Police Headquarters 32-xx-xx 06 Double Death aka Knifing

Summary

Harold's Old Time Radio - Episode Summary: "Double Death aka Knifing"

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Episode Information:

• Title: Police Headquarters 32-xx-xx 06 Double Death aka Knifing
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Release Date: August 6, 2025
• Description: Dive into the thrilling streets of the Golden Age of Radio with Sergeant Burke and Dr. Wade as they unravel the mysterious double murder of Jake Millard, a retired gangster. This episode blends classic detective work with the gritty underbelly of organized crime, delivering suspense and intrigue at every turn.

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Introduction

"Double Death aka Knifing" transports listeners to a bygone era where radio was the primary source of entertainment and news. Set in a time before television, this episode captures the essence of old-time radio drama, complete with suspenseful dialogues, intricate plots, and memorable characters. The story revolves around the investigation of Jake Millard's double murder, offering a compelling narrative that keeps listeners engaged from start to finish.

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Plot Overview

The episode begins with a distressing phone call from John Prentice, the butler of Jake Millard, reporting his master's untimely death (01:31). Sergeant Burke, a dedicated homicide detective, takes charge of the case, enlisting the expertise of Dr. Wade to assist with the investigation. As the detectives delve deeper, they uncover a web of deceit involving organized crime, rivalries, and unexpected twists that challenge their initial assumptions.

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Key Characters

1. Sergeant Burke

   • Role: Lead detective investigating the murder of Jake Millard.
   • Notable Traits: Determined, no-nonsense, methodical.
   • Notable Quote: "I just follow them up." (02:06)

2. Dr. Wade

   • Role: Forensic expert aiding Sergeant Burke.
   • Notable Traits: Analytical, insightful, composed under pressure.
   • Notable Quote: "Jake Millard was killed twice last night. Once with a knife and once with a gun." (05:28)

3. John Prentice

   • Role: Butler of Jake Millard and initial discoverer of the body.
   • Notable Traits: Reserved, loyal, potentially hiding secrets.
   • Notable Quote: "I was just taking him his breakfast." (01:48)

4. Wheezy Lane

   • Role: Small-time hood suspected of involvement in the murder.
   • Notable Traits: Defensive, evasive, opportunistic.
   • Notable Quote: "I didn't kill Jake Millard." (08:46)

5. Pete Jarnigan

   • Role: Racketeer connected to Jake Millard's past.
   • Notable Traits: Authoritative, menacing, influential.
   • Notable Quote: "What do you mean?" (08:38)

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Major Events and Discussions

1. Discovery of the Body (01:31 - 04:19)

John Prentice contacts Police Headquarters to report Jake Millard's death. Sergeant Burke arrives at the residence with Dr. Wade, who begins his preliminary examination of the crime scene.

• Notable Interaction:
  • Sergeant Burke: “Plenty. Somebody just bumped Jake Millard.” (02:06)
  • Dr. Wade: “I think I’ll enjoy a little motor trip into the country. Who’s the victim?” (02:25)

2. Unveiling Jake Millard's Past (02:30 - 03:34)

Dr. Wade and Sergeant Burke discuss Millard's background, revealing his connections with Pete Jarnigan and his role in protecting truckers from mob interference.

• Notable Quote:
  • Dr. Wade: “A sort of double double cross, eh, Sergeant?” (02:58)

3. Initial Forensic Findings (04:19 - 06:00)

Dr. Wade conducts an autopsy and discovers that Millard was killed twice—once with a knife and once with a gun—suggesting the involvement of two separate murderers.

• Notable Quote:
  • Dr. Wade: “Jake Millard was killed twice last night. Once with a knife and once with a gun.” (05:28)

4. Identification of a Suspect (06:07 - 08:16)

Police uncover a gun with John Prentice’s fingerprints, leading them to Wheezy Lane. However, Dr. Wade's findings complicate the case, indicating that Lane may not be the sole perpetrator.

• Notable Interaction:
  • Sergeant Burke: “You can't kill a man twice.” (07:45)
  • Dr. Wade: “The character of the gunshot wound shows very clearly that it was inflicted one or perhaps two hours after death.” (05:53)

5. Interrogation of Wheezy Lane (08:16 - 10:12)

Wheezy Lane is brought in for questioning. Initially defensive, he reveals that Pete Jarnigan had tasked his group with eliminating Millard, offering a financial incentive.

