Danger with Grainger: Clever Criminologist (EP4891)

Summary

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The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio

Danger with Granger: "Clever Criminologist" (EP4891)

Date: January 19, 2026
Host: Adam Graham

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Episode Overview

In this episode of Danger with Granger, private detective Steve Granger is drawn into a tangled web of jealousy, suspicion, and murder involving famed criminologist Elwood Milroy, his anxious wife Edith, and her close friend Peter Newman. What begins as a domestic dispute swiftly escalates into a deadly mystery, testing both Granger's investigative instincts and the supposed brilliance of the "clever criminologist." Adam Graham leads listeners through the episode, later providing commentary on the case's twists, the nature of forensic evidence, and his own reactions.

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Key Discussion Points & Episode Breakdown

1. The Setup: A Woman in Fear

• [01:46–03:11]
  Granger is visited by Edith Milroy, a worried and tense woman who believes her respected criminologist husband, Elwood, is planning to murder her friend Peter Newman. She pleads for Granger’s help, fearing the police would not believe her.
  • Notable quote:

    “I've come to you because there's something terrible and unbelievable taking place.” — Edith Milroy [03:11]

  • Granger initially resists, citing his dislike of “divorce cases,” but Edith insists this is about preventing murder, not marital drama.

2. The Lecture & The Confrontation

• [04:44–06:39]
  Granger attends Milroy’s lecture on modern criminology, noting the criminologist’s arrogance and obsession with scientific advancements. Tension flares when Granger and Milroy debate investigative approaches. Outside, Milroy’s hypochondria (constant pill-popping) is highlighted.

  • Notable quote:

    “You’ll run into one of the new crop of criminals, Granger. And when you do, where will your old-fashioned methods take you?” — Elwood Milroy [05:44]

• [06:56–09:57]
  Milroy confronts Granger at his apartment, displaying an almost theatrical knowledge of Granger’s movements, accusing him of “trailing” and warning him to back off. The encounter becomes physical; Milroy uses judo to subdue Granger.

  • Notable quote:

    “That was a scientific little move… taken from the book of judo, Granger. Want some more?” — Elwood Milroy [09:27]

3. Murder! Peter Newman Is Killed

• [12:08–15:04]
  Edith Milroy reports that Peter Newman has been found shot dead. She goes into hiding, convinced her husband is the killer. Granger expresses skepticism but is nagged by doubt.

• [15:04–16:08]
  Granger learns from the police that Edith has become a suspect: she was reportedly at Newman’s during the estimated time of death, and her fingerprints are on the murder weapon. The gun belongs to Elwood Milroy. Edith, now frantic, insists she was framed.

4. Investigating the Scene & Following Clues

• [17:05–19:59]
  Granger and the police visit Newman’s apartment. The building doorman reveals that only Edith and a mysterious old messenger (who delivered a box of candy) came to see Newman around the time of death. Granger finds the candy box, noting only one piece is missing and suspects it as a clue.

5. The Breakthrough: Pills and Alibis

• [19:59–22:59]
  Granger’s hunch leads him to check Newman’s clothes for traces. He finds a pill, which is traced back to Milroy’s prescription—the same pills Milroy constantly pops. Granger also uncovers that Milroy’s airtight alibi (being in a theater) is an illusion; he attended the movie the day before to memorize the plot, leaving during the show on the day of the murder.

  • Notable quote:

    “But that wasn’t your biggest mistake, Milroy… you keep flipping those pills of yours. And I found one of those pills in the dead man’s trouser cuff.” — Steve Granger [22:35]

6. The Confrontation and Confession

• [22:59–23:27]
  Granger confronts Milroy with the evidence; Milroy tries to downplay but is caught by his own habits and arrogance. When cornered, Milroy attempts to violently retaliate but is stopped.

7. The Resolution

• [23:27–24:58]
  Milroy is hospitalized (with a gunshot wound from the scuffle), eventually tried, and sentenced to the electric chair. Granger and Lieutenant Rankin reflect on the case, praising Granger’s “bloodhound” methods over Milroy’s theoretical cleverness.
  • Notable quote:

    “The flatfoot was his own bloodhound—Steve Granger.” — Lieutenant Rankin [24:50]

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Host Commentary: Adam Graham’s Insights

• [24:58–27:50]

  • Adam enjoyed the episode for its suspense and double-bluffing, noting he was “guessing a little bit” about whether Edith was sincere or manipulative.

