A Life in Your Hands: The Randall Marsden Murder (EP4716)

Summary

Summary of "A Life in Your Hands: The Randall Marsden Murder (EP4716)"

Podcast Details

• Title: The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio
• Episode: A Life in Your Hands: The Randall Marsden Murder (EP4716)
• Release Date: May 29, 2025
• Host: Adam Graham
• Format: Old-time radio detective drama

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Introduction

In this episode of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio, listeners are taken back to the summer of the early 1950s with the dramatic tale of "A Life in Your Hands." The story revolves around the mysterious murder of Randall Marston, a respected Assistant Prosecutor, and the ensuing investigation led by the astute Jonathan Kegg.

Plot Overview

The narrative opens with Randall Marston's wife, Karen Roberts, grappling with her desire to marry Wally, Randall’s stepbrother. Randall, who holds significant sway in the Marston family and is eyeing a political career, vehemently opposes their union. Tensions escalate as Randall's authoritative grip threatens to control Karen and Wally's lives.

Key Dialogue:

• Karen Roberts (07:16): "Wally, dear, why couldn't Randall come up here to your apartment to meet me?"
• Jonathan Kegg (08:06): "Phillips killed the cop. Randall sure pinned it on him."

As conflicts intensify, Randall fears for his safety, especially after Eddie Phillips, a convicted killer who recently escaped custody, attempts to elude justice once more. Randall’s apprehensions lead him to fortify his residence, making it nearly impenetrable.

The Murder and Investigation

Late one night, Randall is found dead in his cottage, and suspicion quickly falls on Eddie Phillips. However, as Detective Jonathan Kegg delves deeper, inconsistencies emerge. Notably, witnesses such as Karen Roberts and Mrs. Ellsworth provide conflicting accounts of the events leading up to Randall's death.

Notable Quotes:

• Jonathan Kegg (14:08): "A gun."
• Karen Roberts (22:04): "Because. Oh, do I have to tell?"

Kegg's meticulous examination reveals that Randall's murder did not align with Eddie Phillips' typical modus operandi. Furthermore, evidence suggests that Randall might have been involved in corrupt activities, possibly manipulating legal proceedings to his advantage.

Courtroom Drama

During the coroner’s inquest, Jonathan Kegg presents his findings, challenging the existing narrative that implicates Eddie Phillips. He introduces crucial evidence and scrutinizes witness testimonies, leading to the revelation that Wally Marston had both the motive and opportunity to commit the murder.

Key Testimony Highlights:

• Officer Casey (17:05): "Mr. Marston, when did you last see your brother alive? About six o'clock."
• Karen Roberts (23:16): "I was scared. I ran fast as I could back out to the street."

Through cross-examination, Kegg exposes the inconsistencies in Wally's alibi and highlights the improbability of Phillips' involvement, especially considering Phillips was unarmed upon recapture.

Critical Moments:

• Jonathan Kegg (32:51): "Wally Marston, it was you who shot your stepbrother."
• Karen Roberts (33:17): "No."

As the evidence mounts, Kegg successfully unravels the truth, showcasing his exceptional investigative skills and dedication to justice.

Conclusion and Insights

The episode concludes with Jonathan Kegg securing the conviction of Wally Marston, thereby restoring order and justice. The intricate plot underscores themes of power, corruption, and the pursuit of truth.

Host Commentary: After the dramatic conclusion, host Adam Graham reflects on the episode's realism and entertainment value. He acknowledges listener feedback questioning the plausibility of certain courtroom procedures but defends the narrative's engaging storytelling.

Notable Host Quote:

• Adam Graham (35:40): "It's not standard procedure in most courts for a judge to let a lawyer who represents neither prosecutor nor defense operate and question witnesses in court... But depending on how the questioning goes, I could definitely see it leading to a bunch of thorny legal issues that end up getting talked about in appellate court."

Graham emphasizes the balance between historical authenticity and dramatic license, appreciating the series' ability to captivate audiences despite occasional deviations from real-life procedures.

Listener Feedback and Future Episodes

The episode also features listener comments praising the storytelling and character portrayals. As a nod to future content, Adam Graham announces upcoming adaptations, including a four-part series of Wilkie Collins' The Moonstone, promising more classic detective tales for enthusiasts.

Listener Highlights:

• Lawrence: Praises the connection between episode actors and real-life figures.
• Swallace69: Discusses voice similarities among characters.
• Emmett: Finds the episode entertaining despite predicting the outcome.

Final Thoughts

"A Life in Your Hands: The Randall Marsden Murder" exemplifies the golden age of radio detective dramas, blending suspense, intricate investigations, and compelling character dynamics. Through Jonathan Kegg's relentless pursuit of truth, listeners are treated to a timeless story of mystery and justice.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Karen Roberts (07:16): "Wally, dear, why couldn't Randall come up here to your apartment to meet me?"
• Jonathan Kegg (14:08): "A gun."
• Karen Roberts (22:04): "Because. Oh, do I have to tell?"
• Jonathan Kegg (32:51): "Wally Marston, it was you who shot your stepbrother."
• Adam Graham (35:40): "It's not standard procedure in most courts for a judge to let a lawyer who represents neither prosecutor nor defense operate and question witnesses in court..."

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This episode masterfully weaves a narrative that not only entertains but also invites listeners to ponder the complexities of justice and the human psyche. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to old-time radio mysteries, "The Randall Marsden Murder" is a captivating listen that embodies the essence of classic detective storytelling.

