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The Cotton Club Murder | Hollywood Ending | 6 - Hollywood & Crime | Wave AI Podcast Notes

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The Cotton Club Murder | Hollywood Ending | 6

Hollywood & Crime

Mon Jan 06 2025

Summary

Summary of "The Cotton Club Murder | Hollywood Ending | Episode 6"

Release Date: January 6, 2025
Podcast Series: Hollywood & Crime
Host: Wondery

Introduction

In the gripping sixth episode of Wondery's Hollywood & Crime series, titled "The Cotton Club Murder: Hollywood Ending," listeners are taken deep into the murky waters of Hollywood's darker side. The episode unravels the complex web surrounding the 1983 murder of Roy Radin, a missing variety show producer, and the ensuing investigation that entangled notable Hollywood figures, leading to a high-stakes trial.

Discovery of Roy Radin's Murder

The story begins on June 10, 1983, when Roy Radin's decomposing body is discovered in a remote canyon near Los Angeles. Initially labeled as a possible suicide, the autopsy reveals inconsistencies, including the improbable bullet trajectory, indicating foul play.

Traci Patton narrates:
"His right hand gripped a .44 caliber magnum. A bullet hole had ripped through his head. Blood soaked through the man's robe... it would take more than five years... to unlock the truth." (00:00)

Investigation and Suspects

Detectives Bill Stoner and Carlos Avila spearhead the investigation, which soon implicates Lainey Jacobs Greenberger, Roy Radin's widow. Lainey, who had recently left Los Angeles with her son and later vanished, becomes a key suspect. The investigation also surfaces connections to former producer Robert Evans and Radin's troubled past.

Detective Bill Stoner explains:
"Laney's got to know she's a suspect. It means she's going to be on the run, maybe even leave the country." (05:32)

Arrest and Legal Proceedings

After months of meticulous undercover work, including the pivotal role of informant William Ryder, Lainey is apprehended under suspicious circumstances in Florida. Her arrest unfolds dramatically when Detective Stoner presents her with an arrest warrant, revealing her involvement in Radin's murder.

Detective Bill Stoner announces:
"I have a warrant for your arrest, Mrs. Greenberger. You are wanted in Los Angeles to answer charges in the 1983 murder of Roy Alexander Radon." (12:20)

The Trial

The courtroom drama intensifies as District Attorney David Kahn lays out a compelling case against Lainey and her accomplices. Robert Evans, a prominent movie producer, faces scrutiny, and his testimony becomes a focal point of contention. The prosecution presents incriminating evidence, including undercover recordings and witness testimonies linking Lainey to the murder-for-hire plot.

DA David Kahn states during his opening:
"Lainey Greenberger was angry about being cut out of the profits from the Cotton Club movie deal... She also suspected Raiden had orchestrated the theft of $1 million in cocaine and cash... This prompted her to order Raiden's murder." (30:37)

Defense attorney Ed Shohat counters by arguing that Lainey was framed and that the true mastermind was drug kingpin Milan Bellachasis. Shohat's strategy involves introducing Tim Whitehead as a new witness to shift the blame away from Lainey.

Detective Bill Stoner asserts during defense arguments:
"Lainey Greenberger was set up and used. She was literally and figuratively framed for the murder of Roy Raiden." (31:02)

Verdict and Aftermath

After a lengthy trial marked by intense witness examinations and strategic courtroom maneuvers, the jury delivers its verdict. Bill Mentzer and Alex Marty are convicted of first-degree murder with special circumstances, while Lainey Greenberger and Bob Lowe receive second-degree murder convictions. Lainey faces life imprisonment, marking a tragic end to her aspirations for power and control within Hollywood's elite circles.

Traci Patton concludes:
"Laney Jacobs Greenberger... will also spend the rest of her life in prison." (49:07)

Conclusion

Nearly four decades after Roy Radin's murder, the case remains a seminal part of Hollywood's true crime history. The episode highlights the enduring impact of the case on those involved, including retired detectives, the convicted individuals, and Robert Evans, whose career never fully recovered. The story serves as a stark reminder of the corrosive effects of ambition and the lengths individuals will go to secure their place in the glamorous yet perilous world of Hollywood.

Traci Patton reflects:
"Roy Radin's close friend and assistant Jonathan Lawson experienced depression in the years following Raiden's death... Laney is now 77 years old... Though no one was ever charged in the death of Laney's husband, Larry Greenberger." (49:07)

This episode masterfully intertwines personal ambitions, criminal endeavors, and the relentless pursuit of justice, painting a vivid picture of the complexities behind one of Hollywood's most infamous crimes.

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Transcript

Traci Patton (0:00)

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. The outskirts of Okeechobee, Florida. It's dead quiet here at night. Nothing to listen to but crickets and leaves rustling in the trees until just before midnight, September 12, 1988. The 911 call came in at 12:07am Someone had been shot. By 12:30am Police cars swarmed the sprawling ranch style house at 11001 Southwest 22nd Avenue, an ambulance parked near the porch, but it was too late for the victim. His wife stood nearby, leaning into the arms of a young man, a family friend staying at the house. The woman kept saying, I can't believe he killed himself. The dead man sat slumped in a rocking chair on the side porch. His right hand gripped a.44 caliber magnum. A bullet hole had ripped through his head. Blood soaked through the man's robe. His name was Larry Greenberger, a well known 40 year old local. The Sheriff's department determined it would have been hard for intruders to break in. An electronic gate was the only entry point into the private compound. High fences topped with barbed wire surrounded the property. The next day, Okeechobee County Medical examiner Frederick Hoban completed his autopsy of Greenberger's body. He discovered that Greenberger had consumed alcohol, marijuana and cocaine in the hours before his death. But the autopsy revealed details that raised serious questions. The angle of the bullet's path didn't make any sense. While the gun was found in Greenberger's right hand, the bullet had entered from the left and a powerful gun like a.44 Magnum should have recoiled out of his hand after firing. Several days later, the medical examiner announced his findings. This was a homicide rigged to look like a suicide. The sleepy town of Okeechobee suddenly started buzzing. Residents gossiped about the beautiful widow. They recalled seeing her around town, cruising the streets in her flashy Mercedes or browsing shops in her designer outfits. Right after the murder, the widow left town with her six year old son and the she returned for the funeral several days later, then vanished again. And just who was this mysterious widow? Her name was Lainey Jacobs Green Burger.

Josh Lucas (3:24)

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Detective Bill Stoner (5:32)

Foreign it's the third week of September 1988. After months of meticulous undercover work, Detectives Bill Stoner and Carlos Avila finally have a breakthrough. It's thanks to their informant, William Ryder. Ryder has built trust with Bill Menser, meeting him in various locations and taping every word he said. Next, they need Ryder to meet with the third suspect in Roy Raiden's murder, Alex Marty Stoner's working out the details when he gets a call. It's Ryder and he's got some explosive news. I just talked to Menser, he said. Laney's husband has been found dead. He shot himself. Stoner is speechless. He immediately dials the Florida authorities who confirm her husband, Larry Greenberger is dead. But it's not suicide. His death has been ruled a homicide and Lainey is under investigation for his murder. The hairs stand up on Stoner's neck. He ends the call and relays the news to Avila. Their whole Plan is turned upside down. Their priority now is to get Lainey. Stoner paces in front of Avila's desk. Lainey's got to know she's a suspect. It means she's going to be on the run, maybe even leave the country. Avila agrees. He starts tracking her credit card activity. Laney's been changing hotels every other day with her son Dax and a guy named Terry Squillante. She's currently in Denver, Colorado. With these latest developments, Stoner and Avila set up a meeting with Deputy District Attorney David Kahn. They lay out the whole story and play him key parts of the recordings with Mentzer and Lowe. The DA gives the go ahead. They have enough for a case and an arrest warrant for Laney. Then Stoner hears through Larry Greenberger's family that Laney is planning to move to Spain. She's also withdrawn $200,000 from one of Greenberger's accounts. The detectives need a game plan to lure Laney in. And the clock is ticking. In Okeechobee, Florida, Lieutenant Don Fisher with the County Sheriff's office has been trying to get a statement from Lainey about Greenberger's death. Lainey has lawyered up and she's refusing to meet with police. Just like after Roy Raiden's murder. Stoner sees a way in. When Lainey contacts Florida detectives, she wants to collect her personal belongings from her house. With Stoner's approval, the Florida sheriff offers her a deal. Laney can retrieve whatever she wants, but only if she provides a statement to the police. Lainey's attorney counters with an offer. She'll cooperate, but only if they guarantee she won't be arrested in connection with her husband's shooting. The authorities accept. With the arrangements in place, Lainey agrees to meet in Orlando. Detective Stoner and Avila race to pull their plan together. This could be their last chance to finally bring Lainey in.

