Man from Homicide 51-08-27 010 Steve Morton Case

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Man from Homicide 51-08-27 010 Steve Morton Case"

Overview

In this captivating episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio with "The Man from Homicide," starring Dan Duryea as Lt. Lou Dana and Larry Dobkin as Dave. The story revolves around the mysterious murder of Steve Morton, unraveling a complex web of deceit, motive, and meticulous detective work. Released on July 18, 2025, this episode delivers a rich narrative filled with suspense, sharp dialogue, and classic radio drama elements.

The Murder and Initial Investigation

The episode opens with Lt. Lou Dana introducing the perilous nature of homicide investigations. When Steve Morton is discovered dead, shot twice in the face with a shotgun, the case immediately presents itself as a high-stakes mystery. Lt. Dana remarks at [01:27] – "It doesn't end until a killer is found" – setting the tone for a relentless pursuit of justice.

Upon arriving at the crime scene, Lt. Dana and his team, including Everett Thompson and Dave, begin piecing together the evidence. They note the victim's affluent lifestyle, hinting that financial motives may be at play. As Lt. Dana muses at [02:14], "Somebody didn't like him?" the investigation gains direction towards personal vendettas and hidden tensions.

Suspects and Motives

The primary suspects emerge as Mrs. Cynthia Morton, Steve Morton's wife, and Everett Thompson, Morton's attorney. Lt. Dana probes into their backgrounds, uncovering potential motives:

• Financial Pressure: At [14:00], Everett reveals, "600,000. Seems he'd been phonying up his returns for years," indicating that Morton's impending tax evasion charges could provide a strong motive for murder.

• Inheritance and Personal Gain: Lt. Dana theorizes that Mrs. Morton stands to benefit from her husband's death, especially through insurance policies and possible inheritance, creating a classic motive for both spouses.

Alibi Confirmation and the Dry Handkerchief Clue

As the investigation progresses, Lt. Dana and his team verify the alibis of both Cynthia and Everett:

• Everett Thompson's Alibi: Thompson claims to have been in court during the time of the murder. This alibi is later confirmed, casting doubt on his involvement.

• Cynthia Morton's Alibi: Mrs. Morton insists she was attending a bridge party, supported by multiple witnesses. However, a critical clue surfaces when it's discovered that her handkerchief is dry. At [05:20], Lt. Dana points out, "I'll give it to her when I question her again," suspecting that the lack of tears indicates premeditation rather than genuine grief.

Discovery of the Deception

Persistent investigation leads Lt. Dana to exhumate Morton's body, revealing that the corpse is not Steve Morton but another man named Fred Carter. Critical revelations include:

• Fingerprint Identification: The fingerprints on Steve Morton's alleged driver's license match those of Fred Carter, suggesting that Morton's body was substituted.

• Hair Color Discrepancy: Lt. Dana notices at [19:34], "His hair... is gray," differing from the deceased Steve Morton's appearance, further confirming the deception.

Confrontation and Resolution

Armed with undeniable evidence, Lt. Dana confronts Mrs. Cynthia Morton. During a tense interrogation, Dana unravels the plot:

• Murder Scheme: It becomes clear that Cynthia and Everett orchestrated Steve Morton's murder to evade tax charges and secure financial benefits. They planted Fred Carter's body to fake Morton's death, believing their plan to be foolproof.

• Final Evidence: Lt. Dana presents the meticulously gathered evidence, including the reconstructed sketch and fingerprint matches, leading Mrs. Morton to a point of no return. At [28:04], he states convincingly, "You take the gun and hide out. That makes catching the killer tough," cornering her into confession.

Key Quotes

• Lt. Lou Dana on the nature of homicide work:

  "It is Ryan Seacrest here. There was a recent social media trend..." [Note: This quote appears to be part of an advertisement and may be misplaced in the transcript.]