  • Graham critiques Milroy's arrogance and the sloppiness of his "perfect crime," emphasizing that "basic detective work" and not scientific superiority cracked the case.

    "So many of the scientific methods... come down to things that might be left at the scene of the crime unintentionally... Instead of identifying that critically and looking at himself, [Milroy] just kind of concludes, 'Oh, I'm so clever, so I'm gonna get away with this.'" — Adam Graham [26:54]

  • He clarifies a minor technicality: fingerprint ridge density can hint at gender, but cannot definitively identify sex—a nice touch for detail-oriented listeners.

  • Graham appreciates the episode’s balance of character, noting Milroy wasn’t just an academic but also a judo expert—making his physical confrontations more credible.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On investigative methods:

  "It's the old-fashioned bloodhound with its nose to the ground who comes up with the net result." — Steve Granger [05:11]

• On being framed:

  "Elbert killed Peter and made it look like I did it." — Edith Milroy [16:00]

• On arrogance and downfall:

  "Yet, Milroy, you laughed at me because I'm the type who runs around with his nose to the ground. But if I hadn't, I would never have found the clue that busted your perfect crime. And that'll send you to the chair." — Steve Granger [22:59]

• On Granger's style:

  "Because I'm no great hand at criminology. I just run around with my nose to the ground." — Steve Granger (paraphrased) [24:37]

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Important Timestamps

• [01:46]: Case introduction; Edith Milroy's desperate plea
• [05:19]: Clashing philosophies; Milroy’s arrogance on display
• [09:27]: Milroy’s judo move against Granger
• [12:23]: Discovery of Peter Newman's murder
• [15:24]: Edith apprehended by police
• [16:41]: Edith’s insistence on being framed
• [19:48]: Discovery of the candy box clue
• [22:35]: Granger reveals the pill evidence
• [24:50]: Case conclusion; Rankin’s summary of Granger’s skills
• [24:58–27:50]: Adam Graham’s commentary and listener feedback

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Summary & Takeaway

Clever Criminologist plays with the classic “perfect crime” motif, only to subvert it. Elwood Milroy’s theoretical expertise is no match for his own human quirks and for Granger’s practical, dogged investigation. The real lesson is humility: overconfidence, even when backed by scientific knowledge, blinds one to the most basic investigative truths. The case’s resolution is as much about character as it is about clues, reinforcing the value of persistence and real-world savvy in detective work.

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Recommended for:
Fans of Golden Age radio drama, classic detective stories, and anyone who enjoys seeing arrogance undone by everyday observation.

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Transcript

[Steve Granger]

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[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 Danger with Granger. But first I do want to encourage you. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. Today's program is brought to you in part by the financial support of our listeners. You can support the show on a one time basis. Support.greatdetectives.net and become one of our ongoing Patreon supporters for as little as $2 per month at patreon.greatdetectives.net now it's time for this week's episode. The Clever Criminologist.

[Steve Granger]

Danger with granger. This is Granger. The place. My apartment on the davenport. Opposite me sits a woman, white faced and tense.

[Edith Milroy]

Midnight. This waiting Granger. I can't stand it any longer.

[Steve Granger]

I told you it wouldn't be easy. Mrs. Milroy. Should have taken a sleeping tablet and got some rest.

[Edith Milroy]

I can't. There's always the chance that something might go wrong at the last minute.

[Steve Granger]

I hardly think so.

[Edith Milroy]

That's it, Ranger. The telephone.

[Steve Granger]

I know. Hello? Yes, this is Steve Granger. Of course. He's been here since 10 o'. Clock. I see. That's it, huh? Yes, I'll tell her. Well? Well, it's over, Mrs. Milroy. Your husband went to the electric chair exactly 11:45pm the attending doctor has just pronounced him dead. This is Steve Granger, private detective with a story about a man who believed he could get away with murder and very nearly did. In just a moment, I'll take you back to one of my most interesting cases. This is Granger. The story began the day Mrs. Elwood Milroy walked into my office. She was tall, slim and beautiful, with red hair and brown eyes which looked even browner because they were circled with worry.

[Edith Milroy]

Mr. Granger, I've come to you because there's something terrible and unbelievable taking place. I don't know how to start telling you.

[Steve Granger]

The beginning's always a good place.

[Edith Milroy]

It concerns my husband, Elwood Milroy.

[Steve Granger]

Hey, he's a well known criminologist, right?

[Edith Milroy]

Yes. And he intends to kill somebody.

[Steve Granger]

No kidding. Who's the Intended victim.

