The Cotton Club Murder | Friday the 13th | 5

Summary

Summary of "The Cotton Club Murder | Friday the 13th" | Hollywood & Crime Season 8, Episode 5

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Introduction: The Ambitious Partnership

In the murky depths of Hollywood's glitzy façade lies a tangled web of ambition, deceit, and murder. The eighth season of Wondery's "Hollywood & Crime" delves into the chilling true story of Roy Radin and Laney Jacobs, two aspiring movie producers whose quest for fame and fortune spiraled into a deadly heist. This episode, titled "The Cotton Club Murder | Friday the 13th," meticulously unpacks the events leading up to Roy Radin's tragic demise on May 13, 1983, and the subsequent investigation that sought to unravel the mystery behind his death.

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The Plan and Partnership: Ambitions Turn Dark

Roy Radin, a well-connected variety show producer, partners with Laney Jacobs, an equally ambitious woman determined to break into the Hollywood movie production scene. Their shared obsession for success culminates in a promising film deal centered around "The Cotton Club," a project that both see as their ticket to the top of the industry.

However, beneath their collaborative facade lies tension and mistrust. Roy had recently been embroiled in a failed $35 million deal for "The Cotton Club," which Laney had vehemently opposed. This discord sets the stage for the catastrophic events that follow.

Notable Quote:

“I'm going to be the president of Paramount Pictures.”
- Roy Radin (00:55)

Radin's towering ambition blinds him to the precariousness of his plans, leading him to concoct a risky scheme to secure his position and the success of their film project.

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The Murder Night: Friday the 13th Unfolds

On the fateful day of May 13, 1983, Roy Radin's meticulously laid plans take a dark turn. The episode paints a vivid picture of Roy's deteriorating mental state as he grapples with paranoia and desperation. Under the influence of cocaine, he devises a plan involving Demond Wilson, a former golden boy producer, to safeguard himself during his dinner with Laney Jacobs.

Key Events:

1. Preparation and Paranoia:

   • Roy's anxiety is palpable as he discusses his plans with his associate, Jonathan, revealing his increasing reliance on cocaine to manage his fears.
   • Quote:

     “I just need to follow them to the restaurant, which was only a few miles away.”
     - Roy Radin (02:15)

2. The Dinner Setup:

   • Roy and Laney arrange to meet at La Scala restaurant, with Roy enforcing strict measures to ensure Demond's presence as a protective measure.
   • Tensions escalate as Laney confronts Roy about the failed deals and seeks a fair resolution.

3. The Ambush:

   • As Roy and Laney leave the hotel for dinner, their vehicle is tailed by menacing figures, including Demond Wilson.
   • The situation quickly deteriorates when Roy's car swerves onto a quiet side street, leading to an aggressive confrontation.

4. The Fatal Encounter:

   • Armed men, including the infamous Bill Mentzer and Alex Marty, attack Roy inside the limousine.
   • Amidst the chaos, police sirens wail in the distance, offering a fleeting glimmer of hope that swiftly vanishes as the sirens pass by.
   • Overwhelmed and outnumbered, Roy is brutally beaten and ultimately shot to death 13 times, marking the grim conclusion of Friday the 13th.

Notable Quote:

“You say a word and you're gonna lose everything, pal.”
- Tall Assassin (37:53)

This chilling declaration underscores the merciless intent of Roy's assailants, sealing his fate.

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The Aftermath: Laney Jacobs’ Move and Suspicion

Two days post-murder, on Sunday, May 15, 1983, Laney Jacobs relocates to Miami to celebrate her son Dax's first birthday. The narrative shifts to her life post-Roy, highlighting her attempts to distance herself from the gruesome events in Los Angeles.

Key Points:

• Attempted Normalcy:
  Laney organizes a lavish birthday party, surrounded by deceptive tranquility, masking the underlying turmoil caused by Roy's murder.

• Security Measures:
  The presence of former associates like Bill Mentzer and Alex Marty, now repurposed as part of her security detail, raises eyebrows among guests and hints at lingering threats.

• Emotional Strain:
  Despite the festive atmosphere, Laney grapples with the fallout of the failed deals, the disappearance of Bob Evans (a key figure in their previous dealings), and the crumbling American Express deal that her lawyers had championed.

Notable Quote:

“They're part of a film crew. Didn't I tell you I've been working in Hollywood these days.”
- Laney Jacobs (37:20)

This statement illustrates Laney's efforts to maintain a veneer of normalcy and control amidst the chaos.

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The Investigation: Undercover Operations and Breakthroughs

Years later, in the summer of 1988, Detectives Bill Stoner and Carlos Avila of the L.A. Sheriff’s Department embark on an intensive undercover operation to crack the Cotton Club murder case. Their journey is fraught with challenges, but their persistence eventually leads to pivotal breakthroughs.