Transcript

[Jonathan Kegg]

Sam.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio from Boise, Idaho. This is your host, Adam Graham. In a moment, we're going to bring you this week's episode of A Life in your Hands. But first, I do want to encourage you if you're enjoying the podcast to please follow us using your favorite podcast software. I also want to encourage you to check out my wife's business, Asura Clipsey, that is available lilarose.com ashira and there you'll find a wide variety of headbands, hair clips and hair ties to suit a variety of different styles and tastes. Check it out again. Lalarose.com Ashira well, now we are into a bit of a transition period. We originally planned to start the adventure series after we finished Mr. And Mrs. North. However, we kept having episodes of Mr. And Mrs. North that were listed turn out to not be as advertised or duplicates. And then of course we had the recent Passing of My Father in Law, which it slowed things down. So we're going to have six weeks of special episodes. Then we will have our summer vacation and then we'll get started on the adventure series. That is our plan and we hope to stick to it. And the first episode we're going to do is going to be a bit of a correction episode like we did with Nero Wolf during our last listener support and appreciation campaign. We have been going through old episodes doing some optimization and in the course of that have stumbled across a few episodes where closing commentary somehow did not get attached to the file or has become missing somehow. And one series that we have this with is A Life in youn Hands and a particular episode which we will play for you. We have another episode like that that we will play at the end of these specials. So in five weeks. I'll talk after the podcast about what we have planned for the intervening four weeks, but then we will have one last correction episode right before we take our summer break. Now this will replace the current file for A Life in youn Hands in its archive feed at the Gentlemen and detectives of Old Time Radio. And this is always a bit weird as I'm introducing the series to current listeners who may not have heard it, but in the archive feed they've already been listening to it and heard the introduction. Nevertheless, A Life in youn Hands was created by Earl Stanley Gardner, better known as the creator of Perry Mason, though he created many other fictional detectives and lawyers and also created the radio detective Christopher London. A Life in your Hands was a repeat summer series. It was brought on to replace other Programs that went off the air and then when the weather turned colder, it would disappear. The series aired in the summers of 1949, 50, 51 and 52. It focused on Jonathan Cag, a retired lawyer who was well off, but would insert himself into ongoing cases with the support of the court as inimicus curiae, A friend of the court who represented neither prosecutor nor defense. He was well respected for his cross examination skills and would typically use them in legal proceedings to get to the truth of the matter, which would come usually from a disinterested witness who didn't even know that they knew anything significant about the case at hand. Carlton Caddell plays Caig, and Caddell is probably better known as an announcer, but. But he also voiced the character of Tarzan. With that said, I think that you can listen to and follow this with this simple introduction. So now, from July 24, 1952, here is the Randall Marsden murder.

[Jonathan Kegg]

Partially transcribed the National Broadcasting Company presents Earl Stanley Gardner's A life in your hand. Where was the gun? Were there two shots? Who ran through the hall? Listen while we place a life in your hands. You never know when you step from the safety of your home when you may witness a violent death and be called upon to testify as to what you saw and heard. Murder is a dark enigma that strikes fear into the heart of man. Strange, baffling, mysterious, but the darkest crime one man can invent, another man can unravel. Such a man is Jonathan Kegg, created by Earl Stanley Gardner, the world's most popular writer of mysteries, creator of Perry Mason, Doug Selby and other outstanding characters. Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Jonathan Cag. Have you ever seen an automobile accident and perhaps driven away hurriedly? Someday that accident may be a crime, even resulting in a person's death. I hope then that you will remember what you saw and heard, for it will be your duty as a citizen to relate as a witness your recollection of what took place. You never know. Even now, somewhere in the city, there may be a crime. It's almost six o' clock, Kieran.

[Karen Roberts]

Wally, dear, why couldn't Randall come up here to your apartment to meet me?

[Jonathan Kegg]

Honey, you still don't understand, do you? You're the one that's got to impress Randall.

[Karen Roberts]

I never thought even as deaf brother would be such an ogre.

[Jonathan Kegg]

He's waiting now, Kieran. We'd better be getting over to the cottage.

[Adam Graham]

Ready?

[Karen Roberts]

Oh, all right. You want to leave the radio on?

[Jonathan Kegg]

We interrupt this program to bring you a message from our newsroom.

[Karen Roberts]

What's that?

[Jonathan Kegg]

Teddy Phillips Killer who has been awaiting execution in the county jail escaped a half hour ago. Escaped? Authorities believe him to be be armed after supper as the prisoners were going back.

[Karen Roberts]

Wally, wasn't he the one that you.

[Jonathan Kegg]

Isn't going to hurt us. Come on. It's only a couple of doors down the street to Randall's. This town will be in an uproar till I catch Phillips.

[Karen Roberts]

And he is the one your stepbrother convicted, isn't he?

[Adam Graham]

Yeah.

[Jonathan Kegg]

Phillips killed the cop. Randall sure pinned it on him. Oh, Randall, honey, he is a big wheel.

[Karen Roberts]

Does everything that goes on in the Marston family have to have his okay?

[Jonathan Kegg]

Well, if it doesn't.

[Karen Roberts]

Well, Wally, are you sure you're old enough to know your own mind about.

[Jonathan Kegg]

Wanting to marry me, honey. But I also know Randall. If he doesn't want me to do something, he. He finds ways.