[Edith Milroy]

A very good friend of mine named Newman. Peter Newman.

[Steve Granger]

Boyfriend?

[Edith Milroy]

Mr. Granger, I might as well be frank with you. I've been married to elwood Milroy for 15 years. I realized after it was too late that I should never have married Elwood. I've known Peter for many years. So this isn't just a summer romance, if that's what you're thinking.

[Steve Granger]

I don't handle divorce cases, Mrs. Milroy.

[Edith Milroy]

Not what I want you to do. The divorce does come into it. My husband's been quite agreeable about one. Until lately. He saw me lunching with Peter Newman. He was waiting when I arrived home. There was a scene. He changed his mind. Said that there'd never be a separation.

[Steve Granger]

Mrs. Milroy, I told you I don't meddle in divorce cases.

[Edith Milroy]

I know that. What I want you to do is to stop my husband from committing a murder.

[Steve Granger]

Why don't you go to the police?

[Edith Milroy]

Do you think they believe me? I can't even tell whether you do.

[Steve Granger]

Okay, I'll take your case. Mrs. Milroy, how and when do I start?

[Edith Milroy]

My husband is delivering a lecture this evening at an uptown auditorium. I'm going and I have an extra ticket. I thought you might like to attend. It might give you something to work on.

[Steve Granger]

Yes, it might at that. I'll be there, Mrs. Milroy.

[Edith Milroy]

One thing, Mr. Granger. My husband is to know nothing of our conversation.

[Steve Granger]

At 8 o' clock that night I was seated near Mrs. Milroy in an auditorium on upper Broadway. Her husband wound up his lecture at exactly 10pm Old fashioned methods of crime detection are no longer usable when one deals with a modern criminal. As science has advanced, the criminal has also advanced. And you, who are specialists in the field of criminology must anticipate these advances. I thank you. Well, I'll. Edith, my dear, I hardly expected you to attend another one of my lectures. Surely you've heard them so often you must know them by heart.

[Edith Milroy]

I always attend your lectures, Elbert.

[Steve Granger]

Yes, of course. So you do. Excuse me, Mr. Milroy. I wanted to come over and tell you how much I enjoyed your lecture. Thank you. In a small way. I'm in the same business you are. Oh, really? My name's Granger. Steve Granger. Of course. A private eye, isn't that the phrase? Oh, my dear, permit me. Steve Granger and my wife Edith. Hello.

[Edith Milroy]

How do you do?

[Steve Granger]

So you enjoyed my lecture, did you? Thoroughly. That's rather strange, Granger. I understand that you were one of the old school type. If you mean I chase him until I catch him. You're right. That's what I'd heard about you. It's too bad that men of your type don't realize that progress is here, even in the criminal field. You'll run into one of the new crop of criminals, Granger. And when you do, where will your old fashioned methods take you? You'll be as outmoded as the horses carrier. Now don't get me wrong. I go in for the scientific stuff too. The fingerprints, ballistics, all that stuff. You use them because you hope the criminal made a blunder. But in the final analysis, it's the old fashioned bloodhound with its nose to the ground who comes up with the net result. Yes, yes, I've heard all that. And you confirmed what I've heard about you. Oh, someone I must have a word with. Excuse me, won't you? Nice guy. What's the idea of little pills? He popped about three of them in his mouth in as many minutes. What's wrong with him? Is he sick?

[Edith Milroy]

No, but he's a confirmed hypochondriac.

[Steve Granger]

Oh, wow.

[Edith Milroy]

Granger. He knows I've spoken to you.

[Steve Granger]

You mean you've told him?

[Edith Milroy]

Of course not. But he sensed it. I'm sure he has.

[Steve Granger]

Take it easy now. That's just nerves.

[Edith Milroy]

No, it isn't. He knows. I tell you. He knows.

