
A dead body found in a burning building leads Jace Pearson to a killer. Original Air Date: May 18, 1952Host: Andrew RhynesShow: Tales of the Texas RangersPhone: (707) 98 OTRDW (6-8739) Stars:• Joel McCrea (Ranger Jayce Pearson) Special Guests:• Tony Ba...
Loading summary
A
I'm here on the job site with Dale, who's a framing contractor. Hey, good morning. Dale traded up to GEICO Commercial Auto Insurance for all his business vehicles. We're here where he needs us most. Yep, they sure are. We make it easy for him to save on all his insurance needs, all in one place with coverage that fits his business and bottom line. Oh, I shouldn't have looked down. It's all right. We're so far up here. Look at me. Take a deep breath. I'm good. So good. Get a commercial auto insurance quote today@geico.com and see how much you could save. Get more with Geico. This is the story of one. As head of maintenance at a concert hall, he knows the show must always go on. That's why he works behind the scenes, ensuring every light is working, the H Vac is humming, and his facility shines with Grainger's supplies and solutions for every challenge he faces. Plus 24. 7 customer support. His venue never misses a beat. Call quickgranger.com or just stop by Grainger for the ones who get it done. Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines, and I'm excited to bring you another episode absolutely free. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. Now, let's get into this episode. Tales of the Texas Rangers, starring Joel McCray as Ranger Jace Pearson. Another authentic reenactment of a case transcribed from the files of the Texas Rangers. Names, dates and places in the following story are fictitious for obvious reasons. The events themselves are a matter of record. Progressive knows we all create validation. Girl, you are not 37. I would have guessed 27. You guys are too sweet. Sure, Dewey. Skinny. Terrific. Is something wrong, Ned? Why would you ask? Just because Today marks my 10th anniversary without a car accident or even a speeding ticket. But somehow tonight's all about your skin care. Wow. With snapshot from Progressive, you can get a personalized rate based on how you drive. And that's all the validation you need. Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliate snapshot not available in California from all agents. Surcharge possible for unsafe driving. Every day, Monday through Friday, there's top entertainment all day long. When you set your radio dial to NBC, listen for double or nothing and you'll hear one of radio's funniest quiz shows. Yes, Walter o' Keefe consistently comes up with great comedy entertainment Monday through Friday on Double or Nothing. Listen and you'll agree. And then there's the program with a heart. Strike it rich. The grand entertainment that Warren Hull brings you every day on Strike It Rich is just what the doctor ordered. If you suffer from the housework blues from Chicago, Tommy Bartlett brings you welcome travelers and interviews with the many interesting guests who each day pass through the Windy City. And for more fun, listen for Bob and Ray, those two zany comics. Then there's Music and Charm with Dave Garraway. So remember, every day, Monday through Friday, chase your blues away with the wonderful daytime programs on this station of the NBC Radio Network. And now, here's today's tales of the Texas Rangers. And now, from the files of the Texas Rangers, the case called Smart Kill. It is approximately 11 o'clock on the evening of May 14, 1939, in the small South Texas town of Carville. Mr. And Mrs. Edward Woodley have been spending the evening at the home of friends called to the telephone but a moment ago. Ed Woodley, his face flushed with excitement, now hurries across the room to his wife's side. Well, Amy, I just. Martha. Yes, dear? Martha, come on, we gotta get out of here. Ed Woodley, have you taken leave of yourself? Quick now. Land sakes, Ed. Amy, I'll call you. Good night, Tom. Call you tomorrow, John. Goodbye. The world's this all about? I'll explain in a minute. In this side, Martha. Push over. I'll drive. Well, I never. Ed Woodley, what's the big idea of running out on Amy's party that way? Heavens, what'll everyone think? I think I did right not busting up the party. Well, you certainly didn't help it, Amy. Now, would you mind telling me why you made such