Dragnet: The Big Death (EP4550)

Summary

Summary of "Dragnet: The Big Death (EP4550)" – Released November 16, 2024

Podcast: The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio
Host: Adam Graham
Episode: Dragnet: The Big Death (EP4550)

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Introduction to the Case

The episode opens with a gripping introduction to the fabricated yet authentic-feeling crime case, setting the stage for a classic Dragnet investigation. The host, Adam Graham, seamlessly transitions listeners into the narrative, emphasizing the cooperation with the Los Angeles Police Department to present a realistic portrayal of police work.

The Crime Plot Unfolds

Timestamp [02:29] – Captain Steed Sets the Scene: Captain Steed introduces the central crime: a socially prominent citizen, Charles Stone, plots to murder his wife. The plan involves hiring a detective sergeant to execute the murder, a scenario that immediately raises ethical and procedural questions.

Joe Friday: "Stop him."
([02:58])

Initial Investigation and Strategy

Timestamp [06:22] – Planning the Sting Operation: Joe Friday and his partner, Ben Romero, are briefed by Captain Steed about Charles Stone's disturbing proposition. The team devises a strategy to catch Stone by posing as potential hitmen, utilizing an alias to infiltrate the criminal plan.

Joe Friday: "Well, I better use some kind of an alias. Let's see. Matson. Joe Matson."
([07:10])

Captain Steed: "How about Kelly? Just plain Kelly."
([07:15])

Undercover Operation Begins

Timestamp [12:26] – The Confrontation: Joe Friday, now undercover as Kelly, meets Charles Stone at a midget auto race. The interaction is tense, with Stone probing for details about the job, revealing inconsistencies that raise suspicions.

Joe Friday: "Something has come up, Mr. Finley. I got 15 people after this house."
([32:58])

Gathering Evidence

Timestamp [15:17] – Surveillance and Clues: Ben Romero updates Friday on their surveillance efforts, revealing that Stone has been seen purchasing ammunition, contradicting his earlier claim of not owning a gun. This inconsistency is pivotal in building the case against Stone.

Captain Steed: "Tailed him after he left you. He drove to a Beverly Hills address, apartment."
([15:17])

Joe Friday: "Same kind of gun he had registered in it. 32s and W."
([15:48])

The Climactic Confrontation

Timestamp [21:08] – The Setup: Stone finalizes the plan, detailing the exact method of murdering his wife. The meticulous instructions, including how to scatter household items to simulate a burglary, demonstrate Stone's calculated nature.

Captain Steed: "Take her down to this end of the porch here. That's very important, you understand?"
([20:02])

Joe Friday: "I don't get it, but I guess it's all right."
([20:29])

Revelation and Arrest

Timestamp [25:19] – Stone's Denial and Confession: During the interrogation, Stone vehemently denies involvement, but cracks under pressure when evidence is presented. His confession underscores the effectiveness of the Dragnet team's investigation.

Captain Steed: "He hasn't told me how he wants the job done. He talks cute every time the payoff's mentioned."
([14:37])

Joe Friday: "The difference between guilt and innocence is proof in the form of physical evidence."
([27:29])

Conclusion of the Case

Charles Stone is successfully apprehended and convicted for soliciting the commission of a felony. The episode concludes with a reflection on the importance of evidence in determining guilt, reinforcing the show's dedication to realistic police procedures.

Captain Steed: "Charles Farnsworth Stone was tried and convicted on soliciting the commission of a felony."
([27:06])

Joe Friday: "You have just heard, Dragnet. A series of authentic cases from official files."
([27:29])

Host's Final Remarks

Adam Graham wraps up the episode by highlighting the intricate details of the case and commending the show's faithful representation of police work. He acknowledges listener support and encourages continued engagement through social media and donations.

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Notable Quotes

• Joe Friday: "Stop him."
  ([02:58])
  Sets the urgency of the investigation.

• Joe Friday: "Well, I better use some kind of an alias. Let's see. Matson. Joe Matson."
  ([07:10])
  Demonstrates the undercover strategy.