Traci Patton (9:01)

On Sunday, October 2, Laney Jacobs Greenberger disembarks from a Denver, Colorado flight in Orlando, Florida. Her attorney, Paul Voronasek, walks just behind her. A meeting with cops is the last thing she wants, but she's determined to move past this ordeal. Lainey glances at the dark haired young man walking by her side. Terry Squalante is the 21 year old Houseguest who was with her the night Larry died. The two met several months ago when they enrolled in real estate classes in Orlando. Laney formed an instant bond with Terry and invited him to stay at her house. Even Larry grew fond of him. Terry squeezes her hand to reassure her. Lainey forces a smile. For the past two and a half weeks, she's been living out of a hastily packed suitcase. It's been exhausting. She just wants to pack up her personal belongings and never see Okeechobee again. Laney had high hopes when she met Larry Greenberger back in the spring of 1984. Sparks flew and later that September they eloped to Las Vegas. Larry became husband number seven and they settled in his hometown of Okeechobee. Larry had a college degree in marketing and he put it to use marketing cocaine for a powerful international drug cartel. By the time he met Lainey, Larry had earned a fortune and had retired from his drug dealing days. Lainey tried to convince herself that life in her husband's laid back hometown was just what she needed. That didn't last long. She tried starting a business. Laney partnered with a plastic surgeon to offer clients a lavish retreat in Mexico alongside their cosmetic procedures. But when she asked Larry to bankroll the startup, he refused. Then she decided to go into real estate and met Terry. He was loving and optimistic. Just what she needed. Laney glances through the window of their rental car and spots the approaching Holiday Inn sign. Voronasek reminds her to keep it simple. This questioning should go quick. She exhales slowly to calm her nerves. Lt. Fisher and a Florida law enforcement officer meets the group and escorts Lainey to a room. Fisher's friendly enough with a deep southern accent. She tells the officers that Larry had been depressed and killed himself. The interview goes off without a hitch. When it's over, Laney heads for the door, breathing a sigh of relief. Terry needs to give his statement and then they can finally leave. Fisher stands up and walks her to the hallway. Lainey isn't sure why he's hovering so close. Then he turns abruptly, blocking her path. She sees his hand moving towards his belt. Lainey's pulse quickens. She catches a glint of steel and watches in slow motion as he pulls out a set of handcuffs. He grabs her hand, his eyes never leaving her face.

Detective Bill Stoner (22:24)

Later that Friday morning, inside the Los Angeles Criminal Courts building downtown, the pre trial hearing is about to begin. This is where the prosecution must convince the judge that there is sufficient evidence to proceed to a full trial. From his seat at the prosecution's table, District Attorney David Kahn adjusts his glasses and surveys the courtroom. It's packed with reporters, TV crews and curiosity seekers. They're all here for the show. But for Khan, this is about delivering justice for the Victim. The three defendants file in. Bill Mentzer, Alex Marty and the primary defendant, Laney Jacobs Greenberger. The limo driver, Bob Lowe, is still in Maryland fighting extradition to California on murder charges. Laney takes a seat next to her attorney, ed Shohat. At 42 and with graying hair, she doesn't look like the party loving coke dealer once known as La Rubia. The blonde. Bill Mentzer and Alex Marty sit at a table behind her, each with their own lawyers. Finally, Judge Patty McKay enters and takes her place at the judge's podium. The prosecution is ready to present their first witness. Khan shifts in his seat as the doors creak open. Robert Evans walks into the wood panel courtroom and takes the stand. His tan can't hide the nervous expression on his face. Kahn knows that Evan's attorney advised him to plead the Fifth to invoke his constitutional right against self incrimination. But the DA believes the judge will reject those claims once Evans is on the stand. And Khan has a strong reason to want his testimony. He's convinced that Laney confided in Evans about Roy Raiden's murder. Khan approaches the witness box. He begins his questioning after Evans says and spells his name. What is your occupation? Evans clears his throat. Based on advice of counsel, I respectfully refuse to answer that question. I exercise my privilege under the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution. Khan immediately objects and demands that he answer the question. Judge McKay denies the request, but instructs Khan to proceed. Did you know a man by the name of Roy Radin? Evans pleads the Fifth again. Do you know a woman by the name of Lainey Jacobs? Evans refuses to answer. Judge McKay loses her patience. She threatens to jail Evans, accusing him of improperly invoking his Fifth Amendment rights. By the time court adjourns for the weekend, Khan believes Evans will have to testify. It's either that or jail. But on Monday morning, everything changes. Judge McKay says Evans can't be forced to testify unless the prosecution gives him full immunity. Khan is furious and refuses he won't shield a potential suspect. Any details the movie producer has about Roy Raiden's murder are now blocked. Khan will have to rely on the persuasiveness of his other witnesses and hope it's enough.