a spectacle of yourself and why you're driving this car like a maniac? Martha, that phone call was from Sheriff Fuller. He said our Feed and Grain company's on fire and burning like fury. Oh, no, Ed. That's what he said. Look off there. You can see the flames in the sky now. Oh. Oh, Ed, why didn't you tell me before? Couldn't see any point in tell about it at the party. Would have busted it up for sure. I'm sorry I spoke like I did. I don't blame you. I sure hope the fire department's there. We'll know as soon as we get around this bend. Oh, Ed. Yeah, Sheriff was right. She sure got a good start. The fireman can hardly get near it. It's Sheriff Fuller keeping folks back. Please keep back. Oh, I'm glad you got here, Ed. I'm afraid she's pretty much on the way. Was it bound to go up like kinder Sheriff. She's piled high with feed, grain and cotton. Oh, I sure wish I could get in there for just about two minutes, though. Don't you dare try to get near them. I said I wish, Martha. All my ledgers in there. Don't know how I'll ever get screened on paperwork. Firemen are having a terrible time. Getting close. You can feel that heat all the way over here. Thank the Lord it didn't happen when someone was in there. That's your office right where that window is, isn't it, Ed? Yes, but it might just. Well, Martha, what is it? The Windsor. I saw a face. A man's face. Now, calm down, Martha. The way flames jump around, you just imagined it. Yeah. There's Nothing there now. Ms. Woodley. Tell you I saw a face at that window, and it seemed to fall back inside. Martha, please. Could anyone have gotten in there tonight, Ed, of course not. There is. Look. Look. Now what, Sheriff, she's right. Yeah. There's someone in there. I. I know. I. I saw him just before he fell back again. We gotta try to get him, Sheriff. How? Ed, you're gross. Before you got anywhere near. We can't just stand here. There must be something we can do. Just one thing, ma'. Am. Pray for him. It's too late for the roaring fire raged far into the night, completely destroying the Feed and Grain building. Sheriff Fuller, suspecting criminal intent, asked for the help of the Texas Rangers. Ranger Jace Pearson was assigned. Arriving at Carville the following morning, he and Sheriff Fuller went immediately to the scene of the fire, only to find a good many curious townsfolk already there. It's a good thing my deputies were out here all night, Jason. Folks just wouldn't stay away. Morbid curiosity, sheriff. According to what you told me, the body should be right around here someplace. Yeah, just about. Well, let's just. Over there. Sheriff. What is it, Jason? What we're looking for. Or what's left of them. Good Lord, that's awful. Fire's a pretty awful thing. Watch where you kneel, Jason. Hard to tell what's burned through and what's still solid. Yeah, I know. Fire did a real thorough job. It's not gonna be easy getting an identification on him. He's too far gone. I was afraid of that. A fire like this didn't just roar up in a minute, sheriff. It took time. This fella, whoever he is, wasn't drunk or hurt. Why didn't he get out? I never thought of that. I want to see the front and back doors, sheriff. Sure thing. This way. Jason, here's the back door right here. Sure. Not much left of it. This helps. Bad luck, huh? Big one Locks from the outside still locked. Let's get to that front door. Over this way. Be careful, Sheriff. A lot of these spots still hold their heat. Yeah, I know it. Front door should be about here someplace. This is it. Look at it, Sheriff. Another padlock. This one locks from the outside too. Guess that answers your question of why he didn't get out. It sure does. It couldn't have been an accident he was put in here. That makes it murder with malice, Sheriff. That figures. Well, what's the next move? Right now there's only one important thing. Identification of the body. As soon as the JP's through with him, we'll have an autopsy performed. Sure. Not much left of him to work with. I know. Maybe his teeth will tell us something. Yeah, but that'll take some time. Jace won't be just standing idle in the meantime, Sheriff. There's a lot of work to be done. A lot of work. An hour later, the sheriff and I were at the home of Ed Woodley, the man who owned the burned out building. Both Woodley and his wife looked haggard and weary eyed over their coffee