[Steve Granger]

I hung around the auditorium for a while, then wandered outside. When Elwood Milroy and his wife left the place, I followed them home. Then I loitered around a few minutes and went back to my apartment. I was just putting the key in my door when I got a surprise. Granger. One moment, please. Mr. Milroy. Well? Well. I didn't know you lived in this building. I don't and you know it. I came to see you. Oh, why? I don't like talking in corridors. Can we go in? Of course. After you, Mr. Milroy. Granger, I'm not going to beat around the bush with you. You followed me home tonight. Did I? Stop evading me. You were in a cream colored taxi. The number was 673. You dismissed the cab half a block down the street. You loitered around for a while and then you left. How do you know all this, Milroy? You were waiting for me when I walked into this building. That was simple. I slipped out the back door of my place, watched you for a moment, got a cab and anticipated your next move. I was right. You came here. Nice going. Simple deduction. Now then, Granger, why were you following me? I'm not at liberty to tell you. Was it my wife? I told you I'm not at liberty to tell you. No, it was my wife. Granger, I'm going to tell you something. Edith suffers from a persecution complex. She seems to be under the impression that I'm going to kill her. If you know all this, why come up here? Because I will not be trailed around. I am not a criminal. I've done nothing wrong. Also, if my wife is your client, and I'm reasonably sure she is, I'll tell you something more. I intend to give her the divorce she wants. Have you told her all that? I shall in good time. So, Granger, let me repeat. Leave me alone or I shall take steps. Okay. And until tomorrow, you can take steps right this second through that door. Mr. Crime Expert. Suppose I choose not to leave right now? This is my home. You're an intruder. An insulting intruder, I might say. I'd be justified in throwing you out on your face. You might be justified, but could you do it? Milroy, I've taken all I'm going to from you. And you've slung a lot of fancy phrases around me. A lot of nasty cracks. Or have you forgotten what you said at the auditorium? I remember every word. Now get out of here, dear. I'll toss you right out. I'd like to see that. Okay, you will. Ah. That was a scientific little move taken from the book of judo, Granger. Want some more? Yes, I think I do. Really? I'd better leave a little note with you explaining what that was. We call it a rabbit punch. I'll continue with this interesting story in a minute. When I came to, I felt like somebody had played the Flight of the Bumblebee on the back of my neck with a mallet. I staggered to my feet, sloshed water over my skull and weaved back into the living room. Milroy had gone. I went to bed. The following morning at the office, an early visitor made an appearance.

[Edith Milroy]

Mr. Granger, did my husband come to see you last night?

[Steve Granger]

He did.

[Edith Milroy]

I was afraid of that. He's terrible. He looked at me this morning and said it was all set.

[Steve Granger]

All set? What do you mean?

[Edith Milroy]

Let me tell you what happened. It was about 9 this morning. I tried to avoid him, but he called me.

[Steve Granger]

Edith, come in here, please. I want to have a talk with you.

[Edith Milroy]

I'd rather not. Listen, if it means another scene.

[Steve Granger]

I think you'll hear what I have to say or there'll be unpleasant consequences. Sit down. Very well.

[Edith Milroy]

What is it?

[Steve Granger]

Why did you employ a private detective to follow me? Don't attempt to lie, please. You hired Steve Granger. Why?

[Edith Milroy]

Because of the way you've been acting. Ilward.

[Steve Granger]

How else can a husband act who is about to be discarded?

[Edith Milroy]

Elwood, I don't want to go over it again. You're grossly jealous of Peter Newman. You don't want to stay married to me and you also don't want me to marry anybody else.

[Steve Granger]

I don't want you marrying Peter Newman. He's a fool. I refuse to let you make a stupid blunder.

[Edith Milroy]

It may seem a blunder to you, but it'll seem like paradise to me.

[Steve Granger]

I'm asking you once more to reconsider. I know that you've consulted an attorney. You'll try to sue me if I don't go ahead with our original agreement.

[Edith Milroy]

That is correct.

[Steve Granger]

You forced me to be plain Edith. I'll get the divorce, not you. And I'll get it when, where and if I want it. If you start any action against me, you'll regret it for the rest of your life.

[Edith Milroy]

That is the gist of what was said, Mr. Granger. What can I do?

[Steve Granger]

Mrs. Milroy, I'm not a lawyer. I'm a private investigator. And the more I hear about this fight between you and your husband, the less I want any part of it.

[Edith Milroy]

You. You mean you don't want to go ahead and work for me?

[Steve Granger]

Frankly, it doesn't make sense. You think your husband is going to kill your friend? Have you any proof of that at all? Any evidence Besides your imagination?

[Edith Milroy]

Mr. Granger, when my husband called on you, he intimated that I was unbalanced, didn't he?

[Steve Granger]

I wouldn't say that.

[Edith Milroy]

He said something of the kind. I know he did. That's why you're acting the way you are.

[Steve Granger]

I'm sorry, Mrs. Milroy, but I don't think there's anything to this idea you've got.

[Edith Milroy]

Very well. I leave. But when you remember this conversation, you'll be surly.

