Something Was Wrong: Hollywood & Crime - The Cotton Club Murder

Released on December 3, 2024, “Something Was Wrong” is an award-winning docuseries by Broken Cycle Media | Wondery that delves into the harrowing stories of survivors uncovering trauma and striving for recovery from crime and abuse. In the episode titled “Hollywood & Crime: The Cotton Club Murder,” hosts Tracy Patton and Josh Lucas navigate through the shadowy corridors of Hollywood’s golden age, unraveling a tale of ambition, betrayal, and murder that shook the entertainment capital.

Introduction: The Allure and Dark Side of Hollywood

The episode opens with host Tracy Patton setting the stage for the unfolding drama within Hollywood's glittering facade. She reflects on the city's magnetic pull, where dreams are nurtured but can swiftly tarnish when the spotlight dims.

“They say Hollywood is where dreams are made, a seductive city where many flock to get rich, be adored and capture America's heart. But when the spotlight turns off, fame, fortune and lives can disappear in an instant.” [00:00]

Patton introduces the central mystery: the 1983 death of TV producer Roy Raiden, whose untimely demise in a canyon near Los Angeles remains shrouded in questions and intrigue.

Key Players: Roy Raiden and Lainey Jacobs

Roy Raiden: A respected TV producer whose promising career was abruptly ended by his mysterious death. His association with Lainey Jacobs becomes a focal point in the investigation, raising suspicions and speculations about the true nature of his relationships and business dealings.

Lainey Jacobs: Described as a "seductive cocaine dealer desperate to be part of the Hollywood elite," Lainey is the last person seen with Raiden before his death. Her ambitions to break into the movie industry with Roy paint a picture of a union built on both aspiration and illicit activities.

The Night of the Heist: April 4, 1983

The narrative delves into the pivotal night when Lainey Jacobs experiences a devastating loss. Tracy Patton recounts the sequence of events that reveal the depth of the crime.

“It was early Monday, April 4, 1983. Her limo crept through the quiet neighborhood of Sherman Oaks, California, then stopped in front of her house.” [01:22]

Setting the Scene: Lainey returns from a trip to Las Vegas, accompanied by excessive cocaine and top-shelf liquor, indicators of her high-stakes lifestyle. Exhausted, she aims to settle in for the night, attending to her five-month-old son, Dax, and preparing for a business transaction involving a significant stash of cocaine.

The Discovery: Upon checking her storage closets, Lainey discovers that her meticulously hidden cocaine stash and a substantial sum of $270,000 in cash have been stolen. The revelation of the theft is not just a financial blow but poses a severe threat to her safety and business.

“Laney raced over and slid open the panel to the safe, then spun the combination. There should have been 11 kilos of coke inside. Instead, it was empty.” [01:22]

Implications of the Theft: Lainey’s business model involved selling cocaine on credit to Colombian suppliers, expecting repayment with profits. The disappearance of both the drugs and cash leaves her vulnerable, not only financially but also in potential retribution from her suppliers.

“The street value of 11 kilos was almost $900,000. And that wasn't counting the 270 grand. Over a million dollars in drugs and cash stolen.” [01:22]

Faced with the possibility of severe consequences, Lainey contemplates contacting Milan Belachas in Miami and dealing with the Colombian suppliers, both of whom would be incensed by the loss. Her internal struggle and fear are palpable as she recognizes the life-threatening stakes involved.

Unraveling the Mystery: Ambition and Betrayal

Patton and Lucas explore the intricate web of relationships and transactions that ultimately lead to Roy Raiden’s murder. They delve into Lainey Jacobs’ network, her ambition to ascend within Hollywood’s elite, and the precarious balance between legitimate aspirations and criminal undertakings.

Lainey’s Vow: Determined to reclaim what was stolen and protect her standing, Lainey vows to track down the perpetrator(s) responsible for the heist. Her resolve highlights the dangerous intersections of power, money, and survival within the high-stakes environment of Hollywood crime.

“But Laney already knew who robbed her, and she vowed to rain down holy hell on him and anyone else involved with this fiasco.” [01:22]

Investigative Insights: The hosts dissect the clues surrounding Roy Raiden’s death, hypothesizing connections between the missing cocaine and cash and the circumstances leading to his murder. They discuss the possibility that Roy’s death was not a random act but a calculated move linked to the broader criminal activities intertwined with Hollywood’s facade.

The Gritty Underbelly of Hollywood’s Golden Age

Patton and Lucas shed light on the less glamorous aspects of Hollywood during the 1980s, a time when ambition often intersected with illegal activities. The episode paints a picture of a city where the quest for fame and fortune can lead individuals down perilous paths.

Cocaine and Cash: The logistics of Lainey’s cocaine distribution are examined, highlighting the risks involved in dealing with international suppliers and the volatile nature of the drug trade. The substantial amounts of money and drugs at stake create a high-pressure environment where trust is scarce, and betrayal can be fatal.

Social Dynamics: The duo explores the social dynamics within Hollywood that allowed figures like Lainey Jacobs to thrive. The interplay between legitimate business endeavors and illicit operations underscores the complex motivations driving individuals in the entertainment industry.

Conclusion: A Tale of Survival and Retribution

The episode concludes by emphasizing the dire consequences of the heist and Roy Raiden’s consequent murder. The intertwining of ambition, crime, and personal vendettas culminates in a tragic narrative that underscores the thin line between success and destruction in Hollywood.

"They say Hollywood is where dreams are made... But when the spotlight turns off, fame, fortune and lives can disappear in an instant." [00:00]

Final Reflections: Patton and Lucas reflect on the broader themes of the story, contemplating the lasting impact of such crimes on the individuals involved and the legacy they leave behind. The Cotton Club Murder serves as a stark reminder of the hidden darkness that can lurk beneath the glamorous surface of Hollywood.

Notable Quotes

• Tracy Patton [00:00]:

  • “They say Hollywood is where dreams are made, a seductive city where many flock to get rich, be adored and capture America's heart. But when the spotlight turns off, fame, fortune and lives can disappear in an instant.”

• Tracy Patton [01:22]:

  • “Laney raced over and slid open the panel to the safe, then spun the combination. There should have been 11 kilos of coke inside. Instead, it was empty.”

• Tracy Patton [01:22]:

  • “But Laney already knew who robbed her, and she vowed to rain down holy hell on him and anyone else involved with this fiasco.”

Final Thoughts

“Hollywood & Crime: The Cotton Club Murder” offers listeners an in-depth exploration of a chilling crime that encapsulates the perilous allure of Hollywood. Through meticulous storytelling and compelling interviews, the episode provides a riveting account of how ambition and betrayal can lead to tragic outcomes. For those intrigued by true crime stories set against the backdrop of the entertainment industry, this episode is a must-listen.

To immerse yourself further in the Cotton Club Murder and other gripping Hollywood crime stories, subscribe to “Something Was Wrong” on the Wondery app or your preferred podcast platform.