cups. It was easy to believe they'd been at the fire all night. Once the sheriff had introduced us, Woodley lost no time getting to the point. Well, what'd you find out, Ranger? You know who that man, idiot? No, Mr. Woodley, we don't. Well, I'll be in the kitchen if anybody wants anything. The body was pretty well burned, Mr. Woodley. Gonna be hard to identify. We can use your help. Have you got any idea who he could be or how he got in there? No, not the least idea in the world. Is the building always kept locked at night? Always, Ranger. From what I could see, there are just two doors. How many windows? Two. They look burglar proof to me. They were. But not fireproof. You own the feed and grain business by yourself, Mr. Woodley? No. Sam Taylor's my partner in the business. He's got that formula joins mine. I see. Mr. Woodley, who else besides yourself has a key to the building? Why, there's only two keys. Ranger Sam's got one and I got the other. This is mine right here. Where can I find your partner? I'm afraid you'll have to wait on that, Ranger. Sam has been on the road for more than a week. He does it traveling for us. I think he's in Dallas now, but he should be home in a day or so. You think, Mr. Woodley. Don't you know? Well, Sam's not much of a hand for phoning me, Ranger. What do you mean? He and his wife have only been married about a year. Guess you'd call him a kind of lovesick fella. When he's on the road, he does all his phoning to his wife. We'll look her up. I don't suppose I've been much help to you, Ranger. Just can't figure how a thing like this could happen. Be a lot easier to figure later on, Mr. Woodley. After we find out who the man was in the fire. The sheriff and I got in the car and drove to the farm of Sam Taylor, Ed Woodley's partner. Though the two partners farms joined each other, they were both big spreads. And the drive took a good 15 minutes. Main House is just a little farther down the road, Jason. Good looking farm, Sheriff. Yeah. You don't have to worry nothing about Sam Taylor or Ed Woodley. Everybody in town knows they got no use for each other, but business wise, they do right well for themselves. You get the feeling Woodley's got no use for his partner's wife, Sheriff? Yeah, well, she is kind of uppity. Keeps to herself mostly. That's one of the reasons Sam Taylor isn't as popular as he might be. This is it, Jason. Turn in here, huh? Jase, tell me something. Are you figuring Woodley burned down his own building for some reason? Say he like insurance. Doesn't figure. If he wanted to do that, he sure wouldn't put a body in there. You're right. That don't make sense. Who runs this place for him? Got a Mexican who handles most of it. Yes? Oh, Sheriff Fuller. Oh, morning, Ms. Taylor. This is Ranger Pearson. Ranger. Howdy, ma'. Am. Is there something I can do for you? We'd like to talk to you, if we may. Of course. Won't you come in? I hope we're not interrupting anything. Of course not. What gave you that idea? I thought I heard you talking to someone. Oh, that must have been the radio. You'll have to forgive the house being so untidy. I haven't been able to get at my housework, what with people phoning to tell me about fire. Excuse me. I'll just turn that radio off. Won't you sit down? Thank you, ma'. Am. Now, what can I do for you? It's about your husband, Mrs. Taylor. Mr. Woodley says he's out of town. That's right. He's out of town working while Mr. Woodley stays at home. Can't even prevent the business from burning down. You know that. There was a body found in the fire, Mrs. Taylor. So I hear. We'd like to talk to your husband. Exactly where is he now? Well, how could he possibly have anything to do with this? He's in Dallas. Where's he staying? At the Barclay Hotel. Have you heard from him since he's been away? Yes, he called me from there night before last. And you haven't heard from him since? No. That's what we wanted to know. Thanks for your help, Mrs. Taylor. You're quite welcome, Ranger. Have you any idea yet who could have started this fire? We're more interested in the man who died in it. Of course. Goodbye man. Goodbye, Ranger. Hey Jason, wait till we get the car. What were you going to say, Sheriff? When she first opened the front door, did you hear a door in the back slam? I did better than that. Where I was through the window I could see a man high