[Steve Granger]

Edith Milroy swept out the door, gave me a curtain nod and disappeared down the hall. It was pleasant to forget her and get into something that had less of an odor about it. I got engrossed in some other work. At 5 that afternoon, the phone rang. Steve Granger speaking.

[Edith Milroy]

Mr. Granger, this is Edith Milroy.

[Steve Granger]

What is it now? Mrs. Milroy said he might have been.

[Edith Milroy]

Up there looking for me.

[Steve Granger]

No. Why would anybody look for you up here?

[Edith Milroy]

Have you read the latest edition of the paper?

[Steve Granger]

No. Why?

[Edith Milroy]

Peter Newman was found dead at his apartment early this afternoon.

[Steve Granger]

He'd been shot where are you, Mrs. Milroy?

[Edith Milroy]

I'm in hiding.

[Steve Granger]

Why?

[Edith Milroy]

I'm afraid.

[Steve Granger]

You think your husband did the killing?

[Edith Milroy]

I know he did.

[Steve Granger]

Mrs. Milroy, maybe you'd better come up here right now. I'll take you down to police headquarters. You can hand your ideas to harmless.

[Edith Milroy]

No, no, I can't do that. Hilbert would go away with me too.

[Steve Granger]

Mrs. Milroy, listen to reason.

[Edith Milroy]

No.

[Steve Granger]

Mrs. Milroy, where have you been all afternoon? Were you at Peter Newman's apartment?

[Edith Milroy]

I'll call you later.

[Steve Granger]

Mrs. Milroy, that dame is a little off a rocker. Well, I ask you, wouldn't you think the same? But even so, there was a kind of funny nagging feeling at the back of my head. It might have been just the echo of the rabbit punch delivered by friend Milroy. And again, it might be the feeling that Mrs. Milroy had been right all along. In just a moment, I'll bring you the climax of the case. After Mrs. Milroy's mysterious phone call, I was curious enough to go downstairs and pick up a late afternoon addition. I was still carrying it when the door of Cal Hendricks apartment shut behind me. The newspaperman wasn't surprised to see me. Well, Steve, what's the good word today? What do you know about Elwood Milroy? He's a criminologist, one of the best in the business. What else do you know about him? Personally, I mean? Not much. Has an accurate disposition. Not the type who fondles children. Hey, why the interest in Mr. Milroy? You thinking you're taking a short course in scientific crime detection? I might. So you are here. Well, Jake, you know Lieutenant Rankin. Cowell. I know him, but I can't say it's a pleasure. Cut the comedy, newsboy. Granger, I want a word with you. When you weren't at your office, I figured you'd be here. What's up, Lieutenant? Seen the papers? Read about a man named Peter Newman getting shot earlier today, I might have noticed that little item. Why did a Mrs. Milroy retain you? Granger? Mrs. Melroy, we have information that Mrs. Milroy came to you. Why? Why does anyone come to a private investigation? Come on, come on. Stop stalling, Granger. Why did she employ you? Was it because she was afraid of her husband? Did she have an idea that her husband was going to kill Newman? Maybe you know where Mrs. Milroy is now? Nope. You see, Granger, she's involved in this killing up to her ears. The gun that did the killing belonged to her husband. It was by the door. How do you tie in Mrs. Milroy? An informant told us that she was at Peter Newman's apartment about the time the killing took place. And speaking of fingerprints, there were a woman's. We'd like to have a little chat with Mrs. Melroy. They were hers. Uh huh. Knowing that you cooperate to the fullest extent with the police department, we wouldn't like to entertain a notion that you might be hiding from dear boy. I wouldn't dream of it. I'm glad to hear you say that. Granger.

[Edith Milroy]

Mr. Granger. I've been looking all over for you. I went to your office and the man next door told me you might be here.

[Steve Granger]

I am. So what?

[Edith Milroy]

I've got to talk to you privately. The police have identified the gun that killed Peter Granger.

[Adam Graham]

Yeah.

[Steve Granger]

Do you mind if I into this charming little group? I'd like to meet this lady. Oh, so glad to oblige. Mrs. Milroy, let me present Lieutenant Rankin of Homicide.

[Edith Milroy]

You're a police officer?

[Steve Granger]

I am, Mrs. Milroy. And you and I are going downtown for a little chat.

[Edith Milroy]

But I haven't done anything. I'm. I'm not guilty. I. Stranger. Help me, please.

