
Nightwatch 54-04-05 (01) Nude Prowler
Loading summary
Marcos
Weight loss. It needs to be fast and sustainable. Noom GLP1 starts at just $149 and ships to your door in seven days. Take it from Marcos, who's loving his journey with Noom GLP1.
Don Reed
I'm getting to where I want to be. I'm in such a good place right now and I'm very confident that I'm going to be able to continue this weight loss, this journey, and really make a true lifestyle change.
Marcos
Don't believe it. Take it from Cam, who's gaining more confidence with Noom GLP1.
Don Reed
I really am starting to feel better. Like I feel a lot light. I feel a lot happier. I feel a lot more confident. I just feel a lot more like myself. I don't feel so bogged down every day.
Marcos
$149 GLP1s now that's Noom smart Noom the smart way to lose weight. Get started with Noom GLP1@noom.com that's N-O-O-M.com real Noom users compensated to provide their story. Individual results may vary. Not all customers will medically qualify for prescription medications. Compounded medications are not reviewed by the FDA for safety, efficacy or quality.
Don Reed
54 in service starting mileage 64286428 Detectives Perkins and Walter Police Recorder Don Reed Central District Patrol tour of duty 6pm to 2am on the night watch district.
6:04Pm starting night watch this is Don Reeve. I'm a police recorder. The sounds you are listening to are real. This is a police car reporting in service for night duty. You will actually ride with this detective unit and follow the activities of the police officers in this car. You will watch and listen with me as the cases unfold. And as you listen, remember the people you hear are not actors and all the voices and sounds are authentic. For this is Night Watch.
Bob Conlon
Night Watch for the first time through the medium of network radio, the actual on the scene report of your police force in action. There are no actors. There is no script. The investigations are recorded as they actually occur. Night Watch presented with the cooperation of the Police Department of Culver City, California. W.N. hildebrand Chief we switch you to car 54, now on patrol and to Police Recorder Don Reed.
Don Reed
Just checking our log. At 6:31pm this date we took a stolen car report and arranged transportation home for the victim. 7:32pm Assisted Wesley, Los Angeles Police at the scene of a traffic accident. Cleared 8:22pm it might be interesting to note units in the vicinity at 2091 Hazleton. That's 2091 Hazleton. A459 there now. Unit 54 Han MCO code two five four.
Roger, we're rolling.
Well, there's our call and a reported 45 9. That means a burglar. A burglar is in the house and has been cited by some citizen or perhaps even the victim. We don't know. We have no further information on it and we're taking off and moving as rapidly as conditions allow. Now code two with which we are running is means we just have our red light on. We're not using a siren for quite obvious reasons. We don't want to tip off our presence. Now one thing in particular that I can feel as we're running in here on these last few seconds, I can feel the tension that has suddenly come over the car. I know, I personally feel it. A moment ago we were cruising along, the conversation was casual and suddenly there comes a burglar, which in terminology of the police department of course is a four five, nine. We're coming into the area now where the burglar has been reported. We've traveled perhaps, I'd say two and a half to three miles since our call was originally received. Our car is now watching for the street. We'll turn off to the right when it happens. And as a matter of fact, this is hit, I believe up ahead. Our red light has been turned off. Now we're in second gear, slowing down. No, apparently this is. Yes it is too. This is the street. And now our car lights have gone off. We're driving completely in the dark. The officers are watching both sides of the sidewalk to see if we can see any person at all of suspicious nature. And this parent leaves the house right off to the right. I noticed the officers observing and we're coming in now, moving out as quietly as possible. The officers are getting out of the car and we'll be right along behind them going up the walk. As I'm talking up on the front porch, there's a gentleman who is motioning the officers into the house. Let's move right on in. Standing across from me in the bedroom door is a middle aged woman clutching a bathrobe to her throat and appears to be in a very highly nervous condition. The officers are questioning her about the prowler. Let's move right on over.
Witness
Whoever he was, he canoe and I went into the bathroom and he was in this room and I thought it was my daughter and I was in the bathroom and he walked right in the bathroom and I went to go out and he gave me a shove and I started screaming, naturally. Then my husband ran out of here and my daughter just came in, see? And he was gone by the time she came back in.
