Then backfired his Armistice Day. That's it. Right around the early part of November. Do you remember who the customer was? Well, he wasn't exactly a customer. You see, this man came in and Mr. Stevens took care of. As I recall it, he had a bank account back east somewhere. And he wanted to transfer his funds out here. He was just passing through here. Said he'd become stranded. There's a telegraphic transfer, if I remember rightly. Do you happen to remember the name? No, not offhand, but I could check up on it. I'll tell you what it will do. We'll call the telegraph office and ask them to go through their files of a couple of months ago. And maybe we can get a double check on it. State Bank D speaking.

[B]

We found a couple of messages about transferring. Event one was sent on November 10th.

[A]

Have you got it there?

[B]

Yes. Shall I read it?

[A]

If you will, please.

[B]

It says, telegraph Security, State bank on the neutral balance of my account. It's signed AT Wilson Hay.

[A]

Hey, is that the name? Yes.

[B]

The wire was the People's Space Bank, Detroit, Michigan. We have a copy of your cry on that. It says, cannot transfer funds without passport.

[A]

Anything else? Yes.

[B]

Here's another wire signed with the same man, Wilford Head. It says, bank at Rock Spring, Wyoming is sending passport wave identification. By all means, get money from this one.

[A]

It must have been in a hurry. All right. Thanks a lot. Well, there's your man's name, Wilford Hay. Let's see. We should have a receipt for the money in this trial. Right here. Harris, Harrison, Harvey Hemp. Hey, here it is. Wilford Hay. Received the Security State Bank, Ogden, Utah. $87.79 in telegraphic transfer of credit at request of People's State Bank, Detroit, Michigan. Happen to remember what this fellow looked like? Well, yes. You see, this business was a little out of the ordinary. And I noticed the man rather closely. He had reddish brown hair as I recall, or much weight around 130 or 140, rather slight. Had long tapering fingers. Seemed rather refined. And on a blue surge suit, I believe. Say, what his business was? Yes, I. I believe he said he was a printer going west to look for a job. That sounds like the man we found all right. Do you remember if he was alone? No, I don't think so. It seems there was another fellow with him. I didn't have any conversation or any dealings with him though, so. But I didn't pay particular attention to him. Seems like he was smooth shaven. Seemed sort of quiet and reserved. I noticed that he did pay pretty close attention when he mentioned some British war bondage owned. You don't happen to know where Hay lived while he was here, do you? Well, he gave us the address of the Grand Hotel. Now you might talk to her of tenant. He might have a line on him. Well, thanks, Sheriff. I'm Walter Shea from San Bernardino, California. I'm checking up on a couple of boys that came through here about the first of last month. Fellow named Hay and another fellow named Watts. Let me see, I got a list of most of the people we come in contact with in the past few weeks. Let's see. Yep, yep, here it is. Hey, young fellow about 30, right. Some pictures left for one. Watch is with him. They told me the car was broken down. Headed out at Roden's Garage in Washington Avenue. Yes, sir, what can I do for you? I'm Sheriff J. Oh, yeah. Sheriff Finnick phoned me you were coming out. Yes, I'm taking up on a check. Named Hay and another named. What? Remember him? Yeah. Besides, my book was through. The job I did for him. I looked him up after Pinnock phoned me. Here's the answer right here. November 9th. J.H. watt. All right, so you lent him $5 on the car? Yeah. He said he needed the money to buy food for wife and babies. Here's a guess. You don't have any record of a woman in this case. He wanted 25 bucks. Did he get it next day from Wyoming and let him have five and stuck it on the bill. What kind of car was it? Small Oakland touring car. Watch had a bill of sale to us. He come in again a day or two and picked it up. Recall how this man Watts look? Well, let's say he was 5, 9 or 10 inches tall. Get your weight around 160, 165 pounds. Maybe a little more smooth shaving. Yeah, I believe it was. Light or dark? Dark. Straight black hair. Athletic. Bill or slice? Decidedly athletic. Think I'll start looking for that young man returned to his office in San Bernardino and immediately contacted captain of detectives Edward Fox of Detroit, asking his assistance in tracing the movements of Hay and Watts. Walk shows as a starting point the people stayed bank in Detroit. Now, I've got a letter here from the sheriff of San Bernardino county house in California asking for some information on a man who used to do business with his bank. His name is Hayes. Know anything about him? Yes, yes, a great deal. We received a letter from the sheriff too. They had us sell quite a large quantity of war bonds for him. Some time ago he had a note here for about $20. He paid that off when he got the money from the bonds and opened the savings account. According to our records, he left about $100 in that account and left for California. You hear anything more about him after that? Yes, yes, we got several telegrams about his account and finally transferred his balance of 8779 to Ogden. Where do you record show Harry lives while he was here? Well, the address he gave us was 1368 Perry Street, I think. I'll run over there and see what the landlady might know. Hello. You Mrs. Forrest?

[B]

Yes.

[A]

I'm looking for information on a chap named Hay.