• Joe Friday: "I don't get it, but I guess it's all right."
  ([20:29])
  Expresses uncertainty during the sting operation.

• Joe Friday: "The difference between guilt and innocence is proof in the form of physical evidence."
  ([27:29])
  Emphasizes the importance of evidence in the justice system.

Insights and Themes

• Ethical Dilemmas: The episode explores the moral complexities faced by law enforcement when dealing with criminal solicitations.

• Attention to Detail: The meticulous nature of the investigation highlights the importance of thoroughness in solving crimes.

• Psychological Manipulation: Stone's calculated approach to eliminating his wife showcases the psychological tactics criminals may employ.

Conclusion

"The Big Death" serves as a quintessential Dragnet episode, blending suspenseful storytelling with realistic police procedures. Through Joe Friday and his team's relentless pursuit of justice, listeners are immersed in a narrative that underscores the critical role of evidence and ethical policing in solving crimes.

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Note: This summary is based on a fictional transcript provided for the podcast episode "Dragnet: The Big Death (EP4550)" from "The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio." All characters and events are part of a dramatized radio detective story for entertainment purposes.

Transcript

[Joe Friday]

Save Big on your Thanksgiving feast.

[Ben Romero]

All in the Fred Meyer app. Buy two get three free on 12 packs of delicious Coca Cola, Pepsi or 7Up with your card. Then get a juicy frozen Grade A Jenny o Turkey for $1.27 a pound limit one with your card and a digital coupon. Shop these deals at your local Oregon Fred Meyer today or click the screen now to download the Fred Meyer app to Save Big today. Fred Meyer Fresh for Everyone. Prices and product availability subject to change restrictions apply. See site for details. How do you feel when you switch to Geico and save on your car insurance? It's like going to work on one Thursday morning and thinking to yourself, just one more day until Friday. But then somebody in the elevator says Happy Friday. Then you check your phone quickly and discover today is actually Friday. So yes, Happy Friday. Random stranger in the elevator. Happy Friday indeed. Yep, switching and saving with Geico feels just like that. Get more with Geico 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 Dragnet. But before we do, I want to encourage you if you enjoy the podcast, to follow us using our 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 by mailing a donation to Adam Graham, P.O. box 15913. That's P.O. box 15913, Boise, ID 83715. And you can also become one of our ongoing Patreon supporters for as little as $2 per month at patreon.greatdetives.net but now, from September 28, 1950, here is the big death.

[Captain Steed]

The story you are about to hear is true. Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent. You're a detective sergeant. You're assigned a homicide detail. A socially prominent citizen is plotting to kill his wife. He tells you his plans for the murder. He hires you to do the killing. Your job.

[Joe Friday]

Stop him.

[Captain Steed]

Dragnet the documented drama of an actual crime. For the next 30 minutes, in cooperation with the Los Angeles Police Department, you will travel step by step on the side of the law through an actual case. From official police files. From beginning to end, from crime to.

[Ben Romero]

Punishment, Dragnet is the story of your.

[Captain Steed]

Police force in action.

[Joe Friday]

It was Monday, February 17th. It was raining in Los Angeles. We were working the day Watch out of Homicide detail. My partner's Ben Romero. The boss is Thad Brown, Chief of Detectives. My name's Friday. It was 4:18pm when we got to room 26. Chief of detectives office.

[Captain Steed]

Come on in, man. Have a seat. Would you close the door? Friday?

[Joe Friday]

Yep. Sure.

[Captain Steed]

Captain Steed, Sergeant Romero, Sergeant Friday. Like to have you meet Special Agent Ray Kimball, Public utilities Commission.

[Joe Friday]

Hi.

[Captain Steed]

Mr. Kimball. And his friend, Mr. Trudeau. How do you do, Trudeau?

[Joe Friday]

How are you, sir?