tailing it away from the house. Looked like a Mexican. Tall, good looking fellow. Yeah, Arturo Ramirez. He's the foreman I was telling you about. Oh, I wonder what he was doing in the house this time of day. That's what I was thinking. Well, what do we do now, Jace? Run up to Dallas and hear what Sam Taylor has to say. We made good time on the road and at 5 o' clock that afternoon walked into the lobby of the Barclay Hotel in Dallas. As we arrived, as we approached the desk, the room clerk, a fussy little man about 50, looked up at us over his bifocals. Yes sir, can I help you? What room is Sam Taylor in, please? Oh, he's in room 401. Or was that 403? Just let me check on that, will you, please? You know, Jace, if Sam Taylor had anything to do with that fire, being registered here would give him a pretty strong alibi. Yeah, I know it now. I'm terribly sorry, sir. I was mistaken. That's all right. What room is he in? Well, that's just it, sir. He isn't in any room. Mr. Taylor checked out three days ago. In just a moment we will continue with Tales of the Texas Rangers. Starring Joel McCray as Ranger Jace Pearson. We all know that feeling. You finally manage to get away on vacation and the worrying starts. Will that bogus Beware of dogs sign Keep your home safe? What about that fake camera you set up? And will someone finally find your old hide and key rock? That's where ADT comes in all that stuff. It's safe. Ish. It seems fine when you don't really think about it, but you know it truly doesn't work. Instead, ADT provides security solutions that keep you actually safe, giving you real peace of mind. Because vacation is supposed to be, you know, relaxing. Don't settle for safe.ish. visit ADT.com today to learn more. Progressive knows we all crave validation. Girl, you are not 37. I would have guessed 27. You guys are too sweet. Sure. Dewy skin. Terrific. Um, is something wrong, Ned? Why would you ask? Just because Today marks my 10th anniversary without a car accident or even a speeding ticket. But somehow tonight's all about your skincare. Wow. With snapshot from Progressive, you can get a personalized rate based on how you drive. And that's all the validation you need. Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliate snapshot not available in California from all agents. Surcharge possible for on seat driving. I'm here on the job site with Dale, who's a framing contractor. Hey, good morning. Dale traded up to GEICO Commercial Auto Insurance for all his business vehicles. We're here where he needs us most. Yep, they sure are. We make it easy for him to save on all his insurance needs, all in one place with coverage that fits his business and bottom line. Oh, I shouldn't have looked down. It's all right. We're so far up here. Look at me. Take a deep breath. I'm good. So good. Get a commercial auto insurance company quote today@geico.com and see how much you could save. Get more with Geico. You've seen it happen time and time again. Children playing A ball rolls into the street. A child rushes after it full in the path of a speeding automobile. Perhaps the driver stops in time. The chances are he can't. And another tragedy, another accident due to carelessness is chalked up to become a figure on next year's statistical chart of traffic accidents. Lets all keep this year's traffic accident rate as low as possible. Stay within the speed limit. Don't endanger your life by trying to get somewhere too quickly. Better late than never may be a tired old saying, but it's also good common sense. Be alert and careful every moment you're behind the wheel. Never drive after drinking. Stick to your side of the road and watch for warnings at grade crossings. Remember, it's your life that's at stake. You can't afford to be careless. The life you save may be your own. And now we return you to Tales of the Texas Rangers. We continue now with Tales of the Texas Rangers and our authentic story Smart Kill. We were Fairly sure that Mrs. Taylor had lied about receiving her husband's call from the Dallas hotel since the record showed he had left there three days before. As we approached Carville the following morning, we were radioed at. The autopsy report was waiting for us at the sheriff's office. We decided to look at it first before our talk with Mrs. Taylor. Anything interesting in it, Jason? Plenty, Sheriff. There