Key Developments:

1. Undercover Tactics:

   • Detectives employ Bill Ryder as an informant to infiltrate the criminal network surrounding Roy Radin's murder.
   • Late-night recordings and covert meetings aim to extract incriminating evidence from key suspects like Bill Mentzer.

2. Bill Mentzer’s Confession:

   • A significant breakthrough occurs when Mentzer, under pressure, divulges critical details about the planning and execution of Roy's murder.
   • He inadvertently reveals that the assassination was tied to a botched movie deal and a drug heist gone wrong.

3. Reconstructing the Crime:

   • The detectives piece together the timeline and actions leading to Roy's death, utilizing forensic evidence and testimonies.
   • Misidentification of the murder weapon due to bullet damage initially led to misconceptions, but further investigation clarifies the true method of murder.

4. Final Confrontations:

   • The covert operation culminates in identifying Alex Marty as the primary perpetrator, who allegedly delivered the fatal shots.
   • Mentzer's role in the plot provides the necessary link to bring closure to the case.

Notable Quote:

“We were freaking out. We were all freaking out.”
- Bill Mentzer (43:30)

This admission captures the frantic state during the critical moments of the crime.

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Conclusion: Unveiling the Truth

The Cotton Club murder case serves as a grim reminder of how ambition and greed can lead to irrevocable consequences. Through meticulous investigation and unwavering determination, Detectives Stoner and Avila uncover the dark truths behind Roy Radin's death, exposing the intricate connections between Hollywood's elite and the criminal underworld.

Final Insights:

• Impact on Hollywood:
  The case not only sheds light on the personal vendettas and power struggles within the industry but also highlights the lengths individuals will go to secure their ambitions.

• Legacy of the Case:
  Roy Radin's murder remains a stark example of how unsolved mysteries can grip communities and challenge law enforcement's capabilities, pushing them to innovate and persist until justice is served.

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Production and Credits

This episode was skillfully produced by Tracy Patton, Rebecca Reynolds, and Jim Carpenter, with writing by Patrick Coleman and comprehensive research by Adam Melian. The team meticulously combined historical data with dramatized dialogues to bring the haunting story of the Cotton Club murder to life.

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Note: This summary is based on historical research with some dramatized elements to enhance storytelling. For a comprehensive understanding, listening to the full episode is recommended.

Transcript

[Traci Patton]

Wondery subscribers can binge all episodes of Hollywood and the Cotton Club murder early and ad free. Join Wondery in the Wondery app or on Apple podcasts.

[Josh Lucas]

It's Friday 13th May 1983. Around 10:30am Roy Raiden stood in the kitchen of his hotel suite, staring into the refrigerator. He had no interest in food. His stomach was in knots, thinking about tonight's dinner with Laney. Jonathan sat at the breakfast counter sipping some strong coffee. Neither one of them had slept well. Roy remembered the sun coming up just as he finally dozed off. Jonathan started to speak, then stopped abruptly. Roy told him to just spit it out. Jonathan doubled down on why Roy shouldn't go to dinner with Laney. He was convinced that something sinister would happen. But Roy cut him off. He'd been doing some thinking and had come up with a plan to ensure he'd be safe. It involved Demond Wilson. Demand is going to come here before dinner. I'll make sure he brings his gun. At the word gun, Jonathan buried his face in his hands. Roy ignored him. Instead, he emptied some cocaine from a baggie onto the counter. He took a long sniff, then laid out the details of his plan. Right before Laney's arrival, Demand would go wait in his car so she wouldn't spot him. He would follow Roy and Lainey to La Scala and just happened to bump into them. Then after dinner, Roy would leave with Demand. The gun was insurance in case something went haywire. I wish you were joking, jonathan told Roy. Demond is no bodyguard. But Roy said he didn't have to be. He just needed to follow them to the restaurant, which was only a few miles away. He paused to inhale some more coke. Roy thought he had a solid plan, but by noon he wasn't so sure. Full blown panic began to take over. Roy paced back and forth, gulping down glasses of water, though he spilled most of it on the floor. Jonathan warned him he'd already used almost a gram of cocaine and he'd barely been up for two hours. Roy brushed off Jonathan's warning. Instead, he ranted about Lake and how they had schemed against him. Barely two weeks ago, he had been on the verge of signing a $35 million deal to produce the Cotton Club. Then Laney had shown up at Evans Place in New York. She'd blown everything up and tried to play him with her crocodile tears. Tonight they'd meet face to face for the first time since that fiasco. He'd show her who was in control. Roy finally collapsed in a chamber and ordered Jonathan to bring him the phone. He had business calls to make. Jonathan reluctantly handed him the receiver, saying he was in no shape to discuss anything. Around 4pm Damond Wilson arrived to go over the plan over more hits of cocaine. Roy laid out the details to Demond, who listened intently. He was all in. As a final note, Roy told him to make sure he'd had his gun just in case. Daman said that would be no problem. He never, never went anywhere without it. Roy's panic had once again given way to bravado. Flush with confidence, he told Demand about the call with Evans and the $2 million buyout offer. This deal is going to make me the king. You watch. I'm going to be the president of Paramount Pictures. Demond just laughed and said Roy was dreaming. That was like trying to knock over a building. But Roy insisted it would happen. He caught Jonathan glaring at him. You're too stubborn for your own good, jonathan told him bluntly. But it was more than stubbornness. Roy knew he had to be fearless. His old man, Broadway Al, would never have backed down in a situation like this. Just like Roy's idols in those old black and white movies, tough guys like Cagney or Bogart, that was Roy. But he was no movie hero. In real life, Roy was about to meet a tragic ending. By late that Friday night, he would be a dead man.