[Karen Roberts]

Look here, Wally, Is it going to be like this all your life? Our lives?

[Jonathan Kegg]

I mean, we turn in here because if it is. Come on.

[Karen Roberts]

I fell in love with you because. Well, not because you're the brother of Assistant prosecutor Randall Marston. Remember that.

[Jonathan Kegg]

We go through the apartment house here.

[Karen Roberts]

Thank you, dear.

[Jonathan Kegg]

I've got to start talking up to him, haven't I?

[Karen Roberts]

That's more like it. This vestibule is dark.

[Jonathan Kegg]

We'll go down through the hall, other side of this door. So wrong key.

[Karen Roberts]

Why can't we just ring his doorbell? Which one is it?

[Jonathan Kegg]

At the bottom.

[Karen Roberts]

Let's see here. I've got it. Randall Marston rear.

[Jonathan Kegg]

That's it. Got to start talking up to him. Got to start talking up to him. Right on through here to the backyard. Oh, that fool door needs a new air brake.

[Karen Roberts]

Must jar the people who live in this first floor apartment.

[Jonathan Kegg]

I don't know.

[Karen Roberts]

Well, if I live, they're nice folk.

[Jonathan Kegg]

Mr. And Mrs. Ellsworth out here. See, there's Randall's cottage.

[Karen Roberts]

Oh, grass and shrubs in the yard and everything.

[Jonathan Kegg]

Used to be a garage till Randall made a house out of it. Put that fence up along the alley.

[Karen Roberts]

Oh, you have to walk across the lawn when you come in. This way?

[Jonathan Kegg]

Yes. The other entrance is through the back gate. Harris. Lieutenant, I know. Heard it on the radio. Sounds like he's got company. Randall. That's you, honey. Come on in. I'm on the phone. Just a minute, Lieutenant. I'll be with you kids in a minute. Lieutenant. What was that? Oh, I don't think so. Sure, I know Phillips is dangerous. I'm the one who spit all those threats at remember? But you got the whole police Force after messenger. He's the one who ought to be scared. Look, Lieutenant, my house is hard to find. You can't even see it from the street. It's on the alley. He wouldn't know where it is. You boys get on your horses. Wait till midnight. Lieutenant. If you haven't got him by then, then you send me a guard, okay? All right, Lieutenant. I'll stay home and keep the police radio on. Sure. I've got a gun. Okay, Lieutenant. Goodbye. Getting out of town is what Phillips has got on his mind. Well, Wally, Karen, this is my brother, Randall. How do you do, Karen?

[Karen Roberts]

How do you do, Randall?

[Jonathan Kegg]

Haven't we met before somewhere?

[Karen Roberts]

I don't think so.

[Jonathan Kegg]

Maybe you caught her act at Carla's club. Randall. Well, he's been talking about you.

[Karen Roberts]

He's been talking about you, too. Did you know you can do no wrong?

[Jonathan Kegg]

Tell me, Karen, how could a girl like you go for my little brother?

[Karen Roberts]

He's Mr. Martin, too, you know.

[Jonathan Kegg]

Isn't she terrific, Randall? Wally has nothing to offer you.

[Karen Roberts]

Randall, have you ever thought of Wally as anyone but your little brother?

[Jonathan Kegg]

If you'd ever shown any signs of. You think he's going to grow up because he wants to get married?

[Karen Roberts]

I don't see why not, after all.

[Jonathan Kegg]

Quiet, Wally. I get it now. So your name's Roberts, is it? Roberts, my eye. It's.

[Karen Roberts]

Wait.

[Jonathan Kegg]

Oh, you haven't told? No. I see you haven't. What are you talking about? What's wrong?

[Karen Roberts]

I might have known.

[Jonathan Kegg]

Leave us for a while, Wally. I want to talk to Karen alone. But, Randall. Do you want me to leave, honey? Bye, Wally.

[Karen Roberts]

Do as Randall says, Wally.

[Jonathan Kegg]

All right, Randall, I'm going. But I want you to know one thing. That thumb of yours bearing down on my neck is getting so it hurts. Oh, Ms. Rapporto. How much to leave Wally alone?

[Karen Roberts]

You can't buy me off. Randall Marson.

[Jonathan Kegg]

5,000.

[Karen Roberts]

I'm not for sale.

[Jonathan Kegg]

10.

[Karen Roberts]

Go as high as you like. It won't be any different.

[Jonathan Kegg]

Sure, you're in love with Wally.

[Karen Roberts]

That's right, I am.

[Jonathan Kegg]

Reporters love money. They don't care how they get it. Did Al put you up to hooking my kid brother?

[Karen Roberts]

Listen, I was born a reporter. Why do you think I changed my name?

[Jonathan Kegg]

In some circles, it must help not to be known as one.

[Karen Roberts]

My father was Al's cousin. He was a good man, but nobody would ever believe it.

[Jonathan Kegg]

With that name, I can see the headlines now. Assistant Prosecutor's Kid Brother Takes Bride from Notorious Hoodlum Family. Won't that be just Dandy when I run for prosecutor.

[Karen Roberts]

Why? Why? You're not thinking about Wally one bit. Only yourself. Your precious political career. Anyway, Wally's only your stepbrother.

[Jonathan Kegg]

I won't have you marrying Wally.

[Karen Roberts]

So this is what the Big Granville is really like. All you care about is winning an election.