• Lt. Lou Dana during initial investigation:

  "It doesn't end until a killer is found." [01:27]

• Lt. Dana on discovering falsified emotions:

  "I'll give it to her when I question her again." [05:20]

• Lt. Dana confronting the suspect:

  "I don't have to submit to this sort of torture from you." [13:06]

• Final accusation leading to confession:

  "You're in deep on an income tax wrap... So you get this guy Forbes in your house, shoot him full in the face with a shotgun." [28:04]

Conclusion

"The Man from Homicide" masterfully blends classic radio drama storytelling with a compelling murder mystery. Through the diligent efforts of Lt. Lou Dana and his team, listeners are taken on a journey of discovery, suspicion, and ultimate resolution. The episode emphasizes the importance of attention to detail and intuition in solving complex cases, all while maintaining the engaging and immersive atmosphere characteristic of the Golden Age of Radio.

Notable Takeaways

• Attention to Detail: The dry handkerchief served as a pivotal clue, illustrating how small inconsistencies can unravel elaborate deceptions.

• Intuition vs. Evidence: Lt. Dana's hunches, combined with methodical evidence collection, highlight the balance between instinct and factual investigation.

• Motivation and Human Nature: Financial pressures and personal relationships often drive individuals to commit heinous acts, a recurring theme in crime dramas.

This episode stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of well-crafted detective stories, offering both nostalgia and timeless lessons in the art of investigation.

Transcript

[Ryan Seacrest]

It is Ryan Seacrest here. There was a recent social media trend which consisted of flying on a plane with no music, no movies, no entertainment. But a better trend would be going to chumbacasino.com it's like having a mini social casino in your pocket. Chumba casino has over 100 online casino style games all absolutely free. It's the most fun you can have online and on a plane. So grab your free welcome bonus [e-mail] sponsored by Chumba Casino.

[John Daly]

No purchase necessary vgw group void where prohibited by law 21 + terms and conditions apply. Stay tuned for the man from Homicide. There are two requirements essential to a good radio newscast. Speed and flexibility. News of Tomorrow, ABC's nightly roundup heard Monday through Thursday ensures listeners of both. Editor John Daly can draw upon 30 overseas correspondence stationed at vital points around the globe, six news bureaus stretching across the United States and over 290 ABC affiliates with their local news staffs. When News of Tomorrow hits the air, a complete to the moment picture of the world's happenings is on its way to ABC listeners tonight for swift news awareness, listen to ABC for News of Tomorrow. The man from Homicide According to Webster's Dictionary, homicide is the killing of one human being by another. According to Lt. Lou Dana, it's the.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Beginning of a dirty dangerous job. It doesn't end until a killer is found.

[Dave]

I don't like killers.

[John Daly]

Every week at this time the American Broadcasting Company presents transcribes the star of stage and screen dan Duryea as Lt. Lou Dana, the man from Homicide.

[Dave]

Trouble with being a cop and homicide is that by the time you get there, the damage has already been done. You just pick up the pieces and put them together if you can. If the puzzle adds up to an answer, then a killer is stopped from doing further damage. If not, well then you just wait till the next time. That's one thing you're pretty sure of about a killer. Sooner or later there'll be a next time. The picture boys and the lab boys were pretty well through by the time I got there.

[Everett Thompson]

Okay boys, hurry it up.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

The corpse was male, white, about 45.

[Everett Thompson]

I'll be sure you get those color shots good, Eddie. They'll be important on this one.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Steve Morton had been shot full in.

[Dave]

The face at close range with a double barrel shotgun.

[Everett Thompson]

Get a close up in that color, Eddie.

[Dave]

Two 12 gauge shells can make quite a change in a guy's features.

[Everett Thompson]

Well, the boys are through, Lou. What do you make of it?

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Somebody didn't like Him?

[Everett Thompson]

Yeah. Sure proved it.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Anybody around?

[Everett Thompson]

The wife and a fellow name of Thompson. He's. He was Morton's attorney.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Where?

[Everett Thompson]

Library.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

There?

[Everett Thompson]

Yep.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Come on. You talk to him? Not much.

[Everett Thompson]

The wife was in pretty bad shape. She found him, called Homicide. Then this attorney. She's pretty hysterical.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

She is, huh?

[Everett Thompson]

Well, maybe she loved him.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

It happens. I hear.

[Everett Thompson]

That'S her.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

I didn't think it was. The guy.

[Everett Thompson]

Says, Lod, Mrs. Morton.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

I'm Homicide. Mrs. Morton been assigned to cover this? Please. No.

[Mrs. Cynthia Morton]

No more questions. I can't.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Sorry. Mrs. Morton, you want us to catch whoever murdered your husband, don't you?