• Notable Quote:
  • Wheezy Lane: “I didn't kill Jake Millard.” (08:46)
  • Dr. Wade: “I’m telling you that you didn’t kill Jake Millard.” (10:05)

6. The Twist Unfolds (10:10 - 12:20)

Wheezy Lane claims ignorance about the actual killer, but the plot thickens when Pete Jarnigan discovers that John Prentice, the butler, was the one who truly killed Millard. This revelation underscores the theme of betrayal within trusted relationships.

• Notable Interaction:
  • John Prentice: “I killed Millard.” (11:49)
  • Sergeant Burke: “I've been reading the law book since I seen you and I find out I gotta take you in, too.” (12:20)

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Climax

The investigation reaches its peak as Sergeant Burke connects the dots, realizing that John Prentice acted under Pete Jarnigan's directive. This double-dealing exposes the depth of corruption and the lengths to which the mob will go to eliminate threats to their operations.

• Notable Quote:
  • Sergeant Burke: “That's all I wanted to know. Put him up out of here. No need to look at that door, Pete.” (11:56)

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Resolution

Sergeant Burke successfully apprehends Pete Jarnigan's entire mob, ensuring that justice is served for Jake Millard's double murder. The episode concludes with the downfall of the criminal network, restoring order and highlighting the efficacy of diligent police work.

• Notable Interaction:
  • Operator: “Police headquarters. Okay, Sergeant. Hello, Tim. Send the patrol to Providence Hospital.” (12:38)
  • Pete Jarnigan: “Sam, it. Sam.” (13:11)

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Themes and Insights

• Betrayal and Deception: The episode explores how trust can be exploited within personal and professional relationships, especially in the context of organized crime.
• Justice vs. Corruption: It juxtaposes the relentless pursuit of justice by law enforcement against the manipulative strategies of the mob.
• Complexity of Investigations: The narrative underscores the intricacies involved in solving murders with multiple suspects and conflicting evidence.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Sergeant Burke:

  • “I just follow them up.” (02:06)
  • “You can't kill a man twice.” (07:45)
  • “That's all I wanted to know. Put him up out of here.” (11:56)

• Dr. Wade:

  • “Jake Millard was killed twice last night. Once with a knife and once with a gun.” (05:28)
  • “I’m telling you that you didn’t kill Jake Millard.” (10:05)

• John Prentice:

  • “I was just taking him his breakfast.” (01:48)
  • “I killed Millard.” (11:49)

• Wheezy Lane:

  • “I didn't kill Jake Millard.” (08:46)

• Pete Jarnigan:

  • “What do you mean?” (08:38)

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Conclusion

"Double Death aka Knifing" exemplifies the timeless allure of detective stories within the realm of old-time radio. Through its compelling characters, intricate plot twists, and authentic period dialogues, the episode offers listeners a captivating journey into a world where every clue counts and justice is hard-earned. Whether you're a fan of classic radio dramas or new to the genre, this episode promises an engaging and memorable listening experience.

Transcript

[Operator]

Police headquarters. Just a minute. I'll connect you to the homicide.

[Sergeant Burke]

Homicide detail. Sergeant Burke.

[John Prentice]

This is the residence of Mr. Jacob Millard, Mr. Miller's butler. Speaking. Mr. Millard had just been found dead, sir.

[Sergeant Burke]

What's your name?

[John Prentice]

John Prentice, sir.

[Sergeant Burke]

Who found him?

[John Prentice]

I did, sir. I was just taking him his breakfast.

[Sergeant Burke]

Anyone else in the house?

[John Prentice]

No, sir.

[Sergeant Burke]

All right. Just leave everything like it is until we get there.

[John Prentice]

Yes, Sir.

[Operator]

Yes, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Burke]

Dr. Wade in his office?

[Operator]

I think so, sergeant.

[Sergeant Burke]

Good. Have him get his tool chest, meet me at the front door.

[Operator]

Yes, sir.

[Dr. Wade]

What's up?

[Sergeant Burke]

Plenty. Somebody just bumped Jake Millard. Sorry I had to rot you out so early, doc, but I don't commit these early morning murders. I just follow them up.

[Dr. Wade]

That's all right, Sergeant. I think I'll enjoy a little motor trip into the country. Who's the victim?

[Sergeant Burke]

A retired gangster by the name of Millard. Jake Millard.

[Dr. Wade]

I seem to remember that name in the papers. Retired, you say?

[Sergeant Burke]

Well, yes and no. You see, Jake used to be associated with Pete Jarnigan, the racketeer who controls the trucking and shipping business on the east side.

[Dr. Wade]

I remember him.

[Sergeant Burke]

Yeah, well, Jernigan's racket is protecting the trucking people from his own mob, if you get what I mean. Millard split with him and went into the protection business from the other angle. He was protecting the truckers from Jernigan's mob at a much lower figure.

[Dr. Wade]

I see. A sort of double double cross, eh, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Burke]

Yeah. And now it seems somebody sort of triple crossed Jake Millard by bumping them off.

[Dr. Wade]

And good riddance, if you ask me.

[Sergeant Burke]

That's what I say, Doc, but the old man don't see it that way. Whenever a gangster's rubbed out, we're supposed to work just as hard to get his murderer as we would if he was a banker or a lawyer.

[Dr. Wade]

What one might call the injustice of justice, huh? Now, this the place?

[Sergeant Burke]

Yeah. Millard lived here all alone, that is, with his butler.

[Dr. Wade]

Well, a gangster with a butler. Interesting.

[Sergeant Burke]

You can bet he's sort of a bodyguard as well.

[Dr. Wade]

Did the butler say Hal Millard was killed?

[Sergeant Burke]

No. That's why I brought you along, Doc. So I wouldn't have to take this bird's word for it.

[John Prentice]

Oh, come in, Sir.

[Sergeant Burke]

Your Apprentice.

[John Prentice]

Yes, sir.

[Sergeant Burke]

Dr. Wade?

[John Prentice]

Yes, sir.

[Sergeant Burke]

Where's the body?

[John Prentice]

Upstairs, sir.

[Sergeant Burke]

What time did you find him?

[John Prentice]

Just before I called you, sir. About 8:30.

[Sergeant Burke]

What time did Millard come in last night?

[John Prentice]

Shortly after midnight, sir.

[Sergeant Burke]

How do you know?

[John Prentice]

I was with him.

[Sergeant Burke]

Did he take you with him? Every time he went out?

[John Prentice]

Most generally, sir. Oh, upon my word, sir.

[Sergeant Burke]

Just what I thought. You're packing a rod.

[John Prentice]

Well, I have a permit for that, sir. A sort of precaution against highwaymen, sir.

[Sergeant Burke]

That's a good one. I'll just keep this rod for a while.

[John Prentice]

Well, certainly, sir.

[Dr. Wade]

Oh, here.

[John Prentice]

Here's Mr. Miller. Drew.

[Sergeant Burke]

Run up the shades.

[John Prentice]

Yes, sir.

[Sergeant Burke]

There he is, Doc, laying on the bed. Shouldn't be a hard job to find out what killed him.

[Dr. Wade]

Not with that knife sticking out of his chest. Mind if I remove it?

[Sergeant Burke]

No. Here's a handkerchief. Save the prince.

[Dr. Wade]

Oh, all right. Must have nearly penetrated the body. Our victim died without a struggle.

[Sergeant Burke]

Through the heart.

[Dr. Wade]

Clean.

[Sergeant Burke]

This doesn't seem to affect you very much, Prentice.

[John Prentice]

No, I was in the war, sir.

[Sergeant Burke]

Which war? The one last night with Pete Jonathan's mob down at the docks.

[John Prentice]

Oh, no, sir.

[Sergeant Burke]

Where were you and Millard last night? Where were you and Millard last night?

[John Prentice]

Attending a concert, sir.

[Sergeant Burke]

Yeah.

[Dr. Wade]

What you want, the Philharmonic?

[John Prentice]

Symphony in B Minor. The Unfinished One, sir.

[Sergeant Burke]

Don't make me laugh. Got any idea who killed him?

[John Prentice]

No, sir.

[Sergeant Burke]

How long has he been dead, Doc?

[Dr. Wade]

I was just testing the state of rigor mortis in anticipation of your question, Sergeant. It's in a rather well advanced state. I should say about six or seven hours.

[Sergeant Burke]

It's nine o' clock now. That'll make it about two or three this morning.

[Dr. Wade]

A fairly accurate hour, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Burke]

What'd you find?

[Dr. Wade]

A very astonishing thing, Sergeant. Jake Millett was killed twice last night. Killed?

[Sergeant Burke]

Well, what do you mean?

[Dr. Wade]

Jake Millett was killed twice last night. Once with a knife and once with a gun.

[Sergeant Burke]

Go on.

[Dr. Wade]

I'm serious. There's a bullet wound in the head here, See?