[Traci Patton]

This episode is brought to you by Audible, your destination for best selling audiobooks, exclusive Audible originals and more. New members can try audible free for 30 days. Visit audible.com cotton or text cotton to 500500 people thought it was impossible to.

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[Traci Patton]

From Wondery. I'm Traci Patton, along with my co host Josh Lucas. And this is Hollywood in Crime. The Cotton Club Murder. In our last episode, detectives Stoner and Avila's investigation took a big turn when Bill Ryder agreed to go undercover. It led to a recording of Bob Lowe admitting that he drove the limo on the night of Roy Radin's death. Now the key was getting Bill Mentzer to reveal what really happened that fateful night. This is episode five. Friday the 13th.

[Josh Lucas]

July 7th, 1988. 7:30pm Los Angeles. Bill Stoner is busy setting up a portable recording unit in a room at the Holiday inn off the 405 freeway. In an identical room next door, his partner, Detective Carlos Avila, is hiding a small microphone in the base of a nightstand. Stoner knows they're gearing up for a long night. But if it all goes according to plan, it will be worth it. Tonight they'll finally hear from Bill Mentzer, the hitman who was hired to kill Roy Raiden. Once the mic is in place, Stoner powers up the machine and slips on a pair of headphones. He can clearly hear the sound of the Angels game playing on the television next door. The equipment is working now. Stoner just hopes his informant can do his part. That informant, Bill Ryder, has already proved himself capable in high pressure situations. A few weeks ago, he got Bob Lowe on tape bragging about driving Roy to the murder scene the night he was killed. Then Ryder got Mentzer to agree to this meetup tonight. Ryder's done a lot already, but if they're going to see this investigation all the way to the end, they need him to do more. Tonight. He's got to get Mentzer not just to say that he killed Roy Raiden. He needs to admit that he organized the plot. Stoner is also hoping that Mentzer will confirm who ordered the hit. And Ryder needs to do all this without making Mentzer the least bit suspicious. Stoner hears two quick raps on the hotel door. That should be Ryder. As he opens the door, Ryder steals glances to the left and right before slipping into the room. Stoner knows this is a tense situation. They're asking Ryder to sit in a room with a murderer and lie to his face. It was one thing to meet with Bob Lowe at a sports bar, but Mentzer was the leader of the operation. Any hint that things aren't on the level and Mentzer won't hesitate to use violence. But Stoner doesn't want to remind Ryder of that right now. Instead, Stoner reminds him that two cops are right next door. They're ready to charge in the minute anything goes south. Ryder just needs to stay focused and they'll all get through this together. Then he hands Ryder a hotel room key and pulls the headphones back over his ears. For a few minutes, the only sounds Stoner can hear next door are the baseball game on TV and the low hum of the air conditioner. When the phone rings, Ryder picks up and says a quick hello. Stoner pushes the headphones to his ears, straining to pick up anything. Ryder's silent for a moment. Then he says, great, see you in a bit, and hangs up the phone. Stoner taps Avila on the shoulder and gives him a thumbs up. The meeting is on. Half an hour later, Stoner hears a loud knock next door. That has to be Mentzer. He can hear the door open, then a muffled greeting as Mentzer steps into the room. Stoner hears the door slam shut. Then he turns and gives a nod to Avila. Avila hits the record button on the machine and the tape starts rolling. It's showtime.