Detective Bill Stoner (32:25)

Over the next three months, Kahn presents testimony from detectives Bill Stoner and Carlos Avila who outline their thorough investigation. Other witnesses provide insights into Roy's business dealings and personal life leading up to his death. Carl Plizak testifies that on the night of the murder, Mentzer had instructed him and an accomplice to wait for Jonathan Lawson, Raiden's personal assistant. Lawson was expected to go to Lannie's car in Beverly Hills and retrieve some coke. They were to kidnap Lawson and use him as leverage. This would force Raiden to reveal information about the missing money and cocaine. But the plan fell apart when Lawson refused. Similar to his testimony at the pre trial Plizak can't connect Laney to any conversations about Raiden's murder. Then, on Tuesday, February 19, 1991, star witness William Ryder takes the stand to the prosecution. He's a courageous undercover operative who risked his life for justice, but the defense will try and discredit him as a paid informant with a motive to lie. Ryder is sworn in. Kahn walks towards the stand. Mr. Ryder, can you tell the jury when you first learned about the events on May 13, 1983? Ryder wipes his brow and begins speaking. He states he was alone with mentzer in early 1983 when Mensur revealed he had just done a hit and dumped the body in Caswell Canyon, where Raiden was later found. Then Ryder testifies about a conversation he had with defendant Alex Marty. Marty told him that he had shot Raiden first, multiple times. Mentzer made the final shot, but had to drink a pint of wine because he was afraid or reluctant. Before he did the hit, Ryder at first thought they weren't telling the truth until they showed him newspaper articles about Raiden's body being found. Then he got scared. In a later conversation with Marty and Mentzer, Marty offered to sell him Raiden's Rolex watch. Khan then asks Ryder about the murder weapon. Mentzer told me that he used a.22 caliber semi automatic weapon and later it was tossed in a swamp in Florida. Khan then plays excerpts of the undercover tapes for the jury. One set features conversations between Ryder and Lowe, while the other involves Ryder and Mentzer. Khan watches the jury's faces. When Mentzer accuses Laney and Evans on tape of paying for the hit, all eyes turn to Laney. Khan wraps up Ryder's testimony. He believes Ryder has been a compelling witness, but now he'll have to withstand the defense's attack.

Traci Patton (36:54)

Ed Shohat is in a tough spot. The jury has heard the explosive recordings of Menser and Lowe talking to Ryder. There's no erasing that now. Shohat has to undermine Ryder's testimony, but luckily he won't be alone. The attorneys for the other three defendants are eager to do the same. They each argue that Ryder's doing this for money, not for pursuit of the truth. Ryder has been placed in the witness protection program. He receives a monthly stipend of $3,000, along with police protection, transportation, and a gun permit. They even dismissed a misdemeanor battery case for him, all in exchange for his testimony. And Shohat states that there's no recording of the voice at the center of the story, Lainey Greenberger's When Ryder's cross examination is over, Shohat believes he's cast some doubt on his testimony. But it's not enough. Shohat still has to convince the jury that Milan Bella Chassis is the mastermind behind the murder. Except Bella Chases is currently incarcerated in a Florida jail facing drug charges, and he's refusing to testify. Shohat has a plan, though. He's going to introduce a new witness, someone who could potentially turn the tide in Lainey's favor. For months, Shohat has been searching for Tim Whitehead, one of Laney's former drug couriers who could help tie Bella Chassis to the crime. His private investigator finally located him on March 25, 1991. The prosecution rests its case. Now the burden of proof is on the defense. Tim Whitehead steps up to the witness stand dressed in a sports jacket and tie. He's 36, with thinning brown hair. Shohat rises and approaches his witness. He asks Whitehead to describe his relationship with Laney Jacobs Greenberger. Whitehead leans forward and his voice is steady. He says he worked for both Laney and Milan Bellachasis in the cocaine distribution business. He also knew Tallie Rogers, who had stolen the cash and drugs from Laney's house back in April 1983. Prior to the theft, Rogers brought the coke in from Miami. Whitehead picked it up from Laney's house and delivered it. Whitehead explains that after the break in, Laney was terrified she'd be held responsible by Bella Chossas and killed if she didn't find the missing coke. Shohat presses him for more details. Whitehead reveals that on April 20, 1983, Laney introduced him to Menser, Marty and lo they had been brought in to track down the Koch. In early May, Whitehead went to Miami with Marty and Mentzer to meet directly with Bella Chassis about resolving the issue. Shohat asks what happened next. Whitehead takes a breath.

Traci Patton (40:10)

Shohat phrases as next question carefully. He wants to know if Whitehead interpreted the phrase talk to Raiden as a way of ordering Raiden's murder. Before he can finish, Khan objects. The judge agrees with the DA and shuts down Shohat. But the testimony has inched him closer to proving Bella Chaussis was the puppet master, not Laney. The LA skies are a brilliant blue on Wednesday, April 24, 1991. It's the day Laney Jacobs Greenberger will take the stand in her own defense. Ed Shohat has wrestled with this decision since the trial began. On the one hand, putting Laney on the stand leaves her open into relentless cross examination. And the jury could find anything to pick apart her demeanor, her words, even her appearance. But Shohat focuses on the positive. Lainey is soft spoken. She has an inherent sweetness to her. Hopefully the jury will see that and feel for her. Shohat nods to his co counsel Marsha Morrissey, who will conduct the questioning. Lainey takes the stand. Wearing a white cardigan over a dark blouse, Morrissey asks how Lainey first became involved in selling cocaine. Lainey clears her throat and her voice is soft, even a bit shaky. Some people just asked me to do something and I did it and made a lot of money and it went from there. Morrissey nods and then asks why she stayed in that business. It's kind of like being on a roller coaster that's going and you can't get off. She describes meeting drug kingpin Milan Bellachasis. They became lovers and began brokering large cocaine deals. She details how she moved to Los Angeles and met Roy Radin. Then, in April, a few months after she met Radin, tally Rogers stole 11 kilos of cocaine from Laney's garage. After the theft, she says, she became terrified of Bella chases. Morrissey asks what Bellachasis said after the break in. Lainey's voice gets quiet. He could have the Colombians sitting in my house. Then Morrissey guides her towards the topic of Roy Raiden. Laney recounts Raiden's promise of an equal share in the Cotton Club movie Profit. Her trust shattered when she believed he aided Rogers in stealing her cocaine, and he subsequently reneged on their agreement. By the time she met him for dinner on Friday, May 13, 1983, she explains that she felt powerless over the events that unfolded. Morrissey nods and continues. She wants to know what she and Raiden discussed prior to leaving Radin's hotel. We talked about wanting to settle our differences over the Cotton Club. And also I told him that because of the theft of drugs and the money from my house that I was under a lot of pressure from Mr. Bellachause. Morrissey edges her toward the pivotal event when the limousine was pulled over. Lainey pauses, then says that the car turned up a side street very fast and stopped. In seconds. Mentzer and Marty jumped in and ordered her out. They told her to get in their vehicle and drive to Beverly Hills, where she met Carl Plazak. She and Plazak drove around as she tried unsuccessfully to contact Mentzer on a walkie talkie. Later on, Lainey headed to her friend Saul Becherrat's apartment. At around 12:30am she called Evans in New York. The next morning, Laney went to Mentzer's apartment. He claimed Raiden was angry and upset and had a gun. That's when Mentzer revealed that Raiden had been killed. Lainey's testimony spans several days of the trial. She emphasizes her profound fear of Bella Chaussas and her desperate desire to be part of the Cotton Club deal as a means to repay her debt to him. She kept silent about the murder because she was terrified. For now, Shohat and Morrissey can only hope their strategy has paid off.

Traci Patton (49:07)

Almost 40 years have passed since Roy Radin's brutal slaying. And yet the story of his death, known as the Cotton Club murder, is now part of Hollywood lore. Detective Carlos Avila, who first investigated the case, retired after 30 years of service with the Los Angeles Sheriff's department. He died May 2, 2006. He was 71 years old. Cold case unit Detective Bill stoner retired after 32 years of service. He is still alive. Laney's lead attorney, Ed Shohat, continues to practice criminal law in Florida. He's still an advocate for Laney Jacobs Greenberger believing she deserved a shot at parole. Laney's co defendants Alex Marty, William Mentzer and Robert Lowe remained behind bars, serving life sentences. In 1990, Milan Bellachazas was sentenced to prison for conspiracy to import cocaine into Florida. He was never charged in the murder of Roy Radin. Movie producer Robert Evans career never fully recovered from the stain of Radin's murder, but he rebounded by writing a memoir titled the Kid Stays in the Picture. The book was a best seller and later turned into a documentary. He died in 2019 at the age of 89. In that same year, director Francisco Ford Coppola made a director's cut of the Cotton Club. The film won new respect with critics and audiences. Roy Radin's close friend and assistant Jonathan Lawson experienced depression in the years following Raiden's death. He died in 2005 at the age of 63. Laney is now 77 years old. She's at the California Institution for Women in Chino, California, not that far from the bright lights of Hollywood. Though no one was ever charged in the death of Laney's husband, Larry Greenberger. The cold case was recently reopened in the state of Florida as the ultimate showman. Roy Radin would have wanted to produce the big screen version of his own story with a different ending, one where he walked into the sunset with a three picture deal and an Academy Award. Follow Hollywood in Crime, 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 survey@wondery.com survey.