[B]

Well, I haven't seen Mr. Hay since. Let me see. Must be the latter part of October.

[A]

What sort of fellow was he?

[B]

Well, he was a very quiet sort of boy. Englishman, I believe. Had been a soldier during the war.

[A]

Even.

[B]

The printer told me.

[A]

How long did he live here?

[B]

About the first of July, I believe. He lived alone in the front room there till sometime around the middle or last part of September. He brought a Mr. Watts in with him one night and told me he'd be staying in his room for a while.

[A]

Did Watts stay in his room? Rent? No.

[B]

I got the impression that this watch boy was broke. I let him stay here and Mr. Hay paid the extra rent himself.

[A]

And when did you say he left?

[B]

Just about the last of October. We left in a car with this man.

[A]

What?

[B]

Callum's new apartment. Just a minute.

[A]

Oh, yes, that's true. Well, I'm glad to get that. I'll keep that door for the sheriff's case. Thanks for calling. Look, Emmett, I've got an idea about this case. If haywired at all to that Detroit bank. He would have done it from close by the bank. Let's go in here and check with the telegraph office. Ok. Well, lady, we're police officers. We're trying to check a telegram we think might have been sent from here on November 29th last year. Can you see if you've got a record of it?

[B]

Sure is. It's 26, 27 8. 11-29-19 with your telegram, people.

[A]

State Bank, Detroit, Michigan. Sent by a fellow named Hay.

[B]

Here we are.

[A]

Transfer all funds account Lupert Hay bank of Italy, 7th and Olive, Los Angeles. Thanks, miss. That helps a lot. Said that name was Hay, didn't you? That's right. Well, our records show that on December 1, one of our customers introduced a Mr. Hay who opened an account for transferring some funds from a bank in Detroit. That's the one. How much money was then? Eleven hundred dollars. All charges been deducted. What address did he give? 1201 laden way. When was he in here last, sir? Hey, I mean, I don't know. Made a $900 withdrawal on December 8th. So that's the last on that account. Let me see. No, there's a check paid on the 12th. So the date of December 9th endorsed by a man at Carruthers. Not yet. Well, that would indicate that Hay was alive on December 9th. Emmett. Yes? I don't believe it. Neither do I. That body has been out there for at least a month when we found it. Who was this customer who introduced Hay to you? Man by the Name of Watts. R.W. watts. Same address as Hay. What? What did this. What fellow look like? About 5ft 9 or 10 inches tall, weighed a gut around 160. 165 pounds. Smooth, shaven, straight black hair, but a round face, rather athletic build. Well, I think I'll go over to that latent street address. What? The sheriffs check on the Leighton address netted only the information that a man by the name of Watts had lived there but had left sometime in December. At the Los Angeles post office, Shave found a change of address directing that mail address for the Leighton Wade house be forwarded to Lancaster, Pennsylvania. But the sheriff reasoned that this address was a blind and proceeded on the theory that the chest forwarded from Carruthers indicated the true prey of the fugitive. Laid plans for his capture. Emmett. Yes. Send that. Yes. First ask Ember to swear out a murder complaint charging J H Watt for the murder of Wilford Hay. Send a wire to the chief of police in Boston. Ask him to check up on the address they got On Washington. Have the Lancaster, Pennsylvania police investigate him there.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

And ask them to watch the post office.

[B]

Anything else?

[A]

Yes. Get a wire off to the Motor Vehicle Department. Ask them to check up on that oval and through the outer. You better get a letter off to Sheriff Jones up in Fresno too. Ask him to find out from that fellow Thomas at Carruthers about that check he cashed for Hayes. Get him to have Thomas prescribe the man.

[B]

Really making straight for this all I could tell.

[A]

I have a fog of bulletins printed giving a complete description of what send them out to all the places up and down the coast with an especial supply to San Francisco in the Bay District.

[B]

What else?

[A]

Well, I guess that ought to keep them busy for a while. Within a few days, word came from San Francisco that a man answering Watts description had cashed a check at a restaurant giving the name of Craig. San Francisco officers took up the hunt in earnest. Detective Sergeant Kalmbach and Richards, on a chance stakeout were making the round of the branch post offices as well as the main San Francisco office. One day late in February they were scanning the faces of patrons at the general delivery window when anything for Jimmer James Craig. How do you spell it? C, R, E, G, G, E, R. James Cracker. There's one left. All right. CR says who? We do police officers. You? Yeah. What's the idea? A little item of murder. San Bernardino. You're making a big mistake, mister. I haven't ever been in San Bernardino. Well, maybe not. We think you're J.H. watt. We think you have been in San Bernardino. Anyway, that's where you're going. Watts was returned to San Bernardino county and legal machinery began to turn to bring him to trial. Although he admitted his name and that he knew Wilford Hay slightly, he stoutly maintained his innocence. On April 10, he was brought to trial file. District Attorney George Johnson presented a veritable parade of witnesses. Your name is Sellers? Yes. Clark Sellers. You're an expert in comparing handwriting? I am. I show you samples of handwriting in the defendant watch of the victim, Wilford Hay. I will ask you if you've examined them. I have. And what did you find? Well, the handwriting of the man Hay is the same as that found in the hotel register in Ogden and on the telegram sent from Orden. It is in no way similar to that of what it is. Is the handwriting of what similar to that found on the check marked Exhibit B in passion Carruthers, California on December 9th? It is this signature on this check signed in San Francisco bearing the Name Hayes. And the endorsement? Craig. Is it the signature of Wilfred Hayes? No, it is not. It is identical with the handwriting of J.H. watts. That's all. Mr. Sillaway. This is still a way you had employed by the Western Union Telegraph Company?

