Hollywood & Crime: The Cotton Club Murder - Episode 1: La Rubia

Podcast: Hollywood & Crime
Host: Wondery
Season: 8
Episode: The Cotton Club Murder | La Rubia | 1
Release Date: December 2, 2024

Overview

Hollywood & Crime delves deep into the dark and intricate world of true crime within the glamorous facade of Hollywood. In Season 8, Episode 1, titled "The Cotton Club Murder: La Rubia," Wondery unpacks the enigmatic and gruesome case of Roy Radin, a variety show producer whose ambition for fame and fortune led him into a tangled web of drugs, deceit, and ultimately, murder. This detailed summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key events, character backgrounds, investigative breakthroughs, and the chilling conclusion that remains shrouded in mystery.

Discovery of the Body: A Fateful Find (00:27 - 07:33)

The episode opens on June 10, 1983, in the remote expanse of Caswell Canyon Road, Northern Los Angeles. As described by host Josh Lucas, a second-generation beekeeper, Glenn Fisher, stumbles upon the decomposing body of a well-dressed man, later identified as Roy Radin. The discovery sets off a series of investigative actions by the L.A. Sheriff's Department.

Josh Lucas (00:27): "When Glenn Fisher steps outside the truck, his shirt is already soaked with sweat... With a surge of adrenaline, he bolts towards the truck. There's a dead man back there... It was just the beginning of a twisted Hollywood mystery."

Detectives Carlos Avila and Willie Ahn arrive at the crime scene, marking the start of a complex investigation. The grim details—such as bullet casings and indications of a violent struggle—suggest that Radin's death wasn't a random act but a calculated murder.

Roy Radin: The Ambitious Producer (05:11 - 26:59)

Roy Radin emerges as a man driven by his insatiable hunger for success in Hollywood. His ambition leads him to partner with Lainey Jacobs, a woman equally determined to make her mark as a movie producer. Their collaboration on the promising film project, "The Cotton Club," promised fame and fortune but quickly spiraled into chaos involving cocaine and cash heists.

Josh Lucas (05:11): "Roy Raiden craved wealth, power, and fame as a movie producer... His murder would be forever linked to the film they were so desperate to make, the Cotton Club."

As the investigation unfolds, connections to prominent figures like producer Robert Evans emerge, further entangling the case within Hollywood's elite circles. Radin's troubled past and associations paint a picture of a man whose quest for success may have led him down a dark path.

Lainey Jacobs: From Legal Secretary to Drug Queenpin (11:59 - 45:56)

Lainey Jacobs, initially introduced as a legal secretary, transforms into a formidable figure in Miami's drug trade. Her transition from a series of failed marriages and a tumultuous childhood to becoming "La Rubia" showcases her relentless pursuit of power and wealth.

Tracy Patton (51:16): "By 1980, the Miami drug trade had rolled out the red carpet for Laney Jacobs... La Rubia was distributing at least 10 to 20 kilos of pure Colombian cocaine every week."

Lainey's strategic alliances with major drug lords like Milan Bella Chasis and her ability to navigate the perilous waters of organized crime highlight her as a pivotal character in Radin's downfall. Her involvement in the theft of cocaine and significant cash adds layers of complexity to the case, suggesting motives that extend beyond mere personal vendettas.

Investigative Breakthroughs: Piecing the Puzzle (24:30 - 51:16)

Detectives Avila and Ahn embark on a relentless pursuit of truth, traveling thousands of miles to interview key individuals like Roy Radin's assistant, Jonathan Lawson. These interviews reveal Radin's obsession with breaking into the movie industry, his strained relationship with Lainey Jacobs, and the enigmatic figure of Tally Rogers, a missing drug courier.

Detective Carlos Avila (39:08): "He wanted to like to see him to see me."

Lawson's accounts provide crucial insights into the dynamics between Radin and Jacobs, hinting at the possibility of external pressures from organized crime influencing Radin's actions. The detectives grapple with conflicting narratives and the elusive nature of key witnesses, making the investigation increasingly convoluted.

The Web of Deceit: Unraveling Alliances and Loyalties (36:27 - 51:16)

Lainey's ascent in the Miami drug world paints a vivid backdrop against Radin's demise. Her establishment of a shell company, lavish lifestyle, and strategic partnerships showcase her as a master manipulator within the criminal underworld. The episode meticulously details her methods of avoiding law enforcement and her interactions with influential drug lords.

Tracy Patton (42:13): "Laney was willing to do anything to protect her empire... Her eyes were wide open to the risks. She wouldn't go back."

As the investigation progresses, connections between Radin's professional ambitions and Lainey's criminal activities become increasingly apparent. The detectives must navigate through layers of deception, power struggles, and hidden agendas to uncover the truth behind Radin's murder.

Climactic Conclusions: A Cold Case Reignites (51:16 - 53:05)

Despite years of investigation, the case seemingly grows colder until a new murder nearly 3,000 miles away from Hollywood brings fresh attention to the Cotton Club Murder. The perseverance of the L.A. Sheriff's Department detectives, coupled with secretive undercover witnesses, begins to shed light on the previously murky circumstances surrounding Radin's death.

Tracy Patton (53:05): "This podcast is based on historical research, but some dialogue has been dramatized... Our research was extensively supported by sources like 'Bad Company Drugs, Hollywood and the Cotton Club Murder' by Steve Wick."

The episode concludes by highlighting the intricate connections between ambition, crime, and the relentless pursuit of truth, setting the stage for the subsequent episodes in the series.

Key Takeaways

• Complex Relationships: The intertwined relationships between Roy Radin, Lainey Jacobs, and other Hollywood elites reveal a network rife with ambition, betrayal, and criminal activities.

• Ambition and Downfall: Radin's relentless drive for success in Hollywood appears to be the catalyst for his eventual murder, showcasing how far ambition can lead in the high-stakes world of show business.

• Female Power in Crime: Lainey Jacobs' portrayal as a central figure in the drug trade challenges traditional gender roles within the criminal underworld, emphasizing her strategic mind and ruthless determination.

• Investigative Challenges: The detectives' journey underscores the difficulties in solving high-profile crimes intertwined with powerful individuals, highlighting issues of corruption, fear, and the elusive nature of truth.

Notable Quotes

• Josh Lucas (00:27): "With a surge of adrenaline, he bolts towards the truck. There's a dead man back there... It was just the beginning of a twisted Hollywood mystery."

• Tracy Patton (05:11): "Roy Raiden craved wealth, power, and fame as a movie producer... His murder would be forever linked to the film they were so desperate to make, the Cotton Club."

• Detective Carlos Avila (39:08): "He wanted to like to see him to see me."

• Tracy Patton (42:13): "Laney was willing to do anything to protect her empire... Her eyes were wide open to the risks. She wouldn't go back."

Production Credits

• Producers: Tracy Patton, Rebecca Reynolds, Jim Carpenter
• Writer: Matt Marinovich
• Managing Producer: Sophia Martins
• Coordinating Producer: Taylor Sniffin
• Story Editor: Mikayla Bly
• Research: Adam Melian
• Sound Design: Kyle Randall
• Audio Engineers: Sergio Enriquez, Augustine Lim
• Executive Producers: Erin O'Flaherty, Marsha Louie, Jen Sargent

Join the Investigation:
To immerse yourself further into the chilling tale of Roy Radin and the intricate web of Hollywood's darkest secrets, follow Hollywood & Crime: The Cotton Club Murder on the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts, or your preferred podcast platform.