[Captain Steed]

Gentlemen, Mr. Kimball and Mr. Trudeau here have some important information to give us. Mr. Trudeau, would you like to repeat for these officers what you told us a few moments ago? Yes, sir. Well, a friend of mine wants me to kill his wife for him. I'm convinced he means to go through with the thing. Naturally. It goes without saying that Kimball here will back up the veracity of the story. Well, Mr. Trudeau, who is your friend? How long have you known him? His name's Charles Stone. Guess. Maybe you heard of him. Owns a string of warehouses around town. I used to work for him. Oh, yeah? Brilliant. Well, the other day he called me and asked me if I was working. I told him no. Then he asked me to meet him in front of the public library. That was last Saturday afternoon.

[Joe Friday]

Did you meet him?

[Captain Steed]

Yes, I did. And he took me to a bar in the neighborhood. Started telling me all about his troubles at home. He said his wife was stepping out on him, running around with other men. Well, we had quite a few drinks, and I guess I thought that's what accounted for it. What's that, Mr. Trudeau? Well, he leaned toward me and he said, here's the dough. The wife and I haven't been getting along well at all for about a year. She's stepping out with some other guy on me. And to make a long story short, well, that's when he told me. He said, I want a loser. What do you say? Well, I told him I didn't quite get the drift of the thing. And then he said, I want my wife killed. I'll pay you $1,000 for the job. Mr. Trudeau, have you any idea why he contacted you on this thing? Well, I don't know, other than the fact that I hadn't been able to work for some time. He knew I needed the money pretty badly. As soon as I was sure he wasn't kidding about the murder, I told Mr. Kimball here. He's an old friend of mine.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Captain Steed]

He said the only thing to do was to take it to the police. Did this Mr. Stone make this proposition to you more than once? Yes, he did. Kept reminding me how much I could use. $1,000. Well, all I could say Was that I knew his wife too well. I couldn't do it.

[Joe Friday]

What did Stone say to that, sir?

[Captain Steed]

That I had cold feet. Told me I was just like another man he'd lined up to kill his wife. Told me if I didn't want the job, he'd get someone else to do it. Do you think he might go for a substitute, Mr. Trudeau, one of our men? I don't know, Chief. There's only one thing I'm sure of. Yes, sir. He wants his wife dead.

[Joe Friday]

4:42Pm the meeting in the chief of Detective's office went on. A man by the name of Charles Stone wanted his wife murdered. He'd offered $1,000 for her death. He'd approached two men to do the job. Both had refused. From the information we'd received, we knew he wouldn't stop there. There were a lot of people who'd killed for $1,000. It was only a matter of time till he found one. The plan was formulated, and Ben and I were assigned to the case. 5pm Together with Captain Steed and Mr. Trudeau. We left Thad Brown's office and went down the hall to Homicide.

[Captain Steed]

In your last meeting with stone, Mr. Trudeau, you refused outright to have anything to do with his plan to have his wife murdered. That right? That's right. Did you leave any opening at all? Well, just to get away from the guy, I told him if I heard of anybody that'd do the job, I'd let him know.

[Joe Friday]

You think that maybe he'd listen to you if you went back and suggested somebody?

[Captain Steed]

I don't know. He'd listen to me. But he's no dummy. You gotta understand that. He's gonna be careful. Well, which one of you is gonna play the killer? I'd like drives giver. Who's gonna fit the part best? Trudy here just told you this. Charles Stone's no pushover. I don't know, Captain. This officer here. Me? Yeah. No offense, but I'd sure peg you for a copy. You would? Why is that? I don't know. You just look like one, I guess. Well, Joe is a little closer to average height. Wait. Yeah, that's what I mean, Captain. He doesn't look like a cop. All right. Now, Mr. Trudeau, you're willing to go along with us on this thing? Certainly, Captain. Anything I can do, you just tell me what you want. Well, just as soon as possible, we'd like to have you contact Mr. Stone. You'll know how to approach him so as not to make him suspicious. Yes, I think I can do that. Joe, how do you want to go about this?

[Joe Friday]

Well, I better use some kind of an alias. Let's see. Matson. Joe Matson.