[Jonathan Kegg]

Ask you not to shout. My neighbors, the Ellsworths may be home.

[Karen Roberts]

Oh, the wonderful big brother is nothing but a kin God after all time. Randall Martin, Wally's going to learn how to stand up to you.

[Jonathan Kegg]

I've known Wally all my life.

[Karen Roberts]

How's he going to feel when he knows it's only your future you're interested in Wally.

[Jonathan Kegg]

He'll drop you cold when he finds out about your distinguished connection.

[Karen Roberts]

Don't bother to tell him. I'll tell him myself.

[Jonathan Kegg]

You haven't got the nerve.

[Karen Roberts]

You just wait. I'll put him wise to what a stout kicking fraud his wonderful stepbrother is. We'll see.

[Jonathan Kegg]

District 30 man answering description of Eddie Phillip seen tampering with a Parked car in 1300 blocks on North Cary. Patrols in District 30 investigate. Repeat. Patrols in District 30 investigate.

[Karen Roberts]

Life would be a lot simpler for a lot of people if Eddie Phillips found you.

[Jonathan Kegg]

Well, if the District 30 patrols get lax on the job, I've got insurance of my own.

[Karen Roberts]

A gun.

[Jonathan Kegg]

Just for luck. I'm taking the safety catch off.

[Karen Roberts]

I'm getting out of here.

[Jonathan Kegg]

So soon?

[Karen Roberts]

And as soon as the first show is over, I'll see Wally. Believe me, Mr. Big Brother Randall, you haven't heard the last of us yet. Hello? Hi Daddy. This is Millard Ellsworth. Yes, I know it's almost midnight, but Jerry went to the drugstore and I was trying to get you all day.

[Jonathan Kegg]

Uh huh.

[Karen Roberts]

Well, just so I didn't wake you up. Did you know we have you down for a car to go around and pick up stuff for the rum? Wait. Sound like somebody throwing crockery in the cup. Oh, maybe a car backfire. Well, anyway, Daddy, what I wanted to ask you is if you was. Oh, darn that back gate anyway. What's that? Oh, I. I am sorry, Daddy. Can. Can you do some driving around tomorrow for a sec? Wait a minute. Oh, that must be Jerry out in the vestibule. Excuse me, I better release the door. That's not Jerry. Dy. It wasn't Jerry at all. Was that woman going back to the cottage? Now, now, about that car. Dy. We needed to make collections tomorrow for the rum and sale and I was. That was a shot. Dottie. Dottie, I'll call you in the morning. Something mighty peculiar is going on.

[Jonathan Kegg]

Her side. This is Officer Casey at Randall Mar. It's too late, he said. Members of the jury, in view of the prompt apprehension of Eddie Phillips shortly after the time of the murder of Randall Marston. Mr. Coroner. Yes, Mr. Shay. I would like your permission to enter this case as an amicus curia. Mr. Shay, this is a fairly obvious proceeding with fairly obvious conclusions. But Mr. Coroner, I am greatly puzzled by some points in the evidence. I'm sure you wouldn't like to see a man convicted of a crime he may not have committed even though he be guilty of another murder. Well, okay. Because of your reputation, Jason. Right. Members of the jury, I'd like you to know that an amicus fury ey is a friend of the court. He helps us to learn the truth. He represents neither the defendant nor the prosecution. Is quite an expert at cross examination. Go ahead. Thank you, Mr. Coroner. Randall Marson's body was discovered not long after midnight. Officer cases. The guard Due there at 12 found the body and Eddie Phillips was picked up shortly after. Unarmed? That's right. There's no doubt as to the cause of death? None whatsoever, Mr. Keg. Bullets from a.32 revolver entered Maron's heart. Thank you, Mr. Coroner. I'd like to call the stepbrother of the dead man, Wally Marston. Mr. Marston, when did you last see your brother alive? About six o' clock. Did he seem upset over Phillips escape? I heard him tell the police that Eddie Phillips would never be able to find where he lived. Then he wasn't concerned When Karen and I got there. He was refusing to let the police send a guard. Did he say why he believed Phillips couldn't find him. The cottage is pretty hard to find if you don't know where it is. Isn't his address in the phone book? Yes, but his cottage is on the back of the lot behind the main apartment building. Enclosed in the backyard? Not entirely. The back wall of the cottage looks out on the alley like a garage. It was a garage until Randall made it over. Then the real entrance was to the alley? No. Oh. There's a high wooden fence that shuts in the cottage and the yard. Any way to get through it? There's a gate, but we keep it locked. Who had keys to the gate? Randall had one and Sis and I, my sister. We keep ours in our apartment. And the tenants in the building? I don't know. I suppose they have. Who are the tenants? Mr. And Mrs. Ellsworth live on the first floor. And on the second? There's a small business firm, consulting engineer. Lives on the top floor. He's away a lot. Was he home the last time you saw Randall? I don't know. I didn't notice whose lights were on. Why didn't you live with your brother Wally? Why, I. He just went on living there in the cottage after he and his wife were divorced. I live with my sister a couple of doors up the street. Where is your sister? She's out of town most of the time. Time she traveled. Were you on good terms with your brother? Why?

[Karen Roberts]

I.

[Jonathan Kegg]

Well, he wasn't going to let me get married. Aren't you over 21? I'm 25. But Randall always had to okay everything I wanted to do. I see. What happened when you last saw your brother alive? When I took care in there to meet him. Yes.