Don Reed
Could you tell me what he'd look like, ma'am?
Witness
He was taller than you was because he pooped me. And he had a white shirt on and a tie.
Don Reed
Was he young man?
Witness
Yes, he was younger man. When he went to tell me, I screamed and he wasn't going to let me out of the bathroom, you know. And whenever. As soon as he pushed me then I. I noticed he had gray trousers and a white shirt and a tie and he was. He was taller than you are. He must have come in this room first and dropped his coat. I don't know if he knew that. Knew these houses or whether he mixed them up. He don't. Yeah, that's the line.
Don Reed
Oh, he found a. A coat. The officers discovered a coat with a name in it. Unquestionably, I'm moving out of the house now as I'm speaking. And that was the mother of. You heard the description of it. I'm moving away now. And unquestionably we will go on an investigation and determine just who and what this man is. The officers now are checking to see if he is still in the neighborhood.
Bob Conlon
Right now.
Don Reed
We'll move back to our car.
Here.
In our police car again, I've just been informed by one of the officers that while we were in the house on this investigation, Control one has received a second prowler call just a couple of blocks from here. As a matter of fact, another car has been dispatched to that location at 2036 Evergreen. They're holding a prowler there now. Five four, this may be your four, five, nine. Suspect wanted on your present call.
Five four, roger.
Well, this. This very possibly is a tie in somewhere on that case. Where is that, sergeant?
It's right down at the end of this block, Don. I think it's the house there with a light on it right at the corner.
Right, check. We're coming to a stop now and sliding. Our lights are out. We're skidding into a stop. And now let's get out with the officers and determine exactly what's happening. This very possibly.
He's right in there, officer. Okay, thanks.
Yes, come on down. Following the officers on into the house now as we're going in into the main room. And this very possibly may be the suspect that we're. We're looking for. He is in the bedroom, or rather the bathroom of a private home. The officers are in with him and he is standing in the nude at the present time. The officers have called for a blanket. He's putting. Putting up quite a fight about this whole thing and see if I can move in there. I can't quite get near enough to him now to pick up his voice because I said the man in this case a suspect is completely nude and they are throwing a blanket around him.
All right, Fell, you've been placed under as. Let's go.
While the prisoner is being escorted out of the house and I'm tagging along behind. Now, as. As I'm speaking, he is handcuffed with just a blanket pulled up around it outside of the door. Now the prisoner is being placed in the back seat of unit 5O with an officer guarding him. Well, that means for us, next stop, police headquarters. It's 10:05pm and I'm standing here at the booking desk in the Culver City police station. The suspect was positively identified by two of the victims a few moments ago. The suspect is being brought out of the detention room now. You probably can hear the cell door open and two of the officers are directing the prisoner toward the booking desk. And incidentally, he is a still handcuffed and his only clothing is that blanket pulled around him. Sergeant Perkins is about to book the prisoner.
What happened tonight?
Murphy
What happened tonight?
Don Reed
Yeah. How'd you get involved?
Murphy
Chapter. His name is Murphy. Your sergeant's name is I don't know what. Add the two together and you have how I got involved.
Don Reed
How'd you get in that house down there?
Murphy
The house belonged to me, Sergeant.
Don Reed
How about the other two houses?
Murphy
They too belong to me, Sergeant.
Don Reed
You own property?
Murphy
Do indeed I do.
Witness
Where are your clothes?
Murphy
Officer, may I ask you a question? Have you ever in your house, this is your own individual house. Ever gone to the bathroom without good trousers on?
Don Reed
Sure, in my own house.
Right.
Murphy
That house in which this particular officer and officer started. There are about five or six properties in the city of Santa Monica that I own.
Don Reed
This is the city of Culver City, not City of Santa Monica. These people are signing complaints against you, is that correct?
Right.
Murphy
Okay. And I suggest that you check with the people themselves.
Don Reed
Well, here is your property, Smith. What property you don't have, you're being booked on suspicion of 459, which is burglary and attempt assault.
Murphy
Right. What I say I am fully aware of that.
Don Reed
Okay.
Murphy
Would I be going too far to ask for fair trials?
Don Reed
We don't have any.
We buddies are gonna try to get some for you.
Just that.