was a removable bridge in the victim's mouth. Doc turned it over to lab crew. Boy, that could sure help. Yeah, listen to this. A broken knife blade approximately 3 inches in length found lodged in the third rib just below the heart. Stabbed? Uh huh. From condition of the rib, knife was apparently driven in with great force, the rib bone itself deflecting the blow away from the heart. But I saw him at the window trying to get out of that burning building. Sounds like something the killer didn't figure on. What do you mean? I got a hunch the victim wasn't supposed to be alive when he was put in there. Oh, excuse me, Sheriff Fuller. Oh, yeah, Johnny, we just got in. Yeah, we just been looking over the autopsy report. Well, good. We figured you would let us know if you hear anything, huh? Fine. That was your lab man, Jase. He just wants you to know he sent out pictures of the victim's bridge work to all the dentists in the county. Let's hope we get a quick identification on those teeth and we won't be working only on theories. Jace, you're thinking that body could be Sam Taylor, aren't you? What else can I think, Sheriff? He left Dallas more than three days ago. Mrs. Taylor lied to us about that phone call. I think that body in the fire stands a pretty good chance of being Taylor. Come on, let's get out to Mrs. Taylor's and see what she's got to say. Oh, good morning, Ranger Sherry Fuller. Morning, Ms. Taylor. We'd like to have another talk with you, if you don't mind. Well, I. Would it be all right if I dropped around the office later in the day instead? I think it's important enough that we talk now, Mrs. Taylor. Very well. Come in. Where you keep the cayenne? Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't know that you had visitors. Well, that's all right, Arturo. This is Ranger Pearson and Sheriff Fuller. Arturo Ramirez, our foreman. Ramirez. Senora's glad to know you. Arturo's not only our foreman, he also cooks the best Mexican food in the state. He's making enchiladas for lunch now, if you gentlemen would care to stay. Thanks. Just the same, Mrs. Taylor, it's a little early for lunch. Well, of course, he won't be ready for a while. Here. Good Mexican cooking takes a lot of time, you know. It must be started early in the day. Well, if you have no further need of me, I return to the kitchen. Buenos tares, senor. Mrs. Taylor, why did you tell us your husband called from Dallas two days ago? Because he did. Why? We went to Dallas after we left here yesterday. Your husband checked out of the Barclay Hotel three days ago. Oh, but that's impossible. I. Excuse me a minute. Hello? Yes, he's here. Just a minute. It's for you, Ranger. Thanks. Hello, Pearson. They did good. Who? That Definite. I see. Thanks a lot. That was the lab man. Sheriff. Deputy told him we'd be here. Dentists about 15 miles from here identified that bridge work. Who was the dead man, Jace? Who we thought it was? Yeah, it's not easy to say this, Mrs. Taylor. What is it? They've identified the man in the fire. It was your husband. Oh, no. Oh, no. I'm afraid so, ma'. Am. Would you rather we came back at another time, Mrs. Taylor? No, I. I'll be all right. I hate to ask questions at a time like this, but there are some things we have to know. Look, what is it you want? Who's your husband's beneficiary, Mrs. Taylor? Well, I am, of course. Who else would be? I know what you're thinking. That I had something to do with his death. But you're crazy. Do you hear me? This is our job, Mrs. Taylor. I'll give you something to think about. I'll show you. You want a suspect, do you? You just wait till I show you this insurance policy. There. Read it, for God. Read it. There's a policy on my husband's life of $50,000. And who's the beneficiary on that one? Who is it, Case? Edward W. The sheriff. And I left. Mrs. Taylor got in the car and drove to the adjoining farm of Ed Woodley. I wanted to know about that policy I'd just been shown. Why, sure, Ranger. That policy has been in effect for about three years. One of those personal policies. Why was it taken out? Well, it's pretty common practice when two partners are important to a business. Ask any insurance man. If Sam dies, I collect. If I die, he collects. Why didn't you mention it when we were here before? Didn't see any reason to. I still don't. Why are you so interested in that policy anyway? Because