[Traci Patton]

Bill Ryder is shaking on the inside, but he gives Mentzer his best imitation of a friendly long time no see. He knows the cops are listening in and Stoner said they would spring into action if necessary. But experience has taught Ryder that undercover operations can turn bad in the blink of an eye. Ryder knows he can't afford a slip up if he wants to stay alive. He tries to keep his hands steady as he cracks open a couple of beers. Then he gives one to Mentzer. Mentzer sits on the edge of the hotel bed. He's all smiles. Ryder hasn't seen him in a few years, but they parted on friendly terms, so it was pretty easy to reach out and say he'd be in la. Why not catch up over beers? Mentzer was game. Still, Ryder doesn't want to take any chances, so he starts slow. He breaks the ice by complaining about his brother in law, Hustler magazine publisher Larry Flint. Pretty soon he and Mentzer are swapping stories about their time working security for Flint. Ryder switches topics and asks about Alex Marty. Marty is part of Mentzer's goon squad and someone who was involved in Raiden's murder. Mentzer says that Marty is a big time dope dealer now. In fact, Marty had tried to hire him to kill some Iranian drug dealer, but Mentzer ended up not doing the job. Once they've eased into conversation, Ryder edges towards the hot topic, Roy Raiden. He asks if Mentzer remembers a job he told Ryder about back in 1983. It happened a little north of LA, but Mentzer has no idea what he's talking about.

[Josh Lucas]

Come on, you remember the job. The fat guy from Jersey.

[Traci Patton]

Mentzer takes a swig of his lager, but he freezes mid swallow when he figures out what Ryder is talking about. He puts the bottle down and gives Ryder a strange look. Ryder starts sweating. He wonders if he pushed too far and too soon. Every muscle in his body is tense as he waits for Mentzer's response. But Mentzer doesn't say a word. He just stands up and starts walking closer. Ryder is convinced that his cover is blown. He's racking his brain for his next move when Mentzer brushes by him and turns the television volume up. Then he winks.

[Josh Lucas]

Never can be too careful.

[Traci Patton]

Mentzer motions around the room like he thinks someone might be listening in. Ryder doesn't say anything. Mentzer shakes his head and laughs.

[Josh Lucas]

I'll tell you one thing about that job. It was a wild night.

[Traci Patton]

Bill Ryder's heart practically jumps out of his chest. He prays the tape is rolling next door because it sounds like Mentzer is about to spill his guts. Mentzer leans back on his elbow on the hotel bed. The problem is, he tends to ramble. Luckily, as an ex cop, Ryder knows a few tricks to bring Mentzer back to the topic at hand. First, he takes a dig at Mentzer's pride. He says that Mentzer wouldn't believe what Alex Marty said. Ryder tries to sound casual. Marty, he confides, once told him that Mentzer had to get drunk before he could work up the guts to pull the trigger that night. Mentzer's brows shoot up in disbelief.

[Josh Lucas]

Are you kidding? Alex? Marty. Alex was scared shitless of me. And he fucking better be.

[Traci Patton]

Ryder laughs, agreeing that between the two of them, Mentzer is definitely the brave one. Mentzer gets worked up and curses Alex Marty's name.

[Josh Lucas]

Now you know what you know. Alex is full of shit. I'm the one who set the whole goddamn thing up.

[Traci Patton]

Ryder's heart is racing. Mentzer just confessed to planning the murder on tape. Now he just needs to keep Mentzer talking. Who was the job for anyway? Ryder asks while sipping his beer. Mentzer says it was for a girl he was dating. A blonde. Ryder tries to keep his voice even. He asks why she wanted him dead so bad. Mentzer explains it was because of the movie the Cotton Club. She and this big Hollywood producer named Bob Evans were going to make the movie together. But they had to get this guy out of the way first, mentzer says. That's not all. The job got even weirder than that. When they got to the hotel, they found somebody else staking out the scene. A famous celebrity. Mentzer seems to pause for dramatic effect. So Ryder finally asks him who the celebrity was.

[Josh Lucas]

You're not going to believe this. It was that actor, Damond Wilson from.

[Traci Patton]

Sanford and Son, Mentzer says. He and Alex pulled up and parked right behind him. And Wilson never had a clue that he'd been spotted.