Murphy
Please, may I finish talking? Okay. Would you do me one favor?
Don Reed
What's that? Call District Attorney or the District Attorney.
Murphy
No, not directly.
Don Reed
I'm sure that you wait till Monday morning then.
Witness
No, I.
Murphy
No, I don't think so either. I think perhaps you better call him.
Don Reed
Out, take these handcuffs off and put him by himself.
Murphy
May I say one thing? I asked you. I made a request my withdrawal on Monday morning. I have. Wait a minute. Before you go any further, I have committed no crimes. Remember? I have asked for request to call his super attorney and you have said no.
Don Reed
Right.
Murphy
That's all. Thank you. When you're demoted Monday morning, come see me.
Don Reed
We have moved over here to the night watch commander's office where he and Sergeant Perkins have been conferring on the many reports necessary in this case. I. I think we're about ready to clear. Right, Sergeant?
In just a minute, Don. By the way, you might be interested in one or two other developments that have occurred.
Witness
Really?
Don Reed
A friend of the suspect came to the station a short while ago and brought some clothes for the prisoner and incidentally volunteered the information that the suspect did not to his knowledge own any of the property he claimed he did during our interrogation. I see. And by the way, he also stated the prisoner had been a guest of honor at a stag party given earlier this evening.
Really?
Yeah, he was scheduled to be married tomorrow.
Bob Conlon
You are listening to Night Watch for the first time through the medium of network radio, the on the scene activities of a detective unit on their tour of duty. The people are not actors and the voices and sounds are authentic. The investigations are recorded as they actually occur. And now, to continue the action on Night Watch, we return you to Police recorder Don Reed on patrol in Police Car 5 4.
Don Reed
It's well past midnight on the Night watch and I'm speaking from the Culver City police station. We've been out on patrol until a few moments ago when we were advised to report back to headquarters. Once again, we're returning to the office of the Chief of Detectives, Lieutenant Bob Conlon.
Hi, Lieutenant. Did you call me?
W.N. Hildebrand
Yes, Perkins. You know we had a homicide here a short time ago. I'm working on another angle of the case and we have two new witnesses. I want you to take their statements, then re question the murder suspect. When you're finished, report back to me.
Don Reed
Where are the witnesses?
W.N. Hildebrand
They're waiting in the next office.
Don Reed
Right, Lieutenant. Evening, gentlemen. I'd like to have a statement from both of you I'd like to talk to you first, if I may, sir. Now, I understand that you met this man in question earlier tonight in a bar. You had a conversation with him. What did you say to him?
I said, come on, have a drink.
Witness
So he said, all right.
Don Reed
He said, it's William Hat.
Witness
And he said, whiskey sour. So I went, bottle of whiskey sour. And he said, I'm gonna kill that woman.
Don Reed
I'm gonna kill him. I'm gonna kill her.
I'm gonna kill him.
Witness
So I said, after all, I said.
Officer
You got a wife, you got a kid.
Don Reed
And I said to your daughter, I.
Witness
Said, would you want your kids to think he was a murderer? He stomped out the side door. And that's all I saw the man.
Don Reed
Has this man ever threatened her before, you know?
Witness
Yes, he did. She told me he was gonna kill her before he told me that.
Don Reed
Well, I'll tell you, what I would like to have you do is to write down in your own words just exactly what you told us here and so that we can use it on the coroner's inquest.
The first witness is going over to a table in the corner, and it's interesting to note that the statement just heard may be the first step in changing the entire complexion of this case. And now the sergeant is going to continue.
Now, as a second witness, I'd like to have your statement, please. How long have you known this man?
Witness
Well, I should say I know him around about 12 or 15 years.
Don Reed
About 12 or 15 years. Have you ever heard him threaten to kill this woman before?
Witness
Yes.
Don Reed
What. What words did he use? Do you remember any of the words?
Witness
He called her wino and said, I'll kill that old drunk wino some of these days if she don't get to doing better. Said, I'm trying to raise her up and build her up to do something right. I said, and you can't do it by killing her.
Don Reed
How long ago was this?
Witness
Well, that's about the last week.
Don Reed
About the last week. And what else did he say?