[Adam Graham]

He.

[Jonathan Kegg]

He took a notion he wanted to talk to Karen alone, so I left. Why did he want you to leave? I. He just said he wanted to talk to Karen. Did you protest? Well, yes. Where did you spend the rest of the evening? I saw Karen after her first show at Carlos. Then I. I went home. What time did you get home? About 11:30. Maybe a little later. Oh, by the way, Wally, did Randall have a gun? A gun? I think so, yes. He used to go down to the police range and practice. Where was it the last time you saw was on the end table beside his easy chair. Thank you, Mr. Marston. You may step down. I'd like to call Ms. Karen Robert. Ms. Roberts, why didn't Randall want his brother to marry you?

[Karen Roberts]

Because. Oh, do I have to tell?

[Jonathan Kegg]

We're trying to get at the truth, Ms. Roberts.

[Karen Roberts]

Randall said he wouldn't have me in the family because he wanted to run for prosecutors.

[Jonathan Kegg]

What difference would having you and the family make?

[Karen Roberts]

Oh, Mr. Keg, my name isn't Rob. No, it's Rapporto.

[Jonathan Kegg]

Rapporto? You're related to Al Rapporto?

[Karen Roberts]

Only distances. Please. I can't help it.

[Jonathan Kegg]

Of course not. Did Randall make a scene?

[Karen Roberts]

Well, he offered me money. Quite a lot to get out of Wally's life.

[Jonathan Kegg]

And you refused?

[Karen Roberts]

No, I did, Mr. Teg. He was only thinking of himself.

[Jonathan Kegg]

I see. What did he do when you refused?

[Karen Roberts]

He threatened to tell Wally. I told him not to bother. I'd tell him myself.

[Jonathan Kegg]

Did you?

[Karen Roberts]

Yes. Right after my first show at the club.

[Jonathan Kegg]

How did Wally take it? He was angry at you?

[Karen Roberts]

No.

[Jonathan Kegg]

You were rather angry with Randall yourself, weren't you, Ms. Roberts?

[Karen Roberts]

I. Who wouldn't be? I told him it Was too bad that Eddie Phillips hadn't already found him.

[Jonathan Kegg]

Tell me, Ms. Roberts, did Randall give any indication he was afraid that Phillips might find him?

[Karen Roberts]

I don't think so. But after Wally left, he turned on the police radio.

[Jonathan Kegg]

Was there word of Phillips?

[Karen Roberts]

Something about a man who looked like Phillips.

[Jonathan Kegg]

How did Randall act?

[Karen Roberts]

He got a gun out of his desk and took off the safety cap.

[Jonathan Kegg]

What did you do?

[Karen Roberts]

I got out fast.

[Jonathan Kegg]

Were you angry?

[Karen Roberts]

I was upset.

[Jonathan Kegg]

Were you still upset when you went back later?

[Karen Roberts]

No, I was.

[Jonathan Kegg]

When did you go back?

[Karen Roberts]

Randall was already dead. When I got there, he was already dead.

[Jonathan Kegg]

How did you get in?

[Karen Roberts]

I rang and rang and nobody answered. I pounded on the hall door and the buzzer finally released me.

[Jonathan Kegg]

What time Was this?

[Karen Roberts]

About 12. I went back to the cottage and there he was on the floor.

[Jonathan Kegg]

Did you see a gun?

[Karen Roberts]

I didn't see anything but Randall on the floor and a lamp all smashed.

[Jonathan Kegg]

Why didn't you call the police?

[Karen Roberts]

I was scared. I ran fast as I could back out to the street.

[Jonathan Kegg]

Thank you, Ms. Roberts. Ms. Corner. I'd like to call the man who discovered the body. Officer Casey. Officer Casey, when did you learn that Eddie Phillips was recaptured? While on my way to Marston's house. I heard it from headquarters. They picked Phillips up right in the neighborhood. But you still went on to Marston? Sure. I thought I'd redeem his mind if he didn't know. Then you knew about the threat Phillips had made after his trial. When Randall Marston came convicted him, the whole force knew. You previously testified there was a bullet hole in the screen of one window facing the alley. That's right, Ms. K. How many shots were fired? Two, sir. One bullet was in his heart. Another one was buried in the wall opposite the alley window. And those shots came from outside the cottage? They did, Mr. Keg. The wires at the edge of that hole, they're bent to the inside. The bullets come from the outsider. Like how do you explain two bullets in the room and only one hole in the screen? Well, no, that's not impossible, Ms. Keg. Not likely, Eddie. But it could happen. It could. The shots could have come in rapid succession. I see. Any signs of a struggle in the room? Well, no. There was a table left knocked over onto the floor. He must hit against it when he fell. Did you find a gun? No, no, we didn't. Did Eddie Phillips have a gun when he was picked up? No, no, no. Didn't he? Evidently got rid of it. Mr. Cade, we still comb in the neighborhood looking for him. Thank you, Officer Casey. That's all. Mr. Coroner, there is an indication of conflicting evidence here. With your permission, I would like to call another witness. Person not connected with these events in any way. An innocent bystander. All your witnesses to Kegg, I was defeated. That person and he or she must testify. Jonathan Kegg is about to call another witness. A person who had no connection with the crime. If you should be this witness, could you remember what you have heard? It would be vitally important that you do, for you would hold a life in your hands. With the struggle between the principles of liberty and of domination by force. Breaking into open warfare in Korea, the whole world is watching. The United States States as never before. The people want to know if democracy really works, if free government is strong and vigorous enough to cope with the tremendous issues and challenges of our time. Unless we show them that democracy really works and works better than any other system, the uncertain, undecided countries may give way to fear and despair and go the way of dictatorship in order to prevent this, in order to sell them on democracy, in order to show them we're proud of our country and proud of the American men and women who gave their lives for liberty. We all have to take a more active part in the processes of free government in the nation, in the state and in the community. Our big job, our major duty this year is to register and to vote. Remember that, will you? And remember this, too. Freedom is everybody's job. Jonathan Kegg has called as his next witness Mildred Ellsworth, who lives in the first floor apartment of the building which separated Randall Marston's cottage from the street. Mr. Keg is beginning his cross examination. Mrs. Ellsworth, how far is it from your back window to the cottage?