[Josh Lucas]

May 13, 1983 Roy's eyes fluttered open, his mind hazy. He blinked and saw his bedroom shrouded in a murky twilight. He picked up his watch. 7:30pm Then he remembered Jonathan had insisted he lay down and rest for a couple of hours. Roy could hardly argue. His body had felt weighed down with exhaustion. A soft knock on the door drew his attention. Jonathan poked his head into the room. Demand's back. Roy pushed himself up as Demand walked in. He sat down on the bed and took out a vial of coke. Just what the doctor ordered, Roy thought. He inhaled the white powder and everything snapped into focus. Roy locked eyes with Demand. Just make sure that you wait outside until we leave. That'll be your cue to follow us. Demand said he understood, but then asked if Roy was sure they were doing the right thing. Shouldn't they call the cops or someone else for help? Roy shook his head. Demond wiped some coke off his nose, then sniffed. He asked what kind of car Roy would be leaving in. Roy still wasn't sure. Maybe a Mercedes or a limo. A few minutes later, Roy picked up the phone to call Ana Montenegro. She had stormed out in tears the day before, angry that Roy wouldn't cancel plans to see Laney. Roy was apologetic and promised to meet her at Spartacus nightclub as soon as dinner was over. She agreed, but her voice sounded small and scared. At around 8:15pm Roy started getting dressed. He had less than an hour before Laney was due to arrive at his hotel room. Roy knotted a dark Pierre Cardin tie around his neck, then slid on a pair of leather Gucci loafers. He stood up to check himself in the mirror. His dark three piece suit was a perfect fit. He fastened on his gold Rolex watch. Then he snorted a final line of coke off the nightstand. Roy strolled into the living room. Damond was sitting on the couch with his secretary, Amelia, who was set to be his dinner date. Roy told Damond it was time. Then he pulled a thick wad of cash from his wallet and handed the money to him for dinner. He said, I'll see you soon. Daman pocketed the money. Then he and Amelia both slipped out the door to take their position in his Mercedes. Roy poured two fingers of scotch into a glass and drained it. There was nothing else left to do but wait. He was ready for a showdown.

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[Traci Patton]

It was a few minutes after 9pm when Laney pulled up to Roy's Hotel in a black limousine. The chauffeur opened the car door and Lainey stepped out. Her form fitting gold cocktail dress and crystal earrings sparkled with every move. Strappy high heeled sandals accentuated her long legs. Heads were turning as she walked through the lobby. Parked just a few feet away at the curb were Damond Wilson and his secretary, Amelia. As Amelia later described, you could spot the dress for miles. It was just shiny glitter. Laney informed the desk clerk to notify Roy Raiden of her arrival. Then she made her way to his hotel room, knocking firmly on the door. Jonathan opened up and said it was lovely to see her. Not attempting to hide his sarcasm, she pushed past him into the living room. Roy stood up from the couch, his face betraying no sign of the heated argument they'd had in New York. Laney met his eyes and flashed him a wide smile. He told her they had a reservation for la Scala at 9:30. Laney nodded and said it sounded perfect. Jonathan emerged from the kitchen with a tray of cauliflower and carrots, not exactly Roy's standard fare. Laney couldn't resist a playful jab. Are you putting Roy on a diet? Jonathan just muttered something about getting rid of unhealthy things around here. His comment hung in the air until Laney broached the unspoken topic. Their production deal for the Cotton Club. She told Roy she'd changed her mind. She didn't need half of Roy's share. She only wanted what was fair. A finder's fee would suit her fine. She just wanted to put all this behind them. Roy visibly relaxed at her concession. He said if the deal came through, she'd get her fee. He'd guarantee it. Laney turned to Jonathan and fished a set of car keys from her purse. She asked if he could run a quick errand for her. There were a few grams of coke in the glove box of her Porsche parked in Beverly Hills. She and Roy could have it after dinner. Jonathan immediately shook his head in refusal. He said there was no way he was bringing more cocaine to the apartment. Laney didn't hide her irritation. Come on, Roy. It's primo stuff. Doesn't he work for you? Make him go get it. Roy and Jonathan exchanged a few hushed words. Then Roy stood up and told her that Jonathan didn't work for him. He worked with him. Big difference. Jonathan was staying put, but Lainey wouldn't let it go. She said she didn't understand why Jonathan was being so mean to her. Finally, Roy reminded her they needed to get going, and Laney gave up the argument. She turned and made her way toward the door. Roy followed, swinging it shut behind them. Their night was finally starting. Demond Wilson drummed his fingers anxiously on the steering wheel of his Mercedes. Then he tapped his feet on the Pedals. He looked over at Amelia, who sat in the passenger seat staring out the window. She looked so calm. Meanwhile, Damond was going crazy just sitting here. The coke had made him antsy. He had to move. They had already made a run to the convenience store for cigarettes and come back to the Regency. But still no action. He'd seen a woman in a glittery evening dress arriving just after nine. She had to be the one meeting Roy. Then Damon and Amelia waited some more. Just when he felt like he couldn't take it anymore, he spotted Roy walking from the hotel lobby with the woman by his side. Damond checked his watch. It was 9:20pm Roy and the woman made their way to a black limousine that had just pulled up. A chauffeur in a light colored uniform and hat stepped out and opened the door for them. The two slid into the back seat and the chauffeur shut the door behind them. Damond watched the vehicle drive out from the hotel's circular driveway. As he cranked his ignition, he put his Mercedes in gear and shot forward. He got a little too close to the car in front of him. Then he jammed the car in reverse and backed up. He was really hemmed in. He had to take another pass. In the few seconds it took Damond to readjust, a black Cadillac pulled out from behind him. The Caddy got between him and the limousine. No big deal, Damond told himself. He didn't want to be too obvious anyway. He maneuvered onto Sunset, discreetly following about four or five car lengths behind Roy. It was Friday night and traffic was thick. Demond's Mercedes crawled along the Sunset Strip towards La Cienega Boulevard. Up ahead, a stoplight turned yellow. He saw the limo pass through the intersection. The black Caddy that was right behind it gunned its engine and sailed through as well. But Damond found himself stuck at the red light. Damond watched the limo accelerate around the bend and melt into the westbound traffic. Amelia shot him a worried look and asked what they should do now. But he told her not to worry. Roy could handle himself for a few minutes. The limo seemed to be heading straight to the restaurant. They would see Roy and the woman in the shiny dress at La Scala.

