Old Time Radio Westerns: "Killer's Crop – Tales of the Texas Rangers" (Original Air Date: December 30, 1951)

Host: Andrew Rhines

Overview

In the "Killer's Crop" episode of Old Time Radio Westerns, Ranger Jace Pearson, portrayed by Joel McCray, investigates the disturbing murder of Kitty Barrows. Set against the rugged landscape of 1947 Texas, the story delves into themes of narcotics trafficking, personal redemption, and the relentless pursuit of justice by the Texas Rangers. The meticulously restored audio brings this classic Western drama to life, immersing listeners in a tale of suspense and moral complexity.

1. Discovery of the Crime

Timestamp: [10:35]

The episode opens on a deserted highway near San Antonio, Texas. A tense exchange occurs inside a black coupe between Mitchell and Kitty Barrows:

Mitchell: “Why couldn't you just pay me back there in front of my room and house like usual?”

Kitty: “I already did. Standing right there in the bushes behind you.”

Their conversation hints at financial troubles and underlying tension, setting the stage for the impending tragedy.

Shortly after, a young boy discovers Kitty's body in a dry wash, prompting the involvement of the Texas Rangers. Ranger Jace Pearson arrives at the scene to examine the evidence:

Ranger Pearson: “Shot from close range. Pretty young, isn't she?”

Noticing the absence of personal identification but identifying her through a class ring, Ranger Pearson deduces that Kitty is connected to Ransford High School, setting the foundation for his investigation.

2. Initial Investigation

Timestamp: [12:00]

Ranger Pearson collaborates with the local sheriff to piece together Kitty's background. They uncover that Kitty lived in a rooming house in San Antonio and had numerous casual relationships, including one with a man described vividly by her landlady:

Mrs. Worms: “His skin seemed like it was stretched trying to tie it across his cheeks… made the smile look kind of painful, like it hurt him too.”

This description provides a crucial lead—a man in a leather jacket with distinctive facial features, potentially linked to Kitty's demise.

Further investigation reveals signs of narcotics use:

Ranger Pearson: “Tiny scars on her left forearm… Look at my stomach. So young. 21, 22.”

The presence of drug-related evidence suggests that Kitty may have been involved in narcotics trafficking, adding layers of complexity to the case.

3. Connecting to Narcotics Trafficking

Timestamp: [20:00]

Ranger Pearson's inquiry leads to the discovery of crop dusting order blanks and insecticide residues in Kitty's car. These findings point to a sophisticated method of smuggling narcotics using agricultural equipment.

A scrap of Mexican newspaper with the partially legible word "ENDO" hints at a connection to Mexico, likely the town of Mendota. This clue steers the investigation towards cross-border narcotics operations, indicating that Kitty might have been part of a larger trafficking network.

4. Trail Leads to Mexico

Timestamp: [27:00]

Ranger Pearson collaborates with Mexican authorities, specifically Agent Ernesto Gomez, to trace the smuggling route. They identify Huey Flores, a former narcotics grower convicted as a poppy farmer, as a key suspect who has resurfaced in Mendota after serving time in prison.

Ernesto Gomez: “Huey Flores. He had been convicted as a grower… He raised poppies and extracted the raw powder.”

With Flores's reappearance in Mendota, Pearson and Gomez suspect that he may have reignited his narcotics operations, potentially linking him to Kitty's murder.

5. Surveillance and Pursuit

Timestamp: [35:30]

The Rangers decide to surveil Flores's activities in the San Jacinto Range. Utilizing aerial reconnaissance, they observe Flores operating a crop dusting plane, confirming their suspicions of his involvement in drug smuggling.

Ranger Pearson: “Looks like a crop dusting plane to me, Ernesto.”

They track the plane's registration to a one-man operation, Amica Crafts, run by pilot Mick Phillips. A strategic stakeout at Tri City Airport leads them to Phillips's hangar, where suspicions rise but tangible evidence remains elusive.

6. Confrontation and Capture

Timestamp: [42:30]

Persistent investigation leads the Rangers to a cotton field where they recover a package linked to the narcotics operation. A subsequent stakeout results in the arrest of S.B. Cullen, who is revealed to be the true orchestrator behind both the drug smuggling and Kitty's murder.

A dramatic confrontation unfolds:

Ranger Pearson: “You were real smart, Nika… I told you I didn't have any choice.”

Cullen: “I told you I didn't have any choice.”

The evidence ties Cullen directly to the crime, unmasking his facade as Kitty's uncle and leader of the illicit operations. His arrest signifies a pivotal victory for the Rangers in dismantling the narcotics network.

7. Resolution and Aftermath

Timestamp: [54:10]

The episode concludes with the legal consequences faced by the perpetrators:

Narrator: “William Meeker and S.B. Cullen were incited and tried for the brutal murder of Kitty Barrows. For his part in the crime, Meeker was given a life sentence on the morning of November 3, 1948, at Huntsville Penitentiary. Cullen was put to death in the electric chair.”

This resolution not only brings closure to Kitty's tragic story but also underscores the Rangers' dedication to eradicating crime and restoring justice in their community.

Notable Quotes

• Andrew Rhines [00:01]: “Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host Andrew Rhines and let's get into this episode.”

• Ranger Pearson [12:00]: “Look at my stomach. So young. 21, 22.”

• Mrs. Worms [16:15]: “His skin seemed like it was stretched trying to tie it across his cheeks… made the smile look kind of painful, like it hurt him too.”

• Ranger Pearson [20:00]: “Tiny scars on her left forearm… Look at my stomach. So young. 21, 22.”

• Ernesto Gomez [30:50]: “Huey Flores. He had been convicted as a grower… He raised poppies and extracted the raw powder.”

• Ranger Pearson [42:10]: “You were real smart, Nika… I told you I didn't have any choice.”

• Narrator [55:30]: “William Meeker and S.B. Cullen were incited and tried for the brutal murder of Kitty Barrows.”

Conclusion

"Killer's Crop" is a testament to the enduring legacy of Old Time Radio Westerns, blending suspenseful storytelling with rich character development. Ranger Jace Pearson's unwavering pursuit of justice highlights the valor and dedication inherent in law enforcement, while the narrative delves into the complexities of narcotics trafficking and its impact on individuals and communities.

The episode's digital restoration enhances the auditory experience, allowing listeners to fully immerse themselves in the authentic soundscapes of 1950s Texas. Through meticulous production and compelling performances, Andrew Rhynes pays homage to iconic shows like Gunsmoke and The Lone Ranger, preserving the golden age of radio drama for modern audiences.

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