[Karen Roberts]

Oh, about like from here to the. To the end of the jury. Boxer.

[Jonathan Kegg]

About 50ft?

[Karen Roberts]

Yes.

[Jonathan Kegg]

How do you get to the cottage?

[Karen Roberts]

Well, there's a hallway from the front vestibule runs through the building from the front door to the back.

[Jonathan Kegg]

Is there another entrance?

[Karen Roberts]

Well, there's a gate in the back fence, leads to the alley. I've always thought it would be nice to come in there. Especially after we put the car away. Not have to walk around the block, you know.

[Jonathan Kegg]

You don't use the gate?

[Karen Roberts]

Oh, no, none of the tenants do except to go out.

[Jonathan Kegg]

Why not?

[Karen Roberts]

What's all his law? Randall Morrison wouldn't give us the key.

[Jonathan Kegg]

Well, you can go out by the back gate, but can't get in that way.

[Karen Roberts]

That's right, Mr. Cade, not with our keys.

[Jonathan Kegg]

Is the hallway through the building carpeted.

[Karen Roberts]

Oh, my goodness, no. And the front door makes a lot of noise too.

[Jonathan Kegg]

It needs a new airburst from your apartment. Can you hear plainly what goes on out back?

[Karen Roberts]

Oh, yes, the back gate. The way is creep. The hint is me diling something awful.

[Jonathan Kegg]

Can you hear what goes on inside the cottage?

[Karen Roberts]

Well, not unless people are talking awful loud.

[Jonathan Kegg]

Thank you, Mrs. Ellsworth. Now, you were at home the night Randall Marston was killed?

[Karen Roberts]

Oh, yes.

[Jonathan Kegg]

Did you hear anything unusual that evening?

[Karen Roberts]

Fired the shot, of course.

[Jonathan Kegg]

At what time did you hear the shot?

[Karen Roberts]

A few minutes before midnight.

[Jonathan Kegg]

Can you be sure of the time?

[Karen Roberts]

Well, my husband went out to get some cigarettes, and I remembered a phone call I should make. I apologize to Dottie for calling her so late.

[Jonathan Kegg]

Did you hear the shots before or after talking with Dottie?

[Karen Roberts]

Oh, both. And other noises too. I could hardly keep my mind on what I wanted to tell Dottie.

[Jonathan Kegg]

What other noises, Mrs. Ellsworth?

[Karen Roberts]

Old people pounding on the door, running through the hall and the gate creaking and.

[Jonathan Kegg]

I see you heard a shot before you called Dottie.

[Karen Roberts]

Let me see. I was asking Dottie if she could furnish his car, and I heard this crash.

[Jonathan Kegg]

The shot?

[Karen Roberts]

No, no, no. The crash.

[Jonathan Kegg]

What crash?

[Karen Roberts]

Well, it sounded like somebody dropped an armload of dishes. And then the noise like. Well, almost didn't sound like a shot.

[Jonathan Kegg]

At the time, Mr. K. Well, what did it sound like?

[Karen Roberts]

Well, it was kind of muffled, like it was in a box.

[Jonathan Kegg]

I see. Then you heard the other shot immediately?

[Karen Roberts]

Oh, no, not right then. First there was the pounding on the vestibule door.

[Jonathan Kegg]

What did you do?

[Karen Roberts]

Well, I thought my husband had forgotten his key, so I pushed the buzzer that releases the door.

[Jonathan Kegg]

You released the hall door, but it wasn't Jerry.

[Karen Roberts]

Somebody went back to the cottage, and I went back to the phone.

[Jonathan Kegg]

When did you hear the next shot?

[Karen Roberts]

It was later.

[Jonathan Kegg]

How much later?

[Karen Roberts]

Well, that shot didn't come till she was running back through the hall.

[Jonathan Kegg]

She?

[Karen Roberts]

The woman who'd come in when I buzzed.

[Jonathan Kegg]

Oh, Mrs. Ellsworth, how do you know the second sound was a shot?

[Karen Roberts]

Well, there wasn't any doubt. It was real loud, like right out in the alley.

[Jonathan Kegg]

Did you hear anybody else go through the hall just before or after the first shot?

[Karen Roberts]

No.

[Jonathan Kegg]

Could anyone have gone down that hallway without your noticing?

[Karen Roberts]

Well, I should say not. There isn't any carpeting.

[Jonathan Kegg]

You can. You also mentioned hearing the gate creak.

[Karen Roberts]

Oh, it seems this oil would stop that.