[Josh Lucas]

As the limo inched through West Hollywood, Roy found a bottle of champagne in the console and popped the cork. He filled a glass for himself and one for Laney. He handed her a champagne flute, then tried to glance out the rear window for demand. But his brown Mercedes was nowhere to be seen. Roy had barely taken a sip of champagne and the car swerved sharp onto a quiet side street. Before he could ask the driver why, a black sedan appeared right behind them. Then the limo screeched to a halt. Roy wondered what the hell was going on. He looked over to Laney for an explanation, but she just stared straight ahead. Roy's pulse quickened. Suddenly the door to the limo swung open. Two men jumped inside. They both had guns. He knew by instinct this was no game. Roy stammered, demanding to know what was going on. They were yelling at him to shut up. Then Laney bolted out of the limo. Roy tried to shout something, but the words got stuck in his throat. He turned his eyes back to the two armed men sitting across from him. Neither one looked familiar. They were both muscular. One was taller, with a thick mustache. The other was short and stocky. Roy kept looking out the back window. He was hoping against hope that Demont's car would come flying around the corner any second. The limo pulled away from the curb. The taller guy with the mustache noticed him turning his head. Looking for your actor buddy? Pretty sure we lost him at the first light. He and his sidekick both cackled with laughter. Roy's heart sank in to his stomach. His mouth began moving a mile a minute as he talked to the men in front of him. Did they want money? His watch? His jewelry? Surely they wanted something from him. But neither man spoke. They just glared at him. As the limo cruised down Sunset Boulevard. Just as fast as Roy had panicked, a sliver of hope surged. Roy could feel the hairs on the back of his neck rising as police sirens wailed behind them. A cop car burst around the corner, heading straight for the limo, lights flashing. Maybe Demond had called the cops. Or maybe Jonathan had. The two men across from him whispered heatedly to each other. Roy could see the fear in their eyes. The taller one leaned forward and shoved the barrel of his gun hard into Roy's mouth. His lips split open and he could taste blood. Roy. With Roy bent over in pain, the stalking man slammed his pistol directly into Roy's groin. Roy looked up. The taller man was staring him dead in the eye. You say a word and you're gonna lose everything, pal. Roy didn't move a muscle. He just listened as the sirens grew louder and louder. The cops were closing in fast. This would be over soon, Roy told himself. Now the cops were right behind them. Then, to Roy's horror, the police car sped right past them. He watched in disbelief as it drove off until the red and blue lights disappeared into the sea of Friday night traffic. And then Roy knew he was truly and completely on his own.

[Traci Patton]

Jonathan Lawson couldn't seem to relax. He checked the time. It was almost 11pm he turned off the TV and nervously eyed the phone. He needed to call La Scala. Roy should be just about done with dinner by now. Jonathan wanted to make sure everything had gone according to plan. After a few rings, the maitre d answered. Jonathan could hear clinking glasses and the buzz of conversation in the background.

[Josh Lucas]

I'm checking to see if Mr. Radin made his reservation on time.

