Murder: True Crime Stories – Episode: "UNSOLVED: The Rock 'n Roll Murder 2"

Release Date: July 31, 2025

Introduction

In the second installment of their deep dive into the mysterious death of Bobby Fuller, the host duo, Carter Roy and Morgan Absher, unravel the complex web surrounding the unsolved case. This episode meticulously examines the circumstances leading up to Fuller's untimely demise, the ensuing investigation, and the myriad of theories that have since emerged.

Bobby Fuller's Rise to Fame

[05:34] Carter Roy: Bobby Fuller, at just 23 years old, was the charismatic frontman of the Bobby Fuller Four. Originating from El Paso, Texas, the band soared to fame after securing a record deal with Bob Keane's Deli Records in 1964. Their unique blend of country western sound captivated audiences nationwide, earning them the admiration of even The Beatles.

[05:49] Morgan Absher: "Thanks to Bobby's grit and determination, the band eventually found the success he'd always hoped for."

Despite their rapid ascent, the band grappled with internal challenges. The draft of guitarist Jim Reese for the Vietnam War and drummer Dalton Powell's desire to return to his family left the group at a crossroads, contemplating whether to replace members or for Bobby to pursue a solo career.

The Fateful Night

[07:04] Carter Roy: On the night of July 17, 1966, the entire band, along with Bobby and his brother Randy, gathered at their Hollywood apartment for a casual evening. The atmosphere was jovial, with everyone enjoying drinks and watching TV.

[07:35] Morgan Absher: "Bobby especially seemed to cut loose. Rick Stone said he saw Bobby toss back five or six beers, which was a little out of character for him."

As midnight approached, the party began to wind down. Rick Stone fell asleep in the living room, while Lorraine, Bobby's mother, went to bed after a brief chat with Bobby, who appeared in good spirits.

[08:20] Carter Roy: Between 1:00 and 2:30 AM, Bobby left the apartment—a behavior typical of his night owl tendencies. Initially, his absence was not a cause for alarm.

Discovery of the Body

[13:18] Morgan Absher: At approximately 5:00 PM on July 18, 1966, Lorraine discovered Bobby slumped over the steering wheel of his blue Oldsmobile. The pungent smell of gasoline filled the air as she tried to rouse him.

[12:44] Morgan Absher: "Bobby wasn't going to respond because he was already dead."

Upon inspection, Bobby was found holding his car keys in one hand and a plastic hose connected to a gas can in the other, indicating possible asphyxiation from gas inhalation.

Initial Investigation and Police Response

[14:46] Morgan Absher: The LAPD quickly labeled the scene as a suicide, citing the presence of the gas canister as evidence.

[15:00] Morgan Absher: "The case seemed to be open and shut, which meant the authorities didn't feel the need to secure the crime scene."

Key investigative steps were overlooked: the car wasn't impounded, fingerprints weren't dusted, and witnesses weren't thoroughly interviewed. Notably, there was a lack of a coroner's report to determine the precise time of death.

Emergence of Doubts and Conspiracy Theories

[18:01] Carter Roy: The preliminary autopsy, released a week later, contradicted the suicide theory by indicating asphyxiation from gas fumes rather than ingestion. Moreover, discrepancies arose when the blood test showed no alcohol in Bobby's system, despite accounts of him drinking earlier.

[19:14] Morgan Absher: "It made Bobby's family wonder if the coroner had missed that. Or were they covering something up?"

Witnesses reported seeing dried blood on Bobby's clothes and signs of a struggle, which were absent from the autopsy report, fueling suspicions of foul play.

Suspicion Falls on Bob Keane

[25:02] Carter Roy: A significant theory points fingers at Bob Keane, Bobby's record executive. Keane had a history of mysterious deaths among his protégés, including Richie Valens and Sam Cooke.

[25:28] Carter Roy: "Bob Keane, the record executive who took a chance on Bobby when no one else would... If Bobby or another member died, all of that money would have gone to Keane through his company."

Despite these suspicions, the life insurance policies Keane held on the band did not yield any payout since Bobby's death was ruled accidental.

Alternative Theories and Mob Involvement

[28:10] Carter Roy: Music critic Dan Epstein introduced the possibility of mob involvement, suggesting that Morris Levy, owner of Roulette Records and linked with Delphi Records through an exclusive distribution deal, might have had motives to eliminate Bobby if business disagreements arose.

[30:27] Morgan Absher: More extreme theories even connected the case to the infamous Manson Family, though evidence suggests no direct involvement.

Family and Fan Reactions

[32:14] Morgan Absher: The Fuller family hired private detectives post the LAPD investigation, but these efforts only deepened the mystery as investigators either quit abruptly or faced threats.

[32:33] Carter Roy: "While we may never know the truth, Bobby's family does wonder what might have happened if he'd lived."

Fans remained divided, with many refusing to accept the suicide narrative, yearning for answers and justice.

Conclusion

Six decades later, Bobby Fuller's death remains shrouded in mystery. Whether it was a tragic accident, a calculated murder, or a culmination of unforeseen circumstances, the truth evades closure. The episode underscores the fragility of life behind fame and the enduring quest for truth in the face of uncertainty.

Notable Quotes:

• Morgan Absher [05:49]: "Thanks to Bobby's grit and determination, the band eventually found the success he'd always hoped for."

• Morgan Absher [12:44]: "Bobby wasn't going to respond because he was already dead."

• Morgan Absher [18:01]: "The case seemed to be open and shut, which meant the authorities didn't feel the need to secure the crime scene."

• Morgan Absher [19:14]: "It made Bobby's family wonder if the coroner had missed that. Or were they covering something up?"

• Carter Roy [25:28]: "Bob Keane, the record executive who took a chance on Bobby when no one else would... If Bobby or another member died, all of that money would have gone to Keane through his company."

Final Thoughts

This episode of Murder: True Crime Stories masterfully intertwines facts with theories, presenting listeners with a comprehensive examination of one of rock 'n' roll's enduring mysteries. Through detailed narration and poignant quotes, Carter Roy and Morgan Absher invite audiences to reflect on the complexities of fame, trust, and the elusive nature of truth.

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