[Jonathan Kegg]

Oh, yes. Now, among the noises you heard while you were at the phone, when did you hear the gate.

[Karen Roberts]

Let me see. Yes, I know. It was a moment or two after the shot that sounded muffled.

[Jonathan Kegg]

You're quite sure of it?

[Karen Roberts]

Oh, yes, I'm sure. That's when it was.

[Jonathan Kegg]

First you heard a muffled shot, then.

[Karen Roberts]

The gate, and then that pounding on the door and the woman going through the hall. And a few moments later she went lickety split back through the hall again and sends a loud shot.

[Jonathan Kegg]

Thank you very much, Mrs. Ellsworth. Your memory of what you heard has helped very materially in solving a murder. Mr. Corner. I would like to recall Mr. Wally Marston to the stand. Mr. Marston, when Karen told you Randall tried to buy her off, you became angry, didn't you? Wouldn't you, if your brother pulled a trick like that? Wally, had you ever realized before that just how much you hated your brother? Hated when you realized the length to which your brother would go to keep you under his thumb? I. I saw that I was going to have to start standing up to him. So you went straight to him from Carlo's club to have it out with him. I told you, I went home. But you went to Randall's cottage first. You can't prove that. How did you know he had his gun out? He got it out of his desk after you left. Mrs. Ellsworth said no. Nobody went through the hall till midnight. You didn't have to go through the hall, Wally. You had a key to the back gate. That doesn't prove anything. You entered from the alley, went into the cottage, saw Randall's gun out, grabbed it, he tried to get it from you, knocked the lamp over. You can't prove anything, Wally. Eddie Phillips didn't have a gun when the police picked him up right after the murder. It isn't reasonable for a criminal like Phillips, who just escaped from jail, to throw away his gun merely because he killed one more man.

[Adam Graham]

So what?

[Jonathan Kegg]

So, Wally Marston, it was you who shot your stepbrother. I did not. Then doorbell rang. It might be the police guard. So you ran out the back gate through the window. You saw Karen discover the body. She was at the club. So then you fired a second shot through the window to mislead the police. Oh, no, I tell you I didn't, Wally. That's the only way it could have happened. That's the only way to explain what Mrs. Ellsworth heard. That's why the two shots sounded so different, why there was only one bullet hole in the screen.

[Karen Roberts]

No.

[Jonathan Kegg]

No, no. What did you you do with Randall's gun, Wally? Mr. Corner, I ask that Wally Marson be held until his apartment is searched. I think there you will find Randall Marston's revolver.

[Adam Graham]

No.

[Jonathan Kegg]

No, you won't. Why not, Wally?

[Karen Roberts]

I.

[Jonathan Kegg]

I dropped it down a man. Mr. Keg, when did you suspect Wally Marston? When he let it slip that he'd seen his brother's gun lying out. And finally, when Mrs. Ellsworth heard two shots that sounded different, one of them had to be fired inside of the cottage. Mr. Corner, there's nearly always a pattern of sound in these cases that when properly interpreted, will lead to the truth. We certainly appreciate your help, Mr. Keg, in bringing the real murders to justice. I hope we'll see you again soon. As a meek is fury eyes. Thank you, Mr. Coroner. Whenever I'm needed, I'll be here. Thanks again and good night. Good night. A life in your hands is created by Earl Stanley Gardner with Scott, script by Christy Squire, directed by John Cowan. Jonathan Kegg is played by Carlton Caddell with musical effects by Adele Scott, conducted by Whitey Berkwith, engineering by Bill Knight. This has been a partially transcribed Bell production. And this is George Stone extending a cordial invitation for each of you to be with us again next week when the National Broadcasting Company will again place a life in your hands. This is NBC, the National Broadcasting Company.

[Adam Graham]

Recently, a new client called me and started by saying, Mr. Morgan, I really need your help, but I'm just a nobody. Those words stunned me and I immediately called him back.

[Jonathan Kegg]

And we're now helping him and his.

[Adam Graham]

Family after a terrible accident. I'm John Morgan of Morgan and Morgan. Everybody who comes to our firm at their time of need is a somebody. I grew up poor, but my grandmother.

[Jonathan Kegg]

Was like a queen to us. At Morgan and Morgan, our goal is.

[Adam Graham]

To level the playing field for you and your family at your time of need. The insurance company has unlimited money and resources. You need a firm who can fight them toe to toe. For right.

[Jonathan Kegg]

At 30 years, we have fought them.

[Adam Graham]

In courtrooms throughout America. Our results speak for themselves. And always remember this, everybody is a.

[Jonathan Kegg]

Somebody, and no, nobody is a nobody.

[Adam Graham]

Visit forthepeople.com to learn about our firm, Morgan and Morgan.