[B]

Yes, at. I live in seventh in Los Angeles.

[A]

Do you recognize the defendant Watt?

[B]

Yes, sir. He is a man who sent the telegram to Detroit Fan.

[A]

Thank you. That's all, Dr. Levin. Dr. Levin, you made spectrographic and microscopic tests of sand taken from the scene where the body of Wilford Hay was found? Yes, I did. And did you make similar analysis of sand taken from the clothing of the defendant Ward? I did. And were they similar? They were identical. Thank you. That's all, Mr. Harris. Mr. Harris, will you tell the court and jury just what happened in relation to the defendant now on trial on the evening of November 24th last? Well, I was on my way to Las Vegas to look at some mining property I have up there. My car broke down on the road about 20 miles west of Vegas. I stopped off at Silver Lake. Friend of mine lives there, runs a garage. I took care of his garage for him that night. Did you see the defendant on that night? Yes, sir. That evening. He walked into the garage and said he was out of gasoline installed down the road away. I walked part of the way down the road with him. Did he have a companion in the car with him? Yes, sir. I saw a man in the car that answered the description the officers gave this man Hay. Did Watts say anything about this man? Well, he said, I'm riding with the dead one. Did you have any reason for this remark? No. But you assure that the defendant was in the company of a man who answered Hayes description on the night of November 24th and that this was at Silver Lake? Yes, sir, I am. Thank you. R.W. watts. Mr. Watts, is the defendant, J.H. watts, related to you? Yes, it's my brother. Did you at any time in the introduce your brother to any official of the bank of Italy in Los Angeles? Yes. In December, my brother came to Los Angeles. He said he was driving his own car and wanted to cash some drafts on a bank back east. I introduced him to the bank. Guaranteed he couldn't, sir. What name did he use in opening this account? He used the name of Wilford Hayes. What reason did he give for using that name? He said he'd had some trouble by teeth. Domestic trouble. Wanted to use another name. Mr. What. What is your address at this time? San Quentin Penitentiary. And what is the reason for you being there? I was Convicted in Los Angeles of Grand Larson in connection with my brother's bank account. Thank you, Mr. Watts. That is all. Let us see. You are Walter Shea, Sheriff of San Bernardino County? I am. Have you seen the body of the man identified as Wilfred Hayes? I have. Upon what do you base your identification of this man? By a comparison of the handwriting on the sheet of memorandum paper found on the victim's body with specimens of his known writing. What other means? By a comparison of the victim's description as furnished by witnesses who knew him with that of the dead man. Then you can say positive that the man whose body was found in the desert near Langford's well was Wilford Hayden. I can. That is all. Thank you. That is the people's case. We the jury, find the defendant, J. H Watts, guilty of murder in the first degree. Before we execute the sentence of the court, is there anything you'd like to say? Ah, get it over. Stand there. Rio Grande crack is not a special privilege gasoline. It is the specified choice of the officials of 30 leading cities and counties throughout California and is used exclusively to power their emergency cars. The very same Rio Grande cracked gasoline is available to every motorist in California. The same finer motor fuel that fed police cars and other public service equipment over 55 million miles of California highways through all the hardships and weather changes of a single year has won the loyalty and patronage of thousands of thinking motors. I feel confidence that Rio Grande crack will win your approval too when you give it a trial. The same Rio Grande tank trucks you see pull into the garages of your police and fire department, serve the red and white Rio Grande station in your neighborhood with the same Rio Grande cracked gasoline used to power emergency public service cars. That's why you too will begin getting police car performance for your car when you wheel in tomorrow morning and ask the fresh friendly Rio Grande dealer for a tank full of Rio Grande cracks. The gasoline preferred by officials for emergency car. The gasoline preferred by a great army of mothists for all emergencies. On October 15, two years after his crime, a natural review by the state's highest court, Watts walked up the steps of the gallows of San Clinton, sent there by a wadded sheet of memorandum paper. Without an apparent qualm, he plunged through the trap and the brutal murder of Wilford Hay was avenged. Today this case is referred to as an outstanding one covering the law of circumstantial evidence. I'm from the sheriff's office. Calling all cars. Vention, all cars. The campaign broadcast 211 regarding a dead body in the desert, suspecting this case was hanged at Ann Quentin. That's all. This is your narrator, Frederick Lindsley, bidding you good night for Rio Grande sa.