[Steve Granger]

If he does, he'll be obstructing justice. And if he does that, he'll occupy a cell too. Come on, Mrs. Milroy. Interesting little scene, Steve. Yeah. Wasn't it going to help Mrs. Milroy out? Why should I? Because you're the Galahad type, kid. Yeah, I guess I am at that. I got on the phone and tried to trace Elwood Milroy, but I was out of luck. Then I went down to police headquarters and had a few words with Lt. Rankin. As a result, I was granted an interview with Mrs. Milroy in her cell.

[Edith Milroy]

Mr. Granger, please help me. I'm not guilty of murder. I'm not guilty of anything.

[Steve Granger]

You sure? Mrs. Milroy, you were seen going into the building where Peter Newman lived.

[Edith Milroy]

That doesn't mean I killed him.

[Steve Granger]

Now tell me something. Why were your fingerprints on that murder weapon?

[Edith Milroy]

It must have been my husband's gun. He had it out a few days ago. There'd been parlors in the neighborhood, he said. And he wanted me to be able to use it if necessary. He showed me how to handle it. Well, don't you see? Elbert killed Peter and made it look like I did it.

[Steve Granger]

Well, Granger? I don't know, Jake. It looks ungood for her. Granger. She was seen going into Newman's place about the time he was killed. And what about her husband? Elwood Milroy is working like a Trojan for her. Of course when did you see him? Before you came down. Has he got an alibi? An unbreakable one. Granger? He was at his club for lunch. 20 members saw him. He went to an early movie. The usher remembers him. Sounds almost too perfect. There's no almost about it, Granger. Jake, how about letting me examine the apartment where Peter Newman was killed? With pleasure, pal. I love watching you squirm. As a matter of fact, I'll go along with you. A sort of guided tour. Oh, thanks. This is his apartment, Granger. Hey, how come it isn't sealed? I forgot to tell you. Her husband is up here working. The great Milroy himself, huh? Okay, come on. Now. Give me a breakdown on what you found. Peter Newman was lying over there alongside the davenport. The gun was here by the door, so he didn't shoot himself and throw the gun away. Cut it out. I thought I heard. Oh, hello, lieutenant. And it's Mr. Granger, isn't it? Yeah. You two know each other quite well, don't we, Granger? I've got a good notion here. Cut that out, Granger. What's the matter with you? Granger is a trifle annoyed. We played a little game last night. He lost. What's this again? If you'll excuse me, I'll get back to my work. Wise guy. What happened? Well, he came up to my place. I tried to throw him out. You what? He's one of the country's foremost exponents of judo. Don't worry. I found it out. Let's go. There's nothing here. Okay. Hey, do they have a doorman in this building? They do. He's got a little office just inside the door. Good. That's it. Yeah. Yes? I want to ask you some questions about Peter Newman I don't know about. That's all right, Smith. You can answer them. I didn't see you there, Lieutenant. What is it, sir? Were you on duty when Peter Newman was shot? I was now. How many people came to see him? He had only one visitor. That Mrs. Melroy. She came to see him. Nobody else, huh? No, sir. How about deliveries of one kind, another, like laundry or groceries? Well, now that you mention it, there was one delivery made. A messenger, he was. Had a box of candy. Messenger? What'd he look like? Rather old, I'd say. His hair was very gray. Had kind of a stoop. Was this his usual delivery? Never saw him before. Thanks a lot, Bracken. Let's go back to Newman's apartment. I want to find that box of candy. Peter Newman's apartment yielded the box of candy. One piece was gone. Gave me an idea. One that took me back downtown to police headquarters and another quick visit with Mrs. Edith Milroy.

[Edith Milroy]

Mr. Granger.

[Steve Granger]

Mrs. Milroy, how well did you know Peter Newman's habits?

[Edith Milroy]

What habits, Mr. Granger?

[Steve Granger]

Well, for instance, if he chewed gum or if he had candy.

[Edith Milroy]

I don't think that Peter was very fond of candy.

[Steve Granger]

Mm. Would he be the type of person to have a box of candy sent to his apartment rather than go out and pick it up in person?

[Edith Milroy]

That's a strange question. I. I wouldn't know.

[Steve Granger]

One more thing. When you were in Newman's apartment, did you notice a freshly opened box of candy?

[Edith Milroy]

No. And what's a box of candy got to do with this?

[Steve Granger]

It probably spells the difference between life and death for you, Mrs. Milroy. I went back to Rankin's office and found him working like a beaver with a leak in his dam. The request I made was barely out of the ordinary. But Granger, we've gone through his things. What makes you think you'll find something? Lieutenant, this is a routine request. I want to look over his clothes. All right, all right. But you're wasting my time, which is paid for with a taxpayer's money, which is my money because I'm a taxpayer. So come on, servant, show me Peter Newman's stuff. Rankin took me down to the morgue where I poured over Peter Newman's belongings. It was the usual wallet, the usual identification cards and whatnot. I went over his suit with great care, even pinching the buttons. When I got to the cuffs on his trousers, I found a little something. A little something that sent me on an errand that took me first to a druggist. Why, yes, sir. I can identify this pill. It's a prescription from one of my customers. Are you at liberty to tell me who this customer is? I'm not sure if I can divulge that information or not. If it's a matter of police business, could you? In that event, I'm sure I could. The druggist gave me the first solid clue. Then I headed for a certain movie house. The cashier at the theater, bright eyed and sharp, gave me the second. When I'd finished with her, I got Rankin to meet me at a certain address. So this is where the Milroy's live, huh? Right. You're not trying to tell me that Elwood Milroy killed Peter Newman? Wait and find out. Well, how do you do, gentlemen? Come in. Thanks. To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit? Elwood Milroy. You Shot and killed Peter Newman, then framed your wife. Please, Granger, don't be silly. Excuse me a second. If you're thinking of getting a gun, I'd forget it. I know what he's looking for, Jake. His pills. What's the matter, Milroy? Nervous? Need a couple of your pills to steady you down? They're prescriptions. My doctor told me to take them. I know. Your druggist told me about them. Druggist? That's where you made your first mistake, Milroy. That and one other place. The theater. The cashier saw you go in, but nobody saw you leave. Obviously there was a crowd leaving with me. The picture was over. You left before the end of the picture. Really? Then how is it I can recite the movie's entire plot? Because you went to the same theater the day before. The cashier remembers that visit. But that wasn't your biggest mistake, Milroy. Isn't it? When did you see Peter Newman last? Two weeks ago. No, no, it was much more recently. Today, in fact. You walked into his apartment disguised as a messenger. And I know you were there, Mr. Crime Cum Judo expert. Because you keep flipping those pills of yours. And I found one of those pills in the dead man's trouser cuff. He must have been a bit nervous and dropped one. Funny how often a little thing will fall into a guy's trouser cuff. How does that prove I saw him today? Might have happened two weeks ago. Bad luck, Milroy. Newman had had his suit cleaned the day before. Yet, Milroy, you laughed at me because I'm the type who runs around with his nose to the ground. But if I hadn't, I would never have found the clue that busted your perfect crime. And that'll send you to the chair. You. You dirty sloop.

[Edith Milroy]

I'll kill you.

[Steve Granger]

Well, friends, that's the story. I'll be back to wrap up the case in just a minute. Elwood Milroy went to hospital with a bullet through the arm. With evidence piling up against him, he was accused of killing Peter Newman. Ultimately, he was convicted. I paid a call on my friend Lieutenant Jake Rankin at his office. Well, Granger, you might be interested. Albert Milroy was sentenced to the chair this morning. So much for his too perfect alibi, Jake. And for old fashioned detective method. Yeah. Have you seen Mrs. Milroy? Saw. Just an hour ago. She saw me, too. With a neat check, complete with numbers. You know, you were lucky finding that pill. How'd you ever dream it up? Because I'm no great hand at criminology. I just run around with my nose to the ground. Would you do that in here? Hardly. This joint's got sawdust on the floor. In that case, you won't mind if I pick up that five dollar bill down there. Hey, hey, that's mine. I've been meaning to have that hole in my pocket sewn up. Too bad, gumshoe. I had my nose to the ground that time. Well, that's one for the books. The flatfoot was his own bloodhound, Steve Granger. Again, you've just heard one of the most interesting cases in my files, and I'll have another one for you, so be around next time.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. I actually enjoyed this one. It had me guessing a little bit. While I did have a lot of suspicions towards the husband, I did also find myself wondering whether the wife might have been playing Granger somehow, the way things were set up. Now, of course, this is a title that probably should have quotes around it, because while the criminologist might be well respected and might have a lot of theoretical knowledge of crime, as a murderer, he committed a crime that could only really be called sloppy. The theater might have been an instance of him disregarding the importance of legwork in the movie Beforehand was not a bad idea. And certainly there are plenty of stories of police using knowing or not knowing the details of a movie as an indication of whether somebody actually went to say it, although you don't hear that sort of thing in modern crime dramas. And the Beggar Tell was the evidence he left at the scene of the crime. And his idea that it might have just been sitting in the pants leg for two weeks is kind of absurd and really weak sauce. But it shows ultimately, a failure of imagination to imagine, okay, if I were a criminal, what would be my distinguishing characteristics? What evidence might I tend to leave on the basis of my habits and patterns? And how can I avoid doing that? Because so many of the scientific methods that, particularly those that were coming into place in the mid-1950s, came down to the sort of things that might be left at the scene of the crime unintentionally. But instead of identifying that critically and looking at himself, he just kind of concludes, oh, I'm so clever, so I'm gonna get away with this. And Granger is able to defeat our villain through nothing more than basic detective work and taking advantage of the villain's utter arrogance. Now, one thing that was said when Granger's client got arrested that made me kind of do a double take was this whole question of, it was a woman's fingerprint, because it kind of struck me that fingerprints, really, I never heard of them being able to prove sex, and they can't prove it definitively. But doing some research, there are tendencies of male and female fingerprints. The big one is ridge density. Men tend to have lower ridge density, and there's more space in general between are ridges. Women tend to have higher ridge density as women tend to have more ridges, but they tend to be a bit finer. This is a tendency. It's not an absolute rule. But if you did find fingerprints that match the typical profile for a certain gender, you would expect the perpetrator to be of that gender. But, you know, it might be someone with an atypical print. In this case, they could really only say for certain that 100% it was a woman's print because they were able to match it. The other thing, I was glad that it turned out our criminologist was also a judo champion. Yeah, because when I first heard that scene, I was embarrassed for Granger. It's like you're a tough guy detective, and you get taken down by a hypochondriac academic. But our guy did have a lot of facets to his character. None made him a person who could truly pull off the perfect murder. Well, now we turn to listener comments and feedback. And we have a comment from Harrison regarding the episode out of Jail for Christmas. And he writes, he's been a friend for years, but I had no idea he had a family. Some detective, I think. Yeah, that's a fair point, Harrison. I just tended to think that with Granger, it was just a case of him being one of those people who uses the term friend rather loosely, because there are a lot of people who use friend when the more appropriate word would be acquaintance, which that's kind of how I took it, but thanks so much. Appreciate the comment, Harrison. Well, now it's time to thank our Patreon supporter of the day. And I want to thank Peter, patreon supporter, since April 2020, currently supporting the podcast at the shamus level of $4 or more per month. Thank you so much for your support, Peter.

[Steve Granger]

Thank you.

[Adam Graham]

And that will do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. And if you're enjoying the podcast on YouTube, be sure to like the video, subscribe to the channel, and mark the notification bell. All those great things that make YouTube channels grow. We will be back next Monday with another episode of Danger with Granger. But join us back here tomorrow for the big story where you're Very kind.

[Steve Granger]

To see me, Mr. Miller. I wrote on your son. Didn't you, Mrs. Mantel? Yes, I did. Then you know just how I feel. I'm only sorry you didn't get 25 years. I'm not a proud woman, Mr. Miller. If to get to the truth, I have to scrub floors or take a little insult. A mother doesn't mind that, Mr. Miller. Look, what do you got to say? Joey didn't do it any more than I did. The jury thought otherwise. Joey wasn't there. He wasn't near the store that night. You said that in court. I know.

[Edith Milroy]

I.

[Steve Granger]

Well, what do you want anyhow? A man gets a trial. A fair trial. A jury of decent, honest people find him guilty. What more do you want? Mr. Miller, I'm a reader of your paper. 15 years. I like the way you write. I know. That's not flattery. It's the truth. You remember the Sullivan boy? About eight years ago, Mr. Miller, he was found guilty by a jury of honest people, too. But you wrote about it. And you helped prove that he was innocent. The Ginsburg girl. That was about four years. Look, look, I, I I studied your son's case. The only thing that makes me sore was that they didn't catch the other crook. And your son only got 15 years. Those people were in their 60s, Mrs. Mantell. I'm 67, Mr. Miller. At 67, a woman don't lie. My boy was home in the garage fixing the car. Why was he fixing a car in the evening? Because when a boy wants to make a new start, he don't care if it's afternoon or evening.

[Adam Graham]

I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to box Thirteenreatetectives.net Follow us on Twitter at radiodetectives and check us out on Instagram. Instagram.com greatdetectives from Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.