[Sergeant Burke]

Well, I'll be a monkey's uncle. Once with a knife and once with a gun. Tell me, Doc, who won?

[Dr. Wade]

The man with a knife.

[Sergeant Burke]

How do you know?

[Dr. Wade]

The character of the gunshot wound shows very clearly that it was inflicted one or perhaps two hours after death.

[Sergeant Burke]

Now we're in a fine fix. We gotta look for two murderers instead of one. What do you think happened here last night, Doc?

[Dr. Wade]

I think it's fairly simple. Two people set out to get Millard last night. One of these men gained access to this room by that trellis outside the window there.

[Sergeant Burke]

Go ahead, Doc. You're doing great.

[Dr. Wade]

He tiptoed across the room and plunged a knife through Miller's heart. Then left. The way he'd entered death was instantaneous. And about an hour later, murderer number two reaches the scene. He climbs the same trellis with the same murderous intent in his heart. But instead of entering the room, he takes a careful aim at his victim with a silenced revolver, never noticing the knife after the shot. He slips away unnoticed, thinking he has accomplished his mission.

[Sergeant Burke]

The way you put it, Doc, Jake Millard was one popular guy a few hours ago.

[Dr. Wade]

Yes, Sergeant. Somewhere in this town are two highly satisfied men. Each thinks that he killed Jake Millard. You know, Sergeant, one of those men is going to be very, very disappointed. Well, you've been working all day on the case, Sergeant. What did you find?

[Sergeant Burke]

Nothing. That is, nothing. Except a gun. Powers just gave me a report on it. Yes, we found a fingerprint in the barrel. And Powers traced it to a dopey little hood known as Wheezy Lane.

[Dr. Wade]

Well, I should say that your day hadn't been wasted, Sergeant. And this, this fellow Lane, Them boys.

[Sergeant Burke]

Picked him up just about 15 minutes ago. They're bringing him up here now for questioning.

[Dr. Wade]

Well, don't be disheartened, Sergeant. You have an arrest.

[Sergeant Burke]

Yeah, but he ain't the right one. You said the guy with a knife killed him.

[Dr. Wade]

That's right.

[Sergeant Burke]

Well, then we ain't got nothing against this guy. You can't kill a man twice.

[Dr. Wade]

I wouldn't be too sure, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Burke]

Hello? Send him in.

[Dr. Wade]

What now?

[Sergeant Burke]

The boys are bringing Wheezy in.

[Dr. Wade]

What's the hose for, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Burke]

Little persuader. I told Wheezy Lane that the next time I got him in this office, I'd whale the tar out of him.

[Dr. Wade]

Oh, and do you mean to carry out your threat?

[Sergeant Burke]

No, but Wheezy will think so. Time I slap a chair a few times close to his head with his hose, he'll talk and talk fast. All right, boys, bring him in.

[Wheezy Lane]

You ain't got nothing on me, Sarge. You ain't got nothing on me. I was just hanging out in Joe's pool parlor when this carload of dicks pounds on me. They won't even tell me what I'm picked up for.

[Sergeant Burke]

Well, ain't that too bad. Sit down, you yellow livered shrimp. Sit down to where I slept you.

[Dr. Wade]

To sleep with his hose.

[Sergeant Burke]

Where were you last night in June? That's a lie.

[Pete Jarnigan]

All right, ask him.

[Sergeant Burke]

I don't need to. I know you got them fixed. Now listen, Wheezy, I'm giving you one chance and then I'll start working you over. Jake Millard was killed last night.

[Wheezy Lane]

So what? I didn't do it.

[Sergeant Burke]

Sure, sure, I know you didn't. Finding your gun with your fingerprints on it just below Jake Millard's bedroom window. Don't mean a thing, does it?

[Wheezy Lane]

You can't pin that on me. I. Oh, I lost the gun.

[Sergeant Burke]

Yeah. Yeah, you did. Are you gonna talk, Wheezy?

[Wheezy Lane]

I ain't got nothing to say.

[Sergeant Burke]

All right.

[Pete Jarnigan]

Don't hit me with that thing.

[Wheezy Lane]

Side.

[Sergeant Burke]

The next time I'll split your head open. Are you gonna talk?

[Pete Jarnigan]

I ain't got. Don't charge. Don't hit me.

[Sergeant Burke]

You yell a rat, I'll break your neck.

[Dr. Wade]

Just a minute, Sergeant. I'm the police sergeant, Wheezy. I made the autopsy on Millard's body and I found out that you didn't kill him.