Witness
He said to me, I think it was 30. He said, that old bag of bones is the kill of my life. He says, she's a ruin. He said, I'm going to kill her. I'm going to kill her. It was the last thing I've got to do. I told him, I said, listen, I said, you've got two children. You've got a boy that's grown up, and you've got a girl that's about 12 years old. I said, don't you ever think about Them, I said, why don't you walk up?
Don Reed
He has committed physical violence on her before. Is it? Well, I'll tell you what I'd like to have you do. If you'll do the same as this other gentleman. And just write down in your own words just what you've told us here so that we can use it in the coroner's inquest.
The two witnesses are just leaving the room now. And glancing down the hall. I can see the murder suspect arriving in custody of an officer. And in these last few seconds, I'd like to point out the very unusual situation you've heard both witnesses state that this man had threatened to kill the woman. But entering the door now is the irony of this case. Because it's the woman that shot and killed him.
In. Now, I'd like to have you tell me in your own words just exactly what happened last night.
Victim
I went around and turned all my lights on like I do to try to keep them scared away. And I put my kittens to bed early because I have to take them to the garage. I got that man and locked the door and got in. So then naturally, I don't figure to get out no more. I'm afraid to even go out in my yard. And I was going to take a bath and something. I don't know, I just felt afraid to even strip off. Because I never know when he's going to be at the door, you know. And I just seemed to have that feeling. So I decided, well, I'll soak my feet and then I'll take my bath and shampoo my hair in the morning. So I went on up to go in the kitchen to fix some coffee. Because I always drink coffee again after dinner. And I'm in there, and I had this light right in that patio there by the kitchen. And all of a sudden the light went off. You just turn it like that. But I could see him, Clara, you know, he's just right there in my face and began to threaten me. And he says, I told you I was going to get you. And I've come to get you tonight. I've come to kill you tonight. And I made the remark. Then I said, you know, I've got a gun, too. So I said I wouldn't talk like that. And I figured maybe he got afraid, and he went up to walk and started up the street. And then he had his car that time, and he sat there for quite a while. I opened the front door. The screen door was hooked. And I opened the front door and stood there I'd say he sat there good 10 minutes, or it seemed that long, or more. And then he come to this other window.
Don Reed
This is the window on the driveway. In the bedroom?
Victim
Yes, he came to that one.
Don Reed
Where were you at that time?
Victim
I was in my room, had already stripped off, and I was sitting on my bed.
Don Reed
That is in the front bedroom?
Victim
Yes. I thought, well, I gotta go in there and see if I can get him going again. And I went in and I talked to him and he said, I'm coming in after you. And he had the screen either off or pulled out at that time, even when I went in, you know. In other words, he was clear to me through that hole. And so I kept talking to him and he said he wasn't leaving, he was coming in. And I said, I've got a gun here. And I even showed it, held it right out in front of me.
Don Reed
Where was the gun at that time?
Victim
It was laying right there on that dresser, right by the window. I said, see, I've got a gun in my hand. I said, if you try to come in, I'll shoot. He said, go ahead and shoot. He says, you and I get together, you wouldn't do it or something. I don't know the words he said. He said, anyway, I'm coming in after you. And he kept on coming.
Don Reed
He started coming to the window.
Victim
Then that's when he started to make his lunch down. And I pulled the trigger. And then he started cursing me.
Don Reed
And how far we were you from him at the time that you fired?
Victim
Well, I couldn't have been very far because I was up right up there talking. You know, I'm standing there by the dresser.
Don Reed
How many feet were you from him?
Victim
I couldn't say. The winder say like that. And the dresser about three feet away. Couldn't have been any farther than that. I don't think I just reached here and the window there. And I'm standing there as I said, I held it and I said. I showed him the guy. And.
Don Reed
Well, after you fired, what did he do then?
Witness
Did he.
Victim
He started cursing me. And then he takes off up the drive to the front door.
Don Reed
Then what happened?
Victim
Well, I come from when I heard him do that, I didn't even know I'd hit him. So I come through and I laid the gun up here where they've picked it up. And I walk up to watch because I've got a double knock on the door. And he'd have a pretty hard time getting in that. In the door. I come up and the porch light was on, and I looked and he was at the door. But just about the time I got there, he just went back like that.
Don Reed
He fell back.
Victim
Did he fell back?
Don Reed
He collapsed on the. On the front door right there.
Victim
And I must have hit him because he fell.
Don Reed
And then. Did you call the police after that? Yes, and the radio car came, said it. Okay, fine. Thank you very much.
It's 1:45am and we're back here in the office of Lieutenant Kylan, where he's been studying the statements given by the two witnesses that Sergeant Perkins interviewed a short while ago. Well, does that wrap up the case, Lieutenant?
W.N. Hildebrand
Yeah, Don, that's about it. Sometimes a police investigation may point up a person's guilt or clear them of any connection with a crime, or still, again, as in this case, may tend to show the suspect's action to be justified.
Don Reed
Well, with that, it just means completing formal reports and submitting them to the district attorney for action. From then on, it's up to the courts.
Bob Conlon
Ladies and gentlemen, Police Chief W.N. hildebrand.
Officer
In the case of the Prowler Tonight. He was subsequently booked for violation 459 of the Penal Code, which is burglary, and section 240 of the Penal code, assault, the penalty of which is one to 15 years in the state prison for burglary, or up to six months in the county jail for assault. In the case of the homicide involving the woman who shot the man as he attempted to break into her home, the Detective Bureau under Lieutenant Bob Conlon submitted their reports and testimony to the Los Angeles county coroner at the inquest, where a verdict of justifiable homicide was rendered. In turn, the suspect was released from custody. Over a hundred thousand people come through our city each week, making our city one of the most heavily populated in the state of California. My department is cooperating in bringing you the activities of the Night Watch. In the interest of public security. No police department can be effective without the combined efforts of the citizens and the realization of the problems encountered by their officers. If, through this program, our department can further that cause, then our efforts will be well rewarded in bringing you the Night Watch.
Bob Conlon
Thank you, Chief Hildebrand. You have just heard, through the medium of network radio on the scene, reports of your police force in action. Every voice, every sound has been real. Night Watch is brought to you through the cooperation of the Police Department of Culver City, California, and is produced by Sterling Tracy and Jim Headlock, with technical advice by Police Sergeant Ron Perkins, and is described in the field by Police Recorder don reed.
Don Reed
It's 2:30am we're just pulling into the police garage. Well, that about wraps it up, huh, Sergeant?
Yeah, except for making out the log.
Oh. One to five. Are you clear?
Excuse me. Time?
Officer
Five four.
Don Reed
Roger.
Clear and reporting out of service.
Check 54, 2:31am End of night watch.
Podcast Information:
The episode "Nightwatch 54-04-05 (01) Nude Prowler" immerses listeners into an authentic police patrol experience from Culver City, California. Hosted by Police Recorder Don Reed, the episode presents real-time police activities, offering a gripping narrative of law enforcement in action without the use of actors or scripts.
Key Introduction Points:
"The sounds you are listening to are real. This is a police car reporting in service for night duty."
— Don Reed [01:32]
The night begins with routine patrol duties, logging incidents as they occur. Don Reed details various reports, showcasing the dynamic nature of police work during the night shift.
Notable Incidents Logged:
Stolen Car Report: "At 6:31pm this date we took a stolen car report and arranged transportation home for the victim."
— Don Reed [02:46]
Traffic Accident Assistance: "7:32pm Assisted Wesley, Los Angeles Police at the scene of a traffic accident."
— Don Reed [02:46]
These entries set the stage for the primary case of the night involving a prowler.
The pivotal moment of the episode unfolds as Police Car 54 receives a report of a "45 9," indicating a burglar in the vicinity.
Detailed Narrative:
Dispatch Details: "A burglar is in the house and has been cited by some citizen or perhaps even the victim."
— Don Reed [03:20]
Approach Without Sirens: The officers approach the scene running code two, using only red lights to avoid alerting the suspect prematurely.
Tension Builds: Don Reed describes the palpable tension within the patrol car as they near the suspect's location.
"I can feel the tension that has suddenly come over the car."
— Don Reed [03:20]
The narrative deepens as the victim recounts her harrowing experience with the prowler, providing critical insights into the suspect's behavior and appearance.
Victim's Account:
"Whoever he was, he canoe and I went into the bathroom and he was in this room and I thought it was my daughter..."
— Witness [05:26]
Description of the Suspect: The victim describes the burglar as a "taller than you", wearing "gray trousers and a white shirt and a tie."
— Witness [05:46]
Discovery of Evidence: A coat with a name is found, linking the suspect to the scene.
Don Reed's Follow-Up:
"Unquestionably we will go on an investigation and determine just who and what this man is."
— Don Reed [06:13]
As Police Car 54 responds to a second prowler call nearby, the investigation takes a swift turn towards apprehension.
Key Moments:
Simultaneous Calls: A second prowler report at 2036 Evergreen ties the cases together, heightening the urgency.
— Don Reed [07:09]
Apprehension of the Suspect: Officers locate the suspect attempting to burglarize another residence. The suspect is found in an undressed state, leading to a swift arrest.
"He is in the bedroom, or rather the bathroom of a private home. The officers are in with him and he is standing in the nude at the present time."
— Don Reed [07:33]
At the Culver City police station, the suspect, identified as Murphy, denies ownership of the properties in question and insists on his innocence.
Dialogue Highlights:
Murphy's Claims:
"The house belonged to me, Sergeant."
— Murphy [09:37]
"They too belong to me, Sergeant."
— Murphy [09:41]
Request for Fair Trial:
"Would I be going too far to ask for fair trials?"
— Murphy [10:29]
Don Reed's Response:
"We don't have any. We buddies are gonna try to get some for you."
— Don Reed [10:38]
The interactions reveal Murphy's evasive tactics and assert his non-involvement in the crimes.
As the investigation progresses, new information surfaces linking Murphy to a possible homicide case.
Witness Statements:
First Witness:
"He said, I'm gonna kill that woman."
— Witness [13:41]
Second Witness:
"He called her wino and said, I'll kill that old drunk wino some of these days if she don't get to doing better."
— Witness [14:49]
These testimonies paint a picture of a man with violent intentions, complicating the case against him.
Sergeant Perkins' Update:
"A friend of the suspect brought some clothes for the prisoner and stated the suspect did not own any property he claimed."
— Don Reed [11:37]
Additionally, it is revealed that Murphy was a guest of honor at a stag party and is set to marry the following day, introducing potential motives and alibis.
The victim provides a detailed account of the confrontation, culminating in her shooting of the prowler to protect herself.
Victim's Statement:
"I decided, well, I'll soak my feet and then I'll take my bath and shampoo my hair in the morning..."
— Victim [16:28]
"So I pulled the trigger. And then he started cursing me."
— Victim [19:15]
This testimony leads to the coroner's inquest, where the shooting is deemed as justifiable homicide.
The episode wraps up with official statements from Police Chief W.N. Hildebrand, affirming the outcomes of the night's investigations.
Key Conclusions:
Legal Proceedings:
"In the case of the homicide... a verdict of justifiable homicide was rendered."
— Officer [21:24]
Community Cooperation: Chief Hildebrand emphasizes the importance of citizen cooperation in effective policing.
"If, through this program, our department can further that cause, then our efforts will be well rewarded in bringing you the Night Watch."
— Bob Conlon [21:24]
As the shift concludes, Don Reed finalizes the log and reports out of service, marking the end of a night filled with intense and life-changing events.
"Clear and reporting out of service. Check 54, 2:31am End of night watch."
— Don Reed [23:25]
"The sounds you are listening to are real. This is a police car reporting in service for night duty."
— Don Reed [01:32]
"I can feel the tension that has suddenly come over the car."
— Don Reed [03:20]
"He is standing in the nude at the present time."
— Don Reed [07:33]
"Would I be going too far to ask for fair trials?"
— Murphy [10:29]
"I'll kill that woman."
— Witness [13:41]
"If, through this program, our department can further that cause, then our efforts will be well rewarded in bringing you the Night Watch."
— Bob Conlon [21:24]
"Nightwatch 54-04-05 (01) Nude Prowler" offers a compelling and realistic portrayal of night-time police operations, blending suspense with procedural accuracy. Through authentic recordings and detailed witness accounts, listeners gain an immersive understanding of the challenges and complexities faced by law enforcement during their nightly patrols. The episode not only entertains but also highlights the critical role of community cooperation in maintaining public safety.