[Captain Steed]

How about Kelly? Just plain Kelly.

[Joe Friday]

That's fine with me.

[Captain Steed]

Good. Now, how about your background? Better get that straight with Mr. Trudeau here.

[Joe Friday]

Or suppose I tell him I'm from Phoenix, huh? If I know that town pretty well, he might ask me some questions about it.

[Captain Steed]

Okay. Now, how'd you happen to know Trudeau?

[Joe Friday]

The Army. Did you ever serve in the army, Mr. Trudeau?

[Captain Steed]

Yes, sir. 42 to 45 CBI theater.

[Joe Friday]

All right. Well, we serve together in the army, huh? Let's make it in China. Quartermaster Corps. All right, all right.

[Captain Steed]

And now, Mr. Trudeau, this is all you'll have to do. Set up a meeting with Stone as soon as possible. Introduce Friday as the man who's willing to do the job for him. Old army friend. Then step out of the picture as quickly as you can. All right, Captain. I understand. It goes without saying, we certainly appreciate your cooperation. Not at all, sir. I'm only glad I'm in a position to help out. You probably saved that woman's life. I wish I could be sure.

[Joe Friday]

Naughty, mean Trudeau.

[Captain Steed]

Last time I saw Charlie Stone was three days ago. Maybe he's hired somebody else.

[Joe Friday]

5:30Pm Captain Steed ordered two teams of men from Homicide to watch Charles Stone's wife, Mildred, until further notice. For her own protection, she'd be kept under 24 hour surveillance without her knowledge. We checked the eye bureau to see what we could find on Charles Stone. He owned a gun, a.32 Smith & Wesson revolver. That's all we found. He had no criminal record. We knew of him only as a social figure from a prominent family, and supposedly he was happily married. He owned and operated a chain of six warehouses throughout Los Angeles. His business reputation was good. Captain Stead ordered that Charles Stone also be placed under 24 hour surveillance immediately. He would be kept under watch without his knowledge. Ben Romero and Gillen Senas were one of the teams assigned to Taylor. The next morning, I checked in for work at the usual time. At 10:15am I left Captain Steed's office and went into the squadroom. Homicide Friday.

[Captain Steed]

This is Mr. Trudeau, Sergeant. I saw Charlie Stone a few minutes ago.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, sir. How'd it go?

[Captain Steed]

We talked about 20 minutes. I told him you might be willing to do the job.

[Joe Friday]

What'd he say?

[Captain Steed]

He wants to meet you.

[Joe Friday]

Before he hung up, Trudeau told me that Charles Stone would meet us. That Night in Section B in the grandstands at the midget auto races out near Santa Monica. I informed Captain Steed of the development, and then I left the office, went home, put away my gun and all my identification, changed into some old clothes. I boarded a bus and rode back downtown to the skid row area, where I rentaled a single room in a cheap hotel. I signed the register. J. Kelly, Phoenix, Arizona, 5:30pm I went to Cogan's Cafe on the corner of South Main and Satellite Street. Captain Steed was waiting for me in one of the rear booths.

[Captain Steed]

Hi.

[Joe Friday]

Hi.

[Captain Steed]

You look like you're all set.

[Joe Friday]

How does the outfit strike you? Okay?

[Captain Steed]

Yeah, fine. That old leather jacket's a good touch. Oh, I better let your beard grow a little.

[Ben Romero]

All right.

[Joe Friday]

I rented a room in one of the hotels down here. I could use a little expense money.

[Captain Steed]

Glad you said a little. All right, I'll fix it up for you.

[Joe Friday]

Here's the phone number of the hotel in case you want to contact me.

[Captain Steed]

Good.

[Joe Friday]

One thing that's got me a little worried, skipper.

[Captain Steed]

Yeah?

[Joe Friday]

The legal angle. You know, you can get pretty close to entrapment in cases like this.

[Captain Steed]

Nothing to worry about. You just play it straight down the line.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Captain Steed]

The idea for the crime has to originate in the mind of the criminal. It's gotta be all his idea. You just go along with him. Okay? Be sure and keep us posted.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, I will.