[Traci Patton]

The maitre d asked him to hold. Jonathan fidgeted with the phone cord as he waited. After a couple of minutes, he heard a rustling sound as someone picked up the phone. The maitre d said he had checked the reservation book, but the radiant party never showed up. Jonathan's stomach dropped. Why didn't Roy make it to the restaurant? He left almost two hours ago. He took a deep breath, then asked if Damon Wilson was there. The maitre d said that Wilson had paid his bill and left about 10 minutes ago. Jonathan hung up the phone in a daze. He couldn't understand why Damond hadn't called to let him that Roy had never arrived. Maybe Roy and Lainey had made peace and were partying somewhere. Or maybe Roy blew off the dinner to meet up with Ana Montenegro. There were a lot of maybes that didn't make any sense. Jonathan had to do something. He called Lainey's service and left several messages. Then he got a hold of Anna, but she hadn't heard from him either. He could sense the rising panic in her voice. Jonathan tried to keep his thoughts under control. He pictured Roy striding back into the hotel any minute now. Roy, the man who could charm his way into any deal. The man who thrived on defying expectations. But a sense of dread settled over him. Somewhere between the hotel and the restaurant, Roy had disappeared. Each morning it's a new opportunity, A chance to start fresh up first From NPR makes each morning an opportunity to.

[Josh Lucas]

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[Traci Patton]

Choose to join the world every morning with upfirst, a podcast that hands you everything going on across the globe and.

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[Josh Lucas]

It might have been 10pm or 11. Time seemed to have stopped. Roy stared out the window of the limousine while his two burly captors kept their guns trained on him. The men demanded to know where Tally was, where the coke and money had disappeared to. Roy pleaded. He said he didn't know, but they wouldn't let up. The limo was far from the hustle and bustle of the Sunset Strip. By now the weekend traffic was thinning out. As they flew north on the winding Interstate 5. A green highway sign read Gorman 40 miles. They passed a few all night gas stations and eventually eased right towards the Gorman exit. After the turn, the limo passed A. Carl's Jr. Its sign casting an eerie glow in the night. Soon there was no other Carl. Darkness surrounded them except for the headlights pinned to the lonely blacktop. The limo pulled off the highway and turned down a dirt road. Dust and pebbles sprayed the hood of the long black car, and after a few minutes it came to a sudden stop. Dust fanned out in front of the headlights. The leather seat creaked as the men shifted away from Roy and opened the doors. Roy struggled while they pulled him out of the car. The chauffeur watched, tight lipped, as the two men dragged Roy away. They were half pushing him, half pulling him past the moonlit face of a small canyon. Somewhere far off, Roy heard a coyote howling. He blinked, trying to register what was happening. Like some movie scene he couldn't have imagined. He heard his Gucci loafers dragging in the sand and gravel every time he tried to plant his feet. He kept pleading with the men, but it didn't do any good. They threw him to the ground. He raised his hands. Please don't do this. I'll pay you anything you want. Please don't do this. For a moment it seemed like they might even consider his offer. But then they just laughed. The stockier one raised his gun and Roy knew he was out of time. Run for it, he told himself. He took off, sprinting into the desert. A shoe slipped off his foot and he stumbled to the ground. His face scraped across the desert sand as he slid to a stop. He tried to scramble up, but one of the men kicked him and he fell flat on his stomach. Roy tried to scream, but the kick had knocked the breath out of him. On the highway a truck roared by. It might as well have been a million miles away. Roy rolled on his back, raised his hand palm up so that it just grazed the cold barrel of the gun. The two men stood over him and looked at each other. The stocky one spoke. It's Friday the 13th. So what? Answered the tall one. So I'm going to shoot him 13 times in the head.

[Traci Patton]

It was Sunday, May 15, 1983, just two days after Laney's final meeting with Roy Raiden in Los Angeles. By then she was across the country in Miami. Back at the house she still kept there, Lainey had arrived in Miami only hours earlier, but she had plans that she would wouldn't miss for the world. Her son Dax's first birthday. The house was decorated with brightly colored balloons. A huge three tiered cake towered on a table in the dining room. Lainey stood on the front porch waiting for guests to arrive as she bounced Dax in her arms. The first party guests were already there. Her personal security force of Bill Mentzer, Alex Marty, Bob Lowe, and Carl Plazak. Yesterday they all left L. A in a private plane that Laney chartered just so they could carry firearms. Today, however, Lainey asked them to swap their guns for gift wrapped boxes and to please try and keep a low profile. Later, with the party in full swing, Lainey stood chatting with a friend and glanced out the window. She saw the four men standing alone by the pool. They didn't exactly look like neighborhood dads. When her friend asked who they were, Lainey didn't miss a beat. They're part of a film crew. Didn't I tell you I've been working in Hollywood these days. After the party, Laney tried to call Bob Evans again, but he didn't pick up. The last time they'd spoken was the night before she left la, but they hadn't connected since then. Laney told herself he was probably just busy. Evans still needed funding for his movie, especially now that Roy's arrangement was off the table. And that American Express deal her lawyers had touted apparently fell through too. She glanced over at Mentzer, who gave her a wide smile and reassuring look. Mentzer had promised her there was nothing to worry about. Lainey felt safe. A sense of relief washed over her. She could finally put Roy Radin behind her. It was time to move on.