[Wheezy Lane]

That's what I've been telling this big flu.

[Dr. Wade]

Wait a minute now. I said you didn't kill him. I know that you thought you did, but you didn't. Somebody with a knife beat you to it.

[Wheezy Lane]

What are you talking about?

[Dr. Wade]

You don't have to act innocent, Wheezy. Millard was already dead when you shot him. Therefore you didn't kill him, see?

[Wheezy Lane]

Oh, it's a frame.

[Dr. Wade]

No, it isn't. I'm giving you the straight good, sweetheart. We haven't got a thing on you. That is, if you tell us who did kill him.

[Wheezy Lane]

I don't know.

[Dr. Wade]

And if you don't talk, Wheezy, I'll just forget about the stab wound in my report. And the sergeant here will bring a charge against you for the bullet wound with your print on the revolver. Well, I wouldn't like to be in your shoes.

[Wheezy Lane]

You. You're telling me straight, Doc?

[Dr. Wade]

I'm telling you that you didn't kill Jake Millard.

[Wheezy Lane]

Well, all right, I'll talk.

[Dr. Wade]

Good. Who knifed him?

[Wheezy Lane]

I don't know.

[Dr. Wade]

You don't know?

[Wheezy Lane]

No. You see, it's this way, Doc. Jake Millard has been butting into Pete Jarnacan's racket. I work for Pete doing secretary work.

[Dr. Wade]

I see.

[Wheezy Lane]

Well, Pete calls all the boys, five of us into his office yesterday afternoon and says that this stuff of Jake Millard button into our racket has got to stop. He ends up by offering us 10 grand to the first guy to put Millard out of the way.

[Dr. Wade]

So you all went after him, eh?

[Wheezy Lane]

Yeah, and I don't know which one of the boys got it.

[Dr. Wade]

I see. Well, Wheezy, you can go.

[Wheezy Lane]

I can go? Oh, gee, that swell of you, Doc.

[Sergeant Burke]

Say, what's the big idea?

[Dr. Wade]

Sure, Wheezy can go, Sergeant. Except first there's something he's got to do for us.

[Wheezy Lane]

Come in.

[Operator]

Oh, hello.

[John Prentice]

She was sorry to hear about your accident.

[Pete Jarnigan]

Yeah.

[John Prentice]

As soon as we're here, the nurse telephoned us.

[Operator]

Will be.

[John Prentice]

Come right over. Here's Pete and the boy.

[Operator]

Yeah. Hello. What happened with me?

[Wheezy Lane]

I was stepping off a curb over in Central when a truck smacked me. I woke up here in the hospital.

[Operator]

She got up to bed. What's the matter with you, huh?

[Wheezy Lane]

Broken leg and a fractured right arm. Doc says I'll be here for six weeks.

[Operator]

Gee, the T. Yeah, it's going to.

[Wheezy Lane]

Cost me a wad of dough, too. That 10 grand you offered us for killing Jake Miller. It'll come in handy to pay hospital.

[Operator]

Expenses we see on that around here. You didn't kill Milad.

[Pete Jarnigan]

What do you mean?

[Operator]

Interest in the papers. Max here stuck a knife in him about an hour before you shot him.

[Wheezy Lane]

What are you talking about?

[John Prentice]

Sure, that's the straight door. Pete paid me the ten pound this afternoon. I killed Mallard.

[Sergeant Burke]

That's all I wanted to know. Put him up out of here. No need to look at that door, Pete. There's a dozen men outside. I got a court reporter here, too, taking down every word that was said. Yeah, I guess you're all in that jam. Every one of you.

[Wheezy Lane]

Something me, Sergeant? You know what you said if I lead these guys into the doc's little trap, you wouldn't bring a charge against me.

[Sergeant Burke]

Well, I must have been wrong about that, Wheezy. I've been reading the law book since I seen you and I find out I gotta take you in, too.

[Pete Jarnigan]

Yeah?

[Wheezy Lane]

What's the charge? I didn't kill. What's the charge? I didn't kill Jake.

[Sergeant Burke]

You know, that's a new one on me, Wheezy. Mutilating a corpse.

[Operator]

Police headquarters. Okay, Sergeant. Hello, Tim. Send the patrol to Providence Hospital. Sergeant Burke just got Pete Jarnigan's whole mob for that Millard killing. Police headquarters.

[Pete Jarnigan]

Sam, it. Sam.