[Captain Steed]

Murder of his wife means a lot to Stone. He wouldn't want anybody getting his way. Be careful.

[Joe Friday]

That night, I had dinner with Trudeau at a cafeteria on South Grand. Then we caught a bus and rode out to the stadium where they held the midget auto races. We found the seats where Charles Stone was to meet us. Numbers four and five, row 27, section B, main grandstand. The auto races started at 10 minutes past 8pm Charles Stone arrived. He looked like an average, prosperous businessman. Well dressed, medium build, dark hair that showed a few streaks of gray. Trudeau introduced us and then he left.

[Captain Steed]

Where you from, Kelly?

[Joe Friday]

Phoenix.

[Captain Steed]

You like midget auto races?

[Joe Friday]

That's not why I came out here. Trudeau said something about a job.

[Captain Steed]

Sure. Guess I told you what it's about.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Captain Steed]

Ever handled anything like this before?

[Joe Friday]

I'd be a sucker to answer that one, wouldn't I?

[Captain Steed]

I just want to know if you can handle it.

[Joe Friday]

Trudeau told me about it. I wouldn't be here if I couldn't handle it.

[Captain Steed]

It's a delicate job. Gotta be sure it's done right.

[Joe Friday]

What are you looking for? References.

[Captain Steed]

Gotta be Careful, that's all.

[Joe Friday]

What about me? I don't know you from Adam. How do I know it won't be a double cross?

[Captain Steed]

Don't worry about a double cross. Let's go below the grandstand, get away from this crowd.

[Joe Friday]

All right with me. You haven't said anything about money yet.

[Captain Steed]

Plenty of time. Talk money.

[Joe Friday]

Like to know how much you want. Trudeau said a thousand.

[Captain Steed]

Yeah?

[Joe Friday]

When could you get it?

[Captain Steed]

When would you want it?

[Joe Friday]

Before I'd be a dope to do the job without getting paid first.

[Captain Steed]

I'd be just as stupid to give it to you first. Say, can I buy you a hot dog? Cold drink.

[Joe Friday]

Okay.

[Captain Steed]

Miss? Yeah, one hot dog. Cup of root beer. One dog. Too big. You like root beer? Sure.

[Joe Friday]

How about settling on the dough, huh?

[Captain Steed]

You do the job, you'll get paid. You can ask Trudeau if you like. I tell you, I keep my word.

[Joe Friday]

Well, it's gotta go fast, that's all. I may have a job lined up in Phoenix. I gotta get that dough and some new clothes. Gotta put up some kind of a front. That's why I need the dough fast. No waiting.

[Captain Steed]

You'll get your money. We can work out something. Hot dog Chewickers, 40 mustard's on the counter. There you are. Just move over there, out of the way.

[Joe Friday]

Okay, but you haven't told me yet.

[Captain Steed]

What?

[Joe Friday]

How do you want it done?

[Captain Steed]

All depends.

[Joe Friday]

I haven't gotten my gun. I'm on the lamb. Have you got one?

[Captain Steed]

No, I don't own one. Couldn't use a gun anyway. Too much noise.

[Joe Friday]

Well, make up your mind.

[Captain Steed]

We'll meet tomorrow night. We can talk about it then.

[Joe Friday]

Look, mister, you expect me to sit on this thing for a week. I'm not making a career out of just this one job.

[Captain Steed]

What are you worrying about? We'll set everything up tomorrow night. All right.

[Joe Friday]

How about 10 bucks on the cuff? I got 11 flat.

[Captain Steed]

There's five. See if that'll do. How about that payoff?

[Joe Friday]

The thousand? How do we set that up?

[Captain Steed]

We can talk about that later.

[Joe Friday]

Why can't we talk now? Look, Stone, I don't think I like your attitude. You haven't told me how you want the job done. You talk cute every time the payoff's mentioned.

[Captain Steed]

Take it easy.