you're about to collect on it. The dead man in the fire was your partner, Sam. But how did it. Are you sure, Ranger? We're sure. I think you better come down with us to the sheriff's office, Mr. Woodley. What for? Why? Because you profit by your partner's death. That could be a pretty good motive for murder. For a minute I thought Woodley was going to give us trouble. Then without a word, he got his hat and came along with us. When we got to the sheriff's office, we left Woodley with a deputy and went into the inner office to see Johnny Blanche, our lab man. He was packing the dead man's effects in a cardboard box as we entered. About finished up, Johnny. Yeah. There's nothing much more I can do until I get this stuff to the lab. Hope we didn't keep you waiting too long. Oh, no. I've been making out a receipt for you, Sheriff. I'll just sign it and get along. I see that receipt, Johnny. Sure thing. Yeah, thanks. Wallet, pen, coins. Anything wrong, Jase? I'm sure I listed everything. Johnny, would you mind if I take a look at that box? Not at all. Everything there? Yeah, everything you got on your list. But I don't know, something's. Wait a minute. The key. Where is his key? What key? The one Taylor used to get in the building. There wasn't any key found on Taylor's body. Well, if there wasn't, we got the wrong man sitting in the outer office. How do you mean, Jace? Don't you see, Sheriff? There were only two keys to the building. One for each partner. Taylor's is missing. Now if Woodley were the killer, he wouldn't have to steal Taylor's key. You mean someone used Taylor's key to get him into the building? Sure looks like it. Yeah, but Jace, Mrs. Taylor be the only other one who could profit by her husband's death. And she wouldn't have the strength to get him in there unless she had some help. Yeah, but who at? Mexican foreman of hers. He seemed obliging in a lot of ways. Maybe the motive wasn't money after all. Yeah, they were pretty friendly. Sheriff lets you and I pay another visit to the lady who was so broken up by her husband's death. After we got a search Warrant, we took Mr. Woodley to his house. Ten minutes later, the sheriff and I were knocking at Mrs. Taylor's front door. There was no one home. We decided to wait till she showed up. 30 yards from the house was Ramirez shack. The door was unlocked, so we went in and looked. Jace, this drawer here Is just crammed full of expensive shirts. Something interesting here, too. What do you got? Expensive piece of luggage. And look at those initials. ST Sam Taylor. It sure doesn't stand for Arturo Ramirez. More shirts. Guess he didn't have enough room for them in the drawer. Yeah. Well, this sure proves Taylor came back home. Yeah. Probably found Ramirez in the house. That's what started it all. Hey, wait a minute, Jace. There's a car coming. Could be them. And leave the bag here. Let's get outside. We can just about meet him at the house. Sheriff, I want to hear him explain what we found in that shack. They'll try. You seem to like it here, Ranger. You visit so often. This will be the last time. This is. I put the car away. You leave the car right where it is. Ramirez, get out of it and come over here. See? See? I come. Mrs. Taylor. I got a search warrant here. I'll start with your handbag. You've no right to do this. Here's the key, Sheriff. Same kind Woodley has. That's my husband's keys. That's the first time you've told the truth, Mrs. Taylor. What about you, Ramirez? Me, senor? Yes, you. You got an idea where we can find half a knife? Knife? What knife? The one Mr. Taylor was stabbed with. You're crazy. Here. Here's my knife. Yeah, Shiny and new. But how are you going to explain Taylor's shirts and luggage in your shack, Ramirez? I want to hear that. Ramirez, you fool. A $40 bag and a couple of dozen shirts. You just couldn't resist. What? I. I didn't mean to do anything. Keep your mouth shut, Ramirez. He started to fight with me. It was her idea to make the fire so it would look like an accident. Ramirez, I won't die for you. I won't be. Hold it, Ramirez. I said hold it. You stupid fool. I can't stand the sight of you. I wish I'd never seen you. You won't have to worry about that anymore, Mrs. Taylor. I don't think you're gonna see each other for a long, long time. In just a moment, we will tell you the results of the case you have just heard. We