History Daily – Saturday Matinee: American Criminal Episode Theme:
“The Trick or Treat Murder: The Killing of Peter Fabiano”
Date: October 25, 2025
Host: Jeremy Schwartz

Episode Overview

This Halloween-themed episode of History Daily’s “American Criminal” series explores the infamous 1957 murder of Peter Fabiano in Sun Valley, California—a case that launched terror across Los Angeles and threatened the sense of safety around the beloved holiday. Through immersive storytelling, the episode unravels the relationships and tensions that led to Fabiano’s murder by a costumed killer, and the investigation’s surprising twists.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Fateful Halloween Night (03:48 – 07:10)

• Dramatic Opening Scene:
  The episode dramatizes the night of October 31, 1957. Goldeen Pizer, disguised in red gloves and a domino mask, sits in a dark sedan outside Peter Fabiano’s house, waiting for the lights to go out before approaching the door.
• The Murder:
  At around 11 p.m., Goldeen rings the doorbell. Peter Fabiano, surprised, offers candy. Goldeen, hands shaking, draws a revolver and shoots him in the chest.

  “With the bright gloves, she almost looks like a comic book superhero. But Goldeen Peyser isn't here to save anyone.” (04:41)

• Aftermath: The killer flees into the night, leaving Peter’s family and community reeling.

2. Context: The Fabiano Family and Rising Tensions (07:10 – 13:20)

• Peter & Betty Fabiano’s Story:
  Peter, a former bartender and WWII marine, enters the beauty business after Betty, his then-girlfriend and later wife, encourages him. They open successful salons and seem to have achieved the American Dream.
• Joan Rabel: The Catalyst:
  Betty’s friend Joan Rabel, a photographer with a simmering dislike for Peter, stirs trouble. Joan’s constant badmouthing leads to escalating friction in the Fabiano marriage.

  “She’s always trying to convince her friend that Peter doesn't deserve her, that he doesn't respect her as a successful businesswoman.” (09:40)

• The Breakup and Reconciliation:
  Joan’s interference causes a temporary separation between Peter and Betty. Betty returns, promising to cut Joan out of her life, but discord has already been sown.

3. The Attack and Immediate Investigation (13:21 – 21:30)

• The Shooting and Chaos:
  Betty Fabiano describes being jolted awake by a gunshot and finding Peter bleeding out by the door. Their neighbor, Bud Alper—who happens to be an LAPD officer—rushes in to assist and contacts police.

  “She stumbles into the hallway… Peter's lying on his back, a dark red stain rapidly spreading across his chest. Betty falls to her knees and puts both her hands over his chest to put pressure on the wound.” (18:16)

• Police Response:
  The investigation yields no immediate leads besides a reported car speeding away and a possible masked figure. Early suspicion targets Joan Rabel due to her history with the Fabianos and a criminal record.

4. Building the Case: Suspicions and False Leads (21:30 – 29:27)

• Questioning Joan:
  Joan initially denies involvement, but inconsistencies arise, particularly regarding her alibi and use of a friend’s car on Halloween night.

  “When Joan brought the car back the next day, she apparently asked Margaret not to tell anyone she’d borrowed it...” (26:09)

• Breakthrough:
  An anonymous tip informs police about the murder weapon’s location and provides a taped confession from Goldeen Pizer, shifting focus from Joan to Goldeen.

5. Revelations: Motive, Manipulation, and Confession (30:38 – 39:53)

• Goldeen’s Confession:
  In a downtown lawyer’s office, Goldeen Pizer fully confesses to the murder but claims it was at Joan’s behest.

  “I’d never hurt anyone,” she says, “but I’d do anything for a friend.” (32:49)

• The Plot:
  Joan allegedly manipulated Goldeen, painting Peter as abusive and dangerous, and persuaded her to both purchase the murder weapon and carry out the killing. Halloween was chosen so the assailant could blend in as a trick-or-treater.
• Aftermath:
  Following the murder, Joan thanked Goldeen, kissed her on the cheek, and said they could never see each other again.

  “She tells the reporters that her first thought had been to help her victim… But a split second later, she remembered what she was doing and ran back to the car.” (36:03)

6. Resolution and Lingering Mysteries (38:40 – End)

• Legal Outcome:
  Both women are indicted on first-degree murder, but eventually plea to second-degree murder and receive five years to life.
• Unanswered Questions:
  The disposition of both women after sentencing remains murky. Rumors suggest Goldeen was released in 1971 and died in 1998; Joan’s fate is unknown.

  “Maybe she spent the rest of her days behind bars. Maybe she was released after a decade or two. No one knows.” (38:30)

• Cultural Impact:
  The murder ignited fears of Halloween violence and remains a chilling cautionary tale in Los Angeles history.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On the nature of fear:

  “At this time of year, everyone wants to hear stories about haunted houses and killer clowns… But you know what’s even scarier? Real life.” – Jeremy Schwartz (07:11)

• On manipulation:

  “No one knows exactly why Joan wanted Peter dead, but motive doesn't matter to the authorities. Now that they have a confession and the people of Los Angeles are happy, they don't need to fear trick or treaters come next Halloween.” (37:54)

• On Goldeen’s motive:

  “She needs people to understand she's not a Violent person. She hates the thought of hurting others so much that she quit her job as a lab technician because she couldn't stand having to prick people with needles.” (33:24)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Halloween Night, The Murder: 03:48 – 07:10
• Fabiano Family Background & Tensions: 07:10 – 13:20
• The Shooting and Immediate Response: 13:21 – 21:30
• Investigation and Early Suspects: 21:30 – 29:27
• Goldeen’s Confession and Details of the Plot: 30:38 – 39:53
• Resolution & Legacy: 38:40 – End

Tone and Style

The episode expertly blends dramatized scenes with historical narration, maintaining an engaging, cinematic tone while staying faithful to real events. Jeremy Schwartz and the “American Criminal” format lean into storytelling that is unsettling, empathetic to those involved, and always grounded in careful historical research.

For listeners who missed the episode:
This is a suspenseful, engrossing account of how jealousy, manipulation, and misplaced loyalty resulted in one of Los Angeles’ most shocking Halloween murders—a tale that still haunts popular imagination and underscores the darker side of holiday mythos.