Murder: True Crime Stories

Episode: SOLVED: The Coors Brewery Murder 1
Host: Carter Roy
Date: September 16, 2025

Overview

In this first of a two-part series, host Carter Roy unpacks the dramatic story behind the 1960 abduction and murder of Adolph Coors III. The episode meticulously traces the origins and rise of the Coors brewing dynasty, painting a vivid picture of the family’s journey from humble German beginnings to American industry leaders. Listeners learn about the Coors family’s values, internal challenges, and the shocking events that culminated in a crime that shattered their seemingly untouchable legacy. The episode closes with the mysterious disappearance of Adolph Coors III, setting the stage for next episode's focus on the ensuing investigation.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Coors Family Origin Story

(00:01–05:36)

• Adolph Coors Sr.'s Humble Beginnings: Born in 1847 in Prussia during times of famine and unrest, he took odd jobs until apprenticing with a master brewer at age 15.
• Immigration and Early Struggles: At age 21, he stowed away to America, enduring hardships before settling in Colorado and opening his first brewery in Golden in 1873.
• Innovation and Growth: Noted for utilizing Golden's unique water, resulting in a lighter, more popular beer. The business steadily grew; by 1887, Adolph Sr. became sole owner.
• Family Expansion: Married Louisa Weber in 1879, had six children—priming his sons to succeed him in the company.

Quote:
"People's lives are like a story. There's a beginning, a middle and an end. But you don't always know which part you're on. Sometimes the final chapter arrives far too soon and we don't always get to know the real ending."
—Carter Roy (02:35)

Navigating Prohibition and Tragedy

(05:03–15:18)

• Prohibition Era Hardships: Faced with Colorado's prohibition law in 1916, the Coors family diversified into porcelain to survive, leveraging Adolf Jr.'s chemical engineering expertise.
• Labor Challenges: After Prohibition, struggles with union relations ensued due to earlier firings during dire financial times.
• Personal Loss: In 1929, Adolph Sr., overcome with despair over his legacy’s uncertain future, died by suicide, believing the empire was lost.

Quote:
"Adolph Sr. had died thinking his life's work was gone forever, his empire in ruins. But just four years later, Prohibition ended and the brewery was still standing."
—Carter Roy (13:59)

Reviving and Securing the Dynasty

(15:25–25:36)

• Post-Prohibition Recovery: Adolf Jr. regains traction for the brewery, amending broken ties with labor unions to restore the company's reputation.
• The Next Generation: Adolf Jr.’s strict parenting style, especially toward eldest son Adolph “AD” Coors III, preparing him as heir despite AD’s stutter and allergy to beer.

Quote:
"Coors beer was meant for the working man. No self-respecting laborer would drink a union-busting beer."
—Carter Roy (15:52)

Family Life and Brewing Tensions

(25:41–27:21)

• AD Coors’ Personal Life: Explores AD’s reserved nature, marriage to outspoken Mary Grant, and their efforts to carve out happiness within the constraints of family expectations.
• Changing Times: Post-WWII prosperity carries the family through business success, even as personal ambitions (AD’s ranching dream) stir beneath the surface.

Mounting Internal and External Tensions

(27:21–37:20)

• Rifts and Strikes: The family battles union strikes at the ceramics and brewing operations; AD stays largely in the background, focusing on business management and personal dreams.
• Fulfilled Dream, Looming Danger: AD finally purchases his dream ranch in Morrison. Despite attaining some peace, brewing labor disputes and the family’s fortune make them potential targets.

The Day of the Crime — The Disappearance

(37:20–39:25)

• Routine Morning Turns Nightmare: On the morning of February 9, 1960, AD’s day begins normally with ranch chores and family breakfast before leaving for work.
• The Discovery: By late morning, AD hasn’t arrived at work—unusual for his punctual nature. Family and staff search in vain; his abandoned car is reported near Turkey Creek Bridge.
• Key Clues: AD’s beloved tan baseball cap found by the creek along with a stranger's brown fedora. Tire tracks suggest another vehicle left the scene hastily.
• Immediate Realization: As the family pieces together the evidence, a chilling truth emerges: AD Coors III has been kidnapped, just as his father once feared.

Quote:
"Someone would have to tell Mary. Worse, someone would have to tell Adolph Jr. It seemed their father’s worst nightmare had come true. The Coors had been kidnapped."
—Carter Roy (39:14)

Memorable Moments & Quotes (with Timestamps)

• "From that moment onwards, he was determined to open his own brewery. But he didn't think Germany was the place to do it."
  (01:10) — Carter Roy, on Adolph Coors Sr.’s ambition

• "His background as a working-class immigrant made him more sympathetic to his employees, paying them a decent salary and allowing them to unionize."
  (07:11) — On Coors Sr.'s approach to business

• "He was tall like his father and brothers and built like an athlete. But unlike the other men in his family, he had interests and hobbies outside of brewing and business."
  (17:06) — On Adolph "AD" Coors III's personality

• "He looked forward to getting out from under his family's thumb and growing old on the ranch with Mary. And for two blissful years, it seemed like an actual possibility. But fate had other plans."
  (33:58) — Carter Roy, foretelling tragedy

Important Segment Timestamps

• (00:01–03:58): Opening, Coors family origin story, setting the thematic stage
• (05:03–15:18): Prohibition adversity, family expansion, and strategic pivots
• (15:25–25:36): Post-Prohibition restoration, introduction of next generation and their challenges
• (27:21–37:20): Brewing labor disputes, AD’s personal ambitions, build-up to his disappearance
• (37:20–39:25): The events of AD’s kidnapping, initial investigation clues

Final Notes

• The episode poignantly explores the intertwining of public legacy and private vulnerability within the Coors family, demonstrating how historic forces and individual ambitions shaped—and exposed—the family.
• The cliffhanger ending leaves listeners eager for part two, promising to unravel the investigation and its wider impact.

Next Episode Preview:
The search for AD Coors III ramps up, leading to one of the largest FBI manhunts since the Lindbergh kidnapping.

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