all know that feeling. You finally managed to get away on vacation. And the worrying starts. Will that bogus Beware of dog sign. Keep your home safe. Safe? What about that fake camera you set up? And will someone finally find your old hide and key rock? That's where ADT comes in, all that stuff. It's safe. Ish. It seems fine when you don't really think about it, but you know it truly doesn't work. Instead, ADT provides security solutions that keep you actually safe, giving you real peace of mind. Because vacation is supposed to be, you know, relaxing, don't settle for Safe ish. Visit ADT.com today to learn more. When you bundle renters and auto with progressive, you can save while protecting your most valuable possessions, like your priceless vinyl collection. Sure, you sleep on a futon because the money most people would have spent on a bed you spent on more records. But forget the fact that you can stream just about any song ever created for a few dollars a month. No, no. You need to listen to music in the most difficult way possible. So go ahead and get progressive so you can save while protecting the things that matter to you. Progressive Casualty Insurance company and affiliates and other insurers not available in all situations. Shop the Sherwin Williams Labor Day sale and get 35% off paints and stains August 22nd through September 4th with prices starting at $3184. It's the perfect time to transform your space with color. Whether you're looking to revamp your interior or exterior, we have you covered with bold hues, soothing neutrals and everything in between. Visit your neighborhood Sherwin Williams store or shop the sale online. Delivery available on qualifying orders. Click the banner to learn more. Retail sales only some exceptions exclusions apply. See Store for details. Throughout the remainder of the day, you'll find more great entertainment awaiting you on this NBC station. Be sure to hear the First Nighter starring Barbara Luddy and Olin Soule in a drama entitled Found One Mother. Then it stars in Khaki and Blue featuring talented members of the armed forces with Meredith Wilson as guest master of ceremonies. And be sure to hear the hilarious Phil Harris Alice Fay show featuring the comedy addicts of Frankie Reveley, Julius Abruzio and brother William. Remember, too, that Theater Guild on the air brings you over 21 the hilarious comedy of army life by an army wife, Ruth Gordon, who will star in the airplay along with Van Heflin. Later tonight, Jack Parr will be around to ask the $64 question. Sunday is Fun Day on NBC because of the many fine shows sent your way to add to your listening pleasure. So remember, for fine entertainment all the rest of the day, keep tuned to this station of the NBC Radio Network. At home or away, at work or at play, wherever you go, there's radio. And now back to the conclusion of Today's Tales of the Texas Rangers. And now, here are the results of the case you have just heard. On July 11, 1939, Peggy Taylor and Arturo Ramirez were tried for the murder of Samuel Taylor. They were found guilty. Peggy Taylor was sentenced to the women's prison at Gorey for 40 years and Arturo Ramirez was sent to Huntsville Penitentiary for the rest of his life. And here again is the star of our show, Joel McCrae. Folks, I want to take this opportunity to thank you again for the many wonderful letters that we've received from you listeners. Hearing from you brings us just a little closer to our family of friends who listen to Tales of the Texas Rangers each week. I want to tell you a little story about our good friend and technical advisor, Captain Mt Lone Wolf Gonzales. Several years ago, Kilgore, Texas found an oil field at his front door. In eight weeks, the dusty, sleepy little village of 900 population became a sprawling, brawling city of 25,000. Strangers streamed in by the thousands. And with the good people came the motley horde of confidence men, gamblers and professional thugs. Soon the honest, hard working people of the community found themselves at the mercy of these racketeers. Gonzalez was ordered to go in and clean up the community. In his first offensive, he rounded up 500 persons whom he considered undesirable and clapped them in jail. When I asked him how he could tell the good people from the bad, he said, well, in those days it wasn't hard at all. I just