[Jonathan Kegg]

For the people injured, visit forthepeople.com for an office near you.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. Recently we've gotten some comments from Mechanic6682 over on YouTube. He's been going through some of our older episodes and he questioned the realism of this series. And certainly there's something to be said for that. It's not standard procedure in most courts for a judge to let a lawyer who represents neither prosecutor nor defense operate and question witnesses in court. In fact, most amicus curiae action in the American court system comes through briefs that are filed with the court representing a position. However, judges do have a lot of discretion as to what goes on in their courtroom and I suppose might try doing something like this. But depending on how the questioning goes, I could definitely see it leading to a bunch of thorny legal issues that end up getting talked about in appellate court. This week, we're actually presented with a much more plausible situation. In one way, this isn't a court of law. It's a coroner's jury, which is presided over by the coroner, who has even more latitude about who he allows to question and operate in this proceeding. The coroner's jury is called because Marsden was violently killed and its job is to determine the cause of death. Now, technically, they don't have to name a plausible killer. In fact, both in real life and fiction, you'll often hear that old standby from the coroner's jury after describing the method of the murder, which was obvious, the that the act was done by person or persons unknown. And then at that point, leave the resolution as to who did it to the appropriate authorities, the police and the prosecutors to determine who was responsible for the action. But coroner's juries have suggested that certain people are responsible for death, and then, of course, it still falls to the criminal authorities to prosecute. But given Keig's reputation, I could see the coroner indulging him in trying to ascertain a more complete report. The only odd part was when the coroner reported that Keig represented neither the prosecution or defense. That's something that's said almost automatically whenever Kag is introduced, but it makes no sense in this context because it's a coroner's jury. There is no prosecution or defense. It's just determining the cause of death. After that, you just get everything I love about this series. We get a pretty solid questioning of the witness to ascertain the facts that Caig suspects, and then you get an inappropriately dramatic reveal. And it's just a really entertaining show. Maybe not necessarily realistic, but entertaining. And I think it's idealistic in a practical way. Jonathan Cagg isn't your average attorney. He's well respected and he's made his money, doesn't need any more. But what he does want is justice. And that's why he's so respected, because he goes ahead and volunteers time. Find the truth. I think this was something that Earl Stanley Gardner tried to do with his court of last resort where he and several other prominent men, and I think some women too from various professions came together to consider cases where people have been convicted of crimes and in many cases were able to obtain the release of many innocent men, but also spot a few fakers along the way who really were guilty and were trying to play them. Of course the program taught that concern for justice should be for every citizen, particularly when it comes to sharing vital information they know. And there are many crimes that remain unsolved because people didn't come forward with the truth. Traitors remain free perhaps to victimize others again and the crimes remain unsolved and the victims families do not have closure. Now of course in many cases people don't know what they have and they need someone to contextualize what might be an important and vital piece of information, which is one of the great things that KEG did. And certainly there are people that carry on that work today. Well, now we turn to listener comments and feedback and we have comments on our 4700th episode special. And we start with an email from Lawrence who writes regarding this episode. I suspected Bob as the arsonist back at the beginning of the story when he was fixated on shooting just the candles rather than shooting at other items in the gallery. Another bit of trivia on the actor portraying Adam Sydney Smith. He was a judge on several episodes of season one on TV's Perry Mason. Mr. Smith also taught theater in the 1970s at Northern Illinois University in my hometown. Looking forward to the summer shows you'll be presenting. All the best. Well, thanks so much Lawrence and appreciate appreciate that little bit of hometown connection there and then on Spotify, swallace69 writes, the female lead sounded like Candy Matson. It didn't sound like that to me. I think Natalie Masters had a really distinct voice, particularly when she was playing Candy Matson, but I wonder if anyone else thought the voices sounded similar. And then Emmett writes on Facebook, this episode, while entertaining, was pretty predictable. I didn't trust that guy from the get go. But then I really don't like pushy people and he was very pushy. At first I thought he may be an undercover cop, but the rollercoaster ride paid to that misconception. Thanks for putting this one on the Sunday schedule. It beats not having any great detectives of old time radio to listen to. Well, thanks so much Lawrence and I appreciate your comment. And it's interesting how different people may pick up on a murder mystery or mystery solution in general or begin to have suspicions one way or another based on how they feel about a particular type of person. And when you did say the episode was entertaining, I think that point points to the truth. You can get away with a so so mystery as long as it's well told in a way that engages and interests the audience. And I think that was certainly what you got with this particular story. And you can say that about a lot of series mysteries. Certainly many episodes of Suspense would fall into that category that they managed to tell a really entertaining tale, even if in some way it had a predictable conclus. Now, I do want to share my plans for the next four weeks and we're planning on bringing you an adaptation of the Moonstone, the first ever detective novel by Wilkie Collins. We did play a two part adaptation from Suspense a few years back, but we will hope to bring you a four part adaptation from World's great novels. So barring any snags or unforeseen complications, that's what you can expect next week. Well, now it's time to thank our Patreon Supporter of the day. And I want to go ahead and thank Jenny, Patreon supporter since February of 2020, currently supporting the podcast at the rookie level of $2 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support, Jenny. And that will do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your free favorite podcast software and be sure to rate and review the podcast wherever you download it from. We will be back next Thursday, hopefully with the first part of the Moonstone. But join us back here tomorrow for yours truly, Johnny Dollar, where you took.

[Jonathan Kegg]

Out a policy about six months ago and named a Virginia Blake as beneficiary. Yes, that's right. We're going to be married. Then a week ago, you apparently changed your mind. Well, I decided to think it over some more. That's why I brought the boat down here. What's the trouble? Oh, it's. Well, it's just. Well, I might as well tell you. I began to suspect Virginia's been two timing me. Oh, with whom? That I don't know. Have you asked her about it? No, not yet. Why not? Because I'm afraid she might tell me the truth. Maybe I don't really want to hear it.

[Adam Graham]

I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to Box [e-mail] follow us on Twitter at radiodetectives and check us out on Instagram. Instagram.com Great detectives from Boise, Idaho, this is your host Adam Graham signing off.