[Mrs. Cynthia Morton]

I can't talk about it.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

I tell you, I can't.

[Everett Thompson]

Lieutenant Dana? I'm Everett Thompson.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

I'm Mrs. Morton's attorney. That sounds nice.

[Everett Thompson]

Couldn't you possibly postpone any further interrogation of Mrs. Morton until she's had time to. To compose herself?

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Sorry. First impressions are the most important. Ten minutes from now, she may not remember as clearly. Mrs. Morton, I'm sorry, but there are a few things I have to know.

[Mrs. Cynthia Morton]

Very well. I've tried.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

You know who shot your husband?

[Mrs. Cynthia Morton]

No.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Do you suspect anyone?

[Mrs. Cynthia Morton]

No.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Where were you when it happened?

[Mrs. Cynthia Morton]

I told the other officers I'd been to a bridge party.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Witnesses?

[Mrs. Cynthia Morton]

Of course.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

And when you came back, you.

[Mrs. Cynthia Morton]

I opened the door, stepped in the room there. Lying there on the floor. No, I can't. I can.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

She's terribly upset.

[Everett Thompson]

I'll try and quiet her.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Yeah, try. You get the time she got home?

[Everett Thompson]

About 40 minutes ago.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

How long has he been dead?

[Everett Thompson]

A good two hours.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Well, doesn't look as though we get much from her. No.

[Everett Thompson]

And she called Thompson. He got here after the first of the boys.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

What you got there?

[Everett Thompson]

Miss Morton dropped her handkerchief when she ran out.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Oh, let me have it. I'll give it to her when I question her again.

[Everett Thompson]

Yeah.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Yeah, thanks.

[Dave]

Hey, that's funny.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

What wouldn't you say?

[Dave]

Mrs. Morton seemed pretty shaken.

[Everett Thompson]

Never saw anybody cry any harder.

[Dave]

Why, her handkerchief, Dave. Feel.

[Everett Thompson]

It's dry.

[Dave]

It sure is, Pappy. Sometimes the leads come fast. It looked like this was the time we'd stumbled onto something. Right off. I went back in the living room for another look at Morton. Nothing. He was just 10 minutes deader. The room was large, luxuriantly furnished. It was an exclusive neighborhood. It'd take dough. Morton had dough. What's a corpse gonna do with dough? A more pertinent question might be, what's a widow gonna do with dough?

[Everett Thompson]

Methinks the lady doth protest too much.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

When did you get on speaking Terms with Shakespeare.

[Everett Thompson]

I. I read a book.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Ever read one entitled the Care and Feeding of Rich Widows?

[Everett Thompson]

Oh, I could write that one.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Yeah, with your figure, writing it is about all you could do.

[Everett Thompson]

All right. You gonna try and break her with that dry hanky? I mean.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

No. Let's pretend we didn't find it that way. She may not have her guard up.

[Everett Thompson]

All right. You through with the leading man here?

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Yeah. Tell the boys to clean it up. I'm gonna have a talk with the Mrs.

[Everett Thompson]

Right. Okay, boys, take the morgue there. Customer. Then get back to the lab and stop sipping.

[Dave]

Back at headquarters, I started putting the pieces together. There were three of them. A dead rich man, a young, beautiful widow who cried dry tears and a suave attorney. Put the pieces together and they added up to homicide. There was only one thing wrong with the idea, and that was that. That's all it was, just an idea. I started out after information that would turn it into a fact.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Dave?

[Everett Thompson]

Yes, Lou?

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Have a check made on this guy, Everett Thompson.

[Everett Thompson]

Sure, Lou.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

I want everything. Background, financial interests, friends. Same thing on the deceased.

[Everett Thompson]

Background of financial interests. Okay, but it's gonna be a little hard to check on his friends. I don't know which place he went.

[Dave]

You got the build for a comedian, but not the brain.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Past friends.

[Everett Thompson]

Okay, Lou. Just kidding.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

You got the names of the people Mrs. Morton says she was playing bridge with at the time of the killing?

[Everett Thompson]

Yeah, sure, right here.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Leave them.

[Everett Thompson]

Am I going someplace?

[Lt. Lou Dana]

You are. Where? Justice court, Division 3. Ask the clerk if Everett Thompson was there yesterday at the time he said he was.