looked at their hands. If they had working man's hands with calluses on them, I figured they were trying to make an honest dollar. But if their hands were smooth and lily white, I reckon they weren't up to too much good. Into the who's gal they'd go. Wasn't wrong very often either. So long, folks. See you next week. Next week, Joel McRae in another authentic reenactment of a case from the files of the Texas Rangers, Joel McCray will soon be seen in San Francisco Story, a Warner Brothers release. The cast included Tony Barrett, Parley Bear, Virginia Gregg, Barney Phillips, Betty Lou gerson and Howard McNair. Technical advisor was Captain Mt Lone Wolf Gonzalez of the Texas Rangers. This story was transcribed and adapted by Anthony Barrett and the program was produced and directed by Stacy Keach. Hal Gibney speaking. Next, it's the Chase on NBC. This has been a presentation of OTRWesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank our most recent ranch hands, Steve and Ron W. Who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail 707-986-8739 this episode is copyrighted under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Like Copyright for more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening. Introducing the Star Patrol Spotlight the most intense flashlight you've ever seen. Compared to two car headlights, the Star Patrol shines up to four times as bright. That's bright. Illuminate objects up to a half mile away. Even from the top of a skyscraper, the Star Patrol easily lights up buildings from across the skyline. That's insanely bright. Push Turbo Boost for a crazy bright boost that's 100 times brighter for 30,000 candelas of mega bright light. What? That's insanely bright. With 10 illumination modes, the Star Patrol is a spotlight, floodlight, emergency light, and more. Take care of all your light lighting needs with one Star Patrol. Don't settle for dull flashlights. If the Star Patrol isn't the brightest flashlight you've ever seen, return it for a full refund. Go to getstarpatrol.com for your free Turbo Boost plus free shipping and a money back guarantee. That's getstarpatrol.com getstarpatrol.com.
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Featured Actor: Joel McCrea as Ranger Jace Pearson
This episode transports listeners to the dusty Texas town of Carville in 1939, where a seemingly accidental feed and grain company fire claims the life of a man—soon revealed to be no accident, but a cunningly concealed murder. Ranger Jace Pearson, with Sheriff Fuller, investigates the case, untangling a web of deceit, infidelity, and greed within a small community. The Golden Age of radio suspense and justice crackles to life through expertly restored audio, capturing both the drama and humanity behind the case files of the Texas Rangers.
Setting the Scene:
Key Quote:
Next Morning Investigation:
Key Quote:
Ed Woodley’s Account:
Visiting the Taylor Farm:
Key Quotes:
Identifying the Victim:
Key Quote:
Insurance Policies:
Confrontation:
Key Quotes:
Arturo Ramirez’s Role:
Final Confrontation:
Key Quotes:
The Verdict:
Host Wraps Up:
“It couldn’t have been an accident—he was put in here. That makes it murder with malice, Sheriff.”
— Jace Pearson, [14:55]
“A $40 bag and a couple of dozen shirts—you couldn’t resist, huh Ramirez?”
— Jace, [45:22]
“You just wait till I show you this insurance policy!”
— Peggy Taylor, [35:45]
“The life you save may be your own.”
— NBC Public Service Announcement, [27:24]
The episode embodies the gritty, no-nonsense style of 1950s western radio drama. Dialogue is taut, with real human emotion—fear, suspicion, anger, heartbreak—delivered through believable performances. Jace Pearson, as the rational, dogged ranger, anchors each scene with quiet integrity and methodical cunning. Twists are unveiled with exclamatory dialogue and emphatic music cues, immersing listeners in the suspense of old-time law and order.
“Smart Kill” is a textbook closed-room mystery set on the Texas frontier, solved through a blend of forensic evidence, old-fashioned deduction, and human psychology. The episode’s careful digital restoration heightens every detail, from the crackle of flames to the tense exchanges between suspects and lawmen. For fans of the western crime genre and radio drama enthusiasts alike, this episode is a vivid trip into a bygone era of true American storytelling.