[Josh Lucas]

By the end of summer 1988, Detectives Stoner and Avila had learned crucial information from their undercover operation with Bill Ryder. Ryder had ended up meeting with Mentzer several times. In one of the meetings, Mentzer expressed that Bob Lowe was a problem. Mentzer said, my worry is he talks a lot. Somebody might try to tape him or get him to snitch. The irony. It was Mentzer himself who helped detectives put it all together. The tape recorded conversations allowed them to reconstruct the events surrounding Roy Raiden's last ride on Friday, May 13, 1983. That night, Bob Lowe drove the limo. Mentzer and a bodybuilder named Alex Marty had followed the vehicle after it turned and stopped on a side street in West Hollywood. Mentzer and Marty stormed inside. Laney had then exited the car. Menser and Marty flanked Raiden in the backseat and had 22 caliber guns aimed at him. At one point, a police car blared behind the limo in close pursuit. The men, including Raiden, thought the cops were after them. Mener all of a sudden all these sirens appear. We were freaking out. We were all freaking out. But then the police cars drove past them. They traveled north on i5. Along the way, Menser and Marty questioned Raiden about his involvement in a drug heist at Laney's house. Raiden denied any knowledge of the operation in the recorded conversation. Menard also attributed the abduction to a movie deal gone sour. The men arrived at a remote location outside of the small town of Gorman. Raiden was forced out of the vehicle and walked up to a deserted area. There he was shot to death 13 times. Because it was Friday the 13th. Bill Mentzer provided the last shot. The gun, a.22 caliber with a silencer, used hollow point bullets, but they flattened on impact, making them look like shotgun pellets. This caused an error in the coroner's report, which incorrectly listed a shotgun as the murder weapon. The investigation uncovered another interesting detail. In the months following Raiden's death, Menser and Laney lived together in Palm Springs on a property secured with a spiked fence. One local resident who had interacted with Menser said that he complained about his girlfriend. Menser claimed Laney struggled with a drug problem and that he intended to send her back to where she came from. Stoner and Avila know they need Bill Ryder to connect with Alex Marty. That's the man believed to have pulled the trigger 13 times on Roy Raiden. But they have no idea that a game changing revelation is about to blow open their investigation.

[Traci Patton]

Follow Hollywood in the Cotton Club Murder on the Wondery App, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge all episodes early and ad free right now by joining Wondery plus in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts. Before you go, tell us about yourself by completing a short [e-mail] survey this is episode 5 of 6 of the Cotton Club Murder. This podcast is based on historical research, but some dialogue has been dramatized. We used many sources when researching this story, but ones we found exceptionally helpful are Bad Company Drugs Hollywood and the Cotton Club Murder by Steve Wick and the Lost Angeles Court Archives Our show was produced by Tracy Patton, Rebecca Reynolds and Jim Carpenter for Hollywood and Crime. Our writer is Patrick Coleman, our managing producer is Sophia Martins, and our coordinating producer is Taylor Sniffin. Our Story editor is Michaela Bly. Research by Adam Melian. Sound design is by Kyle Randall. Our audio engineers are Sergio Enriquez and Augustine Lim. Audio assembly by Daniel Gonzalez. Additional audio assistance from Adrian Tapia. Fact checking by Will Tavlin. For Wondery, our senior producer is Laura Donna Palavotta and our producer is Yasmin Ward. Executive producers are Erin O'Flaherty, Marshall Louie and Jen Sargent.

[Josh Lucas]

Foreign.

[Unknown]

Hey, it's Dan Tabursky and my team and I are excited to share that our series Hysterical has been named Apple Podcasts show of the year for 2024. From Wondery and Pineapple Street Studios, Hysterical dives into one of the most shocking outbreaks in American history, a medical mystery that had ripple effects well beyond the tight knit community where it began. In 2011, the girls at one high school in upstate New York began exhibiting a bizarre mix of neurological symptoms, tics and twitches and strange outbursts. Question is, why? Was it mold in the school buildings? Was it a contaminated water source? Or what if the cause of the contagion wasn't coming from their physical environment at all? As their symptoms got worse, their search for answers brought a media firestorm down upon their small town, and soon enough, the entire nation was trying to solve the medical mystery. From Dr. Drew to Aaron Brockovich. Believed by some to be the most severe case of mass hysteria since the Salem Witch Trials, Hysterical is a podcast about the desire to be believed and what happens when the world tells you it's all in your head. Follow Hysterical on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge all episodes of Hysterical ad free right now by joining Wondery.