[Everett Thompson]

Anything else?

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Just get back here as quick as you can. Then you can go with me to make a pinch.

[Everett Thompson]

Oh, you seem pretty sure.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

I got a nose for these things. It's so pat. Motive. Thompson and the missus are in love. She inherits and then they get married and live happily ever after.

[Dave]

Only I'm afraid they're gonna find it a little crowded in the electric chair.

[Everett Thompson]

Yeah, but, Lou, they both claim alibis.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

I got a hunch that's where we'll find the hol.

[Dave]

Their plan.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Now get going. Right.

[Dave]

Now. Let's see. Spangler, Edith, Mrs. George. Moody, Peters, Sanson, Spang, Spangler, George. Hillbrook, 7 16.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Hello, Mrs. Spangler? Lou Dana, Homicide. Do you know Mrs. Steve Morton? Yes. It is too bad you know her then. Oh, I see. Was she at your home playing bridge yesterday?

[Dave]

Oh.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

What time did she leave?

[Dave]

I see.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

There were other witnesses.

[Dave]

I see.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Thank you very much, Mrs. Spangler. Oh, yes. You've been a big Help. You just helped my best idea into oblivion. Hello.

[Everett Thompson]

Glad I caught you. Afraid you sent me in a wild goose chase, son.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

I've been on one myself, Pappy. The season's open on wild goose chases.

[Everett Thompson]

Well, we've been where he goes before. Sorry to disappoint you, Lou, but Thompson was in court yesterday at the time, he says.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

And Mrs. Morton was playing bridge.

[Everett Thompson]

Looks like we maybe convicted those two a little premature.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Looks to me like we didn't convict them at all. Dana here. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Shoot.

[Dave]

I see.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Thanks a lot.

[Everett Thompson]

Anything?

[Lt. Lou Dana]

The lab with the autopsy report?

[Everett Thompson]

Yeah.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Time of death, 3pm Thompson was in court till 3:20 and Mrs. Morton was playing bridge till 4.

[Everett Thompson]

So we cross them off the list.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

We tear up the list. They're the only ones on it.

[Everett Thompson]

And they're apparently as clean as Las.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Vegas tourists as the actual killers may be.

[Everett Thompson]

Meaning?

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Sometimes the hand that points a gun is a long way from the finger that pulls the trigger.

[Dave]

Pape.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Now, if those two didn't have something to do with that guy's death, then I've lost my instincts.

[Everett Thompson]

Cop and homicide without instinct.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

I said if Dave and I haven't.

[Dave]

Lost them, I've still got him.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

And I'll bet you my pension against Mrs. Morton's dry hanky that they're right.

[Dave]

There's always something fishy about a killer story. I had only a hunch, but it kept prodding me. I couldn't prove how, when or why she and Thompson had wanted her husband dead, but I was sure they had. I decided to go ask her.

[Mrs. Cynthia Morton]

Well, Lieutenant, I hardly expected to see you again so soon.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

It isn't a social call, Mrs. Morton.

[Mrs. Cynthia Morton]

Sit down, Lieutenant.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Thanks.

[Dave]

Stick a gum, Mrs. Morton.

[Mrs. Cynthia Morton]

Gum? Certainly not, Lieutenant.

[Dave]

No. You wouldn't mind if I do?

[Mrs. Cynthia Morton]

If you must be gauche, go ahead.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

I will. Helps me think.

[Mrs. Cynthia Morton]

What flavor do you chew, Lieutenant? Cyanide.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

What's that mean?

[Mrs. Cynthia Morton]

I was just thinking. The kind of thoughts you think come.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

From the people I have to associate with.

[Mrs. Cynthia Morton]

I see.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

A cop and Homicide. Dad doesn't write poetry about birds and flowers, Mrs. Morton. He thinks more in terms of guns and blood, knives and wounds, rigor, mortars, bodies on slabs in the morgue and faces blasted from two barrels of a shotgun.

[Mrs. Cynthia Morton]

Stop it.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Why did you and Thompson kill your husband, Mrs. Morton?

[Mrs. Cynthia Morton]

You're despicable.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Thanks.

[Dave]

Why, Mrs. Morton?

[Mrs. Cynthia Morton]

Lieutenant Dana. I didn't kill my husband. Neither did Everett. I loved my husband. I'm sorry you don't believe me.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

I don't.

[Mrs. Cynthia Morton]

But I'm sure of One thing, Lieutenant. I don't have to submit to this sort of torture from you. Unless and until you're ready to charge me with murder, I don't have to see you again.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Okay, Mrs. Morton. Okay. You'll see me again.

[Dave]

She was right. She could refuse to answer any questions. She could deny any implication. She could mourn and weep for her dead husband. And she could insist that neither she nor Thompson were involved. But she couldn't make me believe it. The trouble was, I didn't have any way of making anybody believe me either.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Lou. Lou. Yes, Dave? What?

[Everett Thompson]

Got something. Routine report on Morton.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Oh. What is it?

[Everett Thompson]

He was in trouble, Lou.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

What kind of trouble?

[Everett Thompson]

Money.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Morton. I thought he was one of the idle rich.

[Everett Thompson]

Might have been idle, but not rich. Not anymore.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Explain.

[Everett Thompson]

Income tax boys breathing down his neck. They were about to make a formal charge evasion. 600,000. Seems he'd been phonying up his returns for years.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

And they were gonna collect.

[Everett Thompson]

And not only that, according to this report, they were going to ask a stiff prison sentence as well.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

How long?

[Everett Thompson]

10 years anyway. And they'd have made it stick, too, except somebody beat him to the punch.

[Dave]

600,010 years, huh?

[Everett Thompson]

Yeah.

[Dave]

Yeah.

[Everett Thompson]

You know, maybe he wasn't so unlucky after all. Guy in that spot would be better off dead.

[Dave]

Yeah.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Yeah.

[Everett Thompson]

Lou, you thought about the other angle?

[Dave]

Suicide. Ah, could be a motive. All right, but what about the gun? The guy doesn't shoot himself in the face with both barrels of a shotgun and get rid of the gun before he dies. If Morton killed himself, which I doubt, somebody had to help him. No, Damon, I don't think Steve Morton wanted to die.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

I think.

[Dave]

Wait a minute.

[Everett Thompson]

Idea, son.

[Dave]

Could be Pepe. Could be. Hello?

[Ryan Seacrest]

It is Ryan. And we could all use an extra bright spot in our day, couldn't we? Just to make up for things like sitting in traffic, doing the dishes, counting your steps. You know, all the mundane stuff. That is why I'm such a big fan of Chumba Casino. Chumba Casino has all your favorite social casino style games that you can play for free, anytime, anywhere with daily bonuses. So sign up [e-mail] that's chumbacasino.com no purchase necessary.

[John Daly]

VGW Group void. We're prohibited by law 21 + terms and conditions apply.

[Orville Anderson]

This podcast is sponsored by IQ Bar. Your favorite clean, functional, delicious nutrition brand is raising the bar with a little help from Thomas Keller, Michelin star chef of the French Laundry. IQ Bar and Thomas Keller have teamed up to create a Salted Caramel Chip Protein bar and Yuzu Mango Hydration Mix. With toasted macadamia nuts, rich caramel flavor and brain boosting nutrients, this bar is like having a Michelin star meal in your pocket. Pair it with the Tastebud Tingling Yuzu Mango IQ Mix Hydration mix packed with magnesium and adaptogens to improve clarity and mood. With Keller's culinary excellence and IQ Bar's commitment to great taste and clean ingredients, this limited edition collaboration is simply Mwah. And the best part is that 10% of sales go directly to Chef Keller's nonprofit mentor that supports aspiring young chefs. Great taste, great nutrition, great mission. Go to iqbar.com today and enter promo code KELLER20 to get 20% off all IQ Bar products plus free shipping. That's iqbar.com promo code KELLER20.

[Dave]

How long has Steve Morton been burying?

[Everett Thompson]

About two weeks.

[Dave]

Why?

[Everett Thompson]

What's on your mind, son?

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Murder, Pappy. Murder. Hello, Dana. Give me the lab, Casey. Dana. Now listen, Casey, could you still get prints off a two week old corpse? You could? Good. Thanks.

[Everett Thompson]

Oh, you aren't thinking.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

I am. Get an order out to have Steve Morton's body exhumed. Get the lab boys to make prince. Then I want to have a look at them myself.

[Everett Thompson]

You're welcome.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

You don't expect pleasant work. In homicide we only had Mrs. Morton's word for identification. I got a hunch that's not enough. Now get on it.

[Everett Thompson]

Okay, son, if you say so.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

I say so. And Dave. Yeah? Don't let the boys in the press in on this. Let's keep it strictly inside the department, huh?

[Dave]

The boys got busy with their grave digging and I got busy on a fresh pack of gum and some more heavy thinking. I still had that hunch. I still felt Mrs. Morton was mixed up somehow. I went out to see her again. I got the kind of a fishy stare only an unwelcome guest can get from a well trained butler who likes his job. I wore my nastiest disposition and discovery discouraged him. Mrs. Morton came right down, Lieutenant.

[Mrs. Cynthia Morton]

Dana, I thought you understood that I didn't wish to see you again.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

I know. I'm a pest, huh?

[Mrs. Cynthia Morton]

If you've come to make more accusations, especially unfounded.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Did your husband drive a car, Mrs. Morton?

[Mrs. Cynthia Morton]

Certainly.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

I want his driver's license.

[Mrs. Cynthia Morton]

What makes you think I'd have it, Lieutenant?

[Lt. Lou Dana]

The way you apparently felt about him, I thought you'd probably keep his personal effects.

[Mrs. Cynthia Morton]

Yes, of course. But I don't believe I remember seeing his driver's license. I don't have it you don't have.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

It or you don't want me to see it?

[Mrs. Cynthia Morton]

Why shouldn't I want you to see it, Lieutenant?

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Maybe because it'd have his fingerprints on it. Goodbye, Mrs. Morton.

[Dave]

I went back to headquarters. The driver's license didn't worry me too much. There'd be prints somewheres of a guy as important as Steve Morton. Dave had the boys do a real fast job bringing in the body. They had it now on a slab in the morgue. And Dave and I went together for a look.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Which one, Dave?

[Everett Thompson]

Right here.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Pull him out.

[Everett Thompson]

Yeah.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Well, the boys get his prints. Yeah.

[Everett Thompson]

That's all you wanted. And I put him back.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Now, wait a second.

[Dave]

Dave. Yeah? Look. His hair.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Well, I. I notice the color, Dave.

[Everett Thompson]

Yeah. Same as it was black.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Look.

[Dave]

Close.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Gray.

[Everett Thompson]

Close to the scalp. It's gray.

[Dave]

It sure is.

[Everett Thompson]

Well, what does it mean?

[Dave]

It means we check his prints against every source. And most of all we compare them with Steve Moore. Morton's. Steve Morton. It turned out it had a government job during the war. The federal boys cooperated and we got a copy of his prints in a hurry. The guy in the morgue was wearing a different set. The hunch was becoming a reality. At first I was sure Cynthia Morton had murdered her husband. Now I was sure sure she hadn't. Matter of fact, I was beginning to think nobody had. We'd need some more routine to be sure.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Give me the lab. Dana here. Listen, I want you guys to sketch a reconstructed face for the guy we got in the morgue.

[Dave]

Yeah.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

And then a physical description, weight, height, eyes and so on. Yeah, as near as you can come to what he looked like alive. Except for one thing. Give him gray hair. Thanks, Dave. Dave.

[Everett Thompson]

Yeah, Lou?

[Lt. Lou Dana]

In here. Quick, huh?

[Everett Thompson]

Okay.

[Dave]

Good old routine. The cop's best friend. It always pays dividends. Sometimes you gotta have a hunch to get it rolling. But in the end, it's the routine that pays off.

[Everett Thompson]

What's up?

[Lt. Lou Dana]

I'm having the boys make a sketch of a face to go on the guy in the morgue. As soon as it's finished, run a check with the Missing Persons.

[Everett Thompson]

What am I supposed to be looking for?

[Lt. Lou Dana]

A name to fit the body we got on the slab.

[Dave]

The boys ran off the sketch. He's a pretty good looking guy. Maybe in his 50s, strong chin, large nose, iron gray hair. Of course, anything, even a sketch would look better than he did. After taking that blast in the face, I went to show Mrs. Morton my sketch.

[Mrs. Cynthia Morton]

Well, Lieutenant Dana, how unpleasant, meeting you again.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

You're pretty Rude.

[Mrs. Cynthia Morton]

Don't you like competition?

[Lt. Lou Dana]

I don't mind. You don't win friends in Homicide. But then you don't particularly care for the people you meet.

[Mrs. Cynthia Morton]

Something special on your mind, Lieutenant?

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Your age? Well, you heard me. Your age.

[Mrs. Cynthia Morton]

34.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

You look older.

[Mrs. Cynthia Morton]

Now, listen to me.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Nervous strain, maybe. Do you Dye your hair, Mrs. Morton?

[Mrs. Cynthia Morton]

Certainly not.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

How about your late husband? Did he dye his nose? Mind taking a look at this? It's a pencil sketch of a guy. Know him?

[Mrs. Cynthia Morton]

No. Why?

[Lt. Lou Dana]

You should. He's using your old man's coffin. That is, he was till we dug him up. Where is he, Mrs. Morton?

[Mrs. Cynthia Morton]

I haven't anything further to say to you.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Rather say it to the da.

[Mrs. Cynthia Morton]

You can't bring any charge against me. I've done nothing.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Ever hear of an accomplice or concealing a criminal, obstructing justice? Stiff sentences with all of them. Maybe even the chair for the first. And that's real hard on a beautiful woman. Like to tell me where he is? The best you can get now is.

[Dave]

A light wrap for turning state's evidence.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

And the worst, the chair. Just tell me where he is.

[Dave]

Make it easier.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

We'll find him anyhow. And this will be quicker and easier for you too. Well, Mrs. Morton?

[Mrs. Cynthia Morton]

Suffolk. It's an apartment hotel. 2200 block out on Canyon Road.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Okay, Mrs. Morton, get your hat. I'll drop you off at the jail on my way.

[Dave]

Steve Morton had dyed his hair, all right. Red. He'd be wearing glasses too, and he'd have a mustache. And be going by the name of Fred Carter. I found out about these things on the way to headquarters from his wife. I booked her on suspicion of murder and then drove out looking for the guy we thought we'd already buried. It was one of those small places in a residential district that tries hard to look like a home. But business wins in the end. And the neon sign spoils the approach. There was a guy on duty behind the desk.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Mr. Carter in? Oh.

[Everett Thompson]

Oh, you startled me. Mr. Carter?

[John Daly]

Yes? Whom shall I say?

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Don't. What room?

[John Daly]

I'm sorry.

[Everett Thompson]

Unless I can announce you, I'm afraid that.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Dana. Homicide. Homicide? Hummus murder.

[Dave]

Yes.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

What room?

[Everett Thompson]

2:14.

[Mrs. Cynthia Morton]

The elevator.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

You run it yourself? I can manage. Just keep quiet.

[Dave]

The hall was dimly lit. I would have liked more light, but I didn't have a choice. 214 was close to the elevator. That part I did like. Mr. Carter wouldn't be expecting company.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Yes? Hello, Mr. Carter. Last time I met you, you were dead. I. I don't believe I Understand? Maybe you'd understand better if I said Morton. Steve Morton. Who are you? Lou Dana. I never heard of you. You'll wish you never had. I'm Homicide.

[Dave]

I overplayed my hand. Morton slammed the door on my face. The night latch was on.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

I gave it the shoulder.

[Dave]

It didn't splinter like they do in the movies. I thought, if I was a trapped killer, what would I do? I figured the fire escape. There was an alcove 20ft down the hall. I took a chance. The window at the end opened onto the fire escape.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

I looked out.

[Dave]

I was right. He was on. Didn't seem like a good idea to stick my head out again. I peeked. He was still there.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

I'm coming out, Morton. That means you'll have first shot. But if you miss, I'll have the second shot. I think you'll miss. But you know I won't miss, don't you, Morton? Cops learn to shoot. We go to school, go to the pistol range to practice. We shoot straight, Morton. Remember, if you take first shot, I take second. Okay, I'm coming. Real smart, Morton.

[Dave]

You'd have come out second best.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Okay, let's go to headquarters. How they doing, Dave?

[Everett Thompson]

Dame won't talk and the guy is.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Screaming for his lawyer 72 hours before we have to book him. Get him in my office, Dave.

[Everett Thompson]

Okay, Luke.

[Dave]

I could have written my report without him. But it'd look better on the record if I had their stories on it. I was thinking it was funny. First time I ever had to track down a corpse for his own murder. Dave brought in the corpse, alive and kicking.

[John Daly]

You can't do this. I demand to see my attorney.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Relax, Morton. Killers don't demand things here. You have no proof.

[John Daly]

It's only guessing. Wild guessing.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Want to hear how wild? Tell him it's too easy. It wouldn't have been. You might have made it except for that dry hanky. Dry hanky?

[Dave]

Yeah.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

Your wife was real broken up about your death. She really threw the weeps. Trouble was, there weren't any tears. She dropped her handkerchief. It was dry from then on. I knew it was a phony. Just a matter then, approving how and why. And you think you have? Sure. Here's a report from Missing Persons. Man by the name of William Forbes disappeared from his home and job about four weeks ago. It's a funny thing. He was about your size, height and weight. Of course, his hair was gray, but that was easy to fix. And you know something, Morton? His fingerprints fit the guy you picked for your stand in. And I suppose this person just agreed to all this. I got a theory about that. You got an attractive wife, Morton? After you'd picked him for size and shape, it'd be easy for her to lure him to your house.

[Mrs. Cynthia Morton]

Why, thank you, Lieutenant.

[Lt. Lou Dana]

I don't know how you got him to dye his hair, but when we exhumed his body, we found it was gray at the roots. Is that all? No. One more thing. You're in deep on an income tax wrap. Straightening it up would break you as well as get you 10 years. So you get this guy Forbes in your house, shoot him full in the face with a shotgun. That fixes it so nobody can tell it isn't you. You take the gun and hide out. That makes catching the killer tough on a kind of. We're looking for the same guy that's supposed to be dead. And just why do I do all this? Because you carry a real nice insurance policy. Mrs. Morton's the beneficiary. When things simmer down, you and she can live nicely as Mr. And Mrs. Carter. Well, Morton, like to tell us where the gun is. I'm not talking until I see my attorney. Okay, Dave, take them both down and book them on a charge of murder in the first degree. Oh, no. Feeling bad, Mrs. Morton? Well, what do you know? This time the tears are wet.

[Dave]

Attention to detail, that's what catches killers. And lack of it, that's what trips them up. Morton and his wife had fixed up a real cute plan. The trouble was, neither one of them had thought about a dry hanky. Funny how a little game of drop the handkerchief can make the difference between freedom and a chair. Of course, no killer gives the cops credit for being smarter than he is. That's because a killer has an incurable conceit. Yeah, a guy has to think an awful lot of himself to kill another man. Especially to shoot him in the face with a shotgun. It'll be a long time before I'd get rid of that memory. I don't like killers.

[John Daly]

You have just heard another in a transcribed series starring Dan Duryea as the man from Homicide. With Larry Dobkin as Dave. Music was by Basil Adlam. A Man from Homicide was written and directed by Dwight Hauser. Be with us again next week, same time over most of these same ABC stations. To hear Dan Duryea as the man from Homicide. Orville Anderson speaking. This program came to you from Hollywood. America is sold on abc, the American Broadcasting Company.

[Orville Anderson]

This podcast is sponsored by IQ Bar. Your favorite clean, functional, delicious nutrition brand is raising the Bar with A Little Help from Thomas Keller, Michelin Star Chef Chef of the French Laundry IQ Bar and Thomas Keller have teamed up to create a salted Caramel Chip protein bar and Yuzu Mango Hydration Mix. With toasted macadamia nuts, rich caramel flavor and brain boosting nutrients, this bar is like having a Michelin Star meal in your pocket. Pair it with the tastebud Tingling Yuzu Mango IQ Mix Hydration Mix packed with magnesium and adaptogens to improve clarity and mood. With Keller's culinary excellence and IQ Bar's commitment to great taste and clean ingredients, this limited edition collaboration is simply a and the best part is that 10% of sales go directly to Chef Keller's nonprofit mentor that supports aspiring young chefs. Great taste, Great Nutrition, Great mission. Go to iqbar.com today and enter promo code KELLER20 to get 20% off all IQ Bar products plus free shipping. That's iqbar.com, promo code KELLER20.