[Joe Friday]

Take it easy, nothing. I'm taking the chances. How do I know I'm gonna get paid?

[Captain Steed]

How do I know you'll kill her.

[Joe Friday]

Before I left? Charles Stone, we set up a meeting for the following night. At 8 o'clock I caught a bus and went back to the hotel room. So far, I'd been unable to get any other correct corroborative evidence on Stone. Evidence that could be presented in court. The next morning, I called the office and kept them posted on developments. I had my meals at a lunch counter next door to the hotel and I stuck pretty close to my room. At 2:30 that afternoon, Ben called.

[Captain Steed]

We tailstoned to the midget auto races last night, Joe do any good?

[Joe Friday]

Well, not bad. It's going a little slow, though.

[Captain Steed]

We tilled him after he left you. He drove to a Beverly Hills address, apartment.

[Joe Friday]

Thought he lived in Glendale.

[Captain Steed]

Does the apartment he went to registered to Jean Howard. Stayed until 4 this morning. Check the Howard girl out. She's the secretary at one of Stones World.

[Joe Friday]

Maybe that explains why Stone wants to get rid of his wife, huh?

[Captain Steed]

Here's one more thing. We tailed him to a gun shop this morning. Bought a couple of things.

[Joe Friday]

And after he's gone, we checked with the store clerk.

[Captain Steed]

Told us Stone bought a box of shells,32 caliber.

[Joe Friday]

Same kind of gun he had registered in it.32s and W. Yeah, that's funny. Stone told me he doesn't own a gun.

[Captain Steed]

Doesn't look too good in my book.

[Joe Friday]

All right, now, let's don't start worrying, huh?

[Captain Steed]

Don't trust him at dimes worth, Joe. That's all right.

[Joe Friday]

You want to check with me later on? I gotta keep this line open.

[Captain Steed]

Yeah, all right. See you later.

[Joe Friday]

Right.

[Captain Steed]

Yeah, this is Stone. Yeah, job's all set up, ready to go.

[Joe Friday]

When?

[Captain Steed]

Fortnite. You are listening to Dragnet. The case history of a police investigation presented in the public interest.

[Joe Friday]

Wednesday, February 19, 8:55pm Charles Stone picked me up in his car at the corner of Alameda and 6th streets. He turned onto South Broadway and he headed down for the beach. He hunched over the wheel as he drove. I kept wondering how I was going to pin him down. We were less than 24 hours away from the scheduled murder of his wife and I still didn't have a case against him that had stand up in court. If he failed to produce sufficient evidence tonight, Stone had a good chance of going free whether he succeeded in having his wife killed or not. I also had no idea what the suspect had made before he hired me to do the killing. There was a definite possibility that he might have arranged for somebody else to commit the actual murder and then set up a double cross with me as the victim. We knew he had a.32s and W revolver registered in his name. But he denied to me that he Even owned a gun. 9:03pm we pulled up in front of Stone's beach house.

[Captain Steed]

Most of the other homes around here are vacant summer places. People don't start moving in til 1st of May.

[Joe Friday]

But you said you were afraid of the neighbors seeing you here.

[Captain Steed]

There's someone living up the next block. Can't afford not to. Be careful. This one here, there's a front door key. See if you can work it.

[Joe Friday]

I know how it works. You go ahead and open it.

[Captain Steed]

All right.

[Joe Friday]

The living room, huh?

[Captain Steed]

Yeah. Bedroom's over here. Through this door?

[Joe Friday]

Uh huh. All right, what's the story? Where do I start?

[Captain Steed]

My wife should be here about 6:00 tomorrow night. She'll be coming down alone to get the house ready for a weekend party.

[Joe Friday]

When do you want me here?

[Captain Steed]

About four in the afternoon. Here. Here's the key to the front door.

[Joe Friday]

Better pick it up and hand it to me, huh?

[Captain Steed]

Okay. There you go. First thing you do when you get here is pull out all the drawers in the bedroom bureau. Scatter things around, make it look as much like a burglary as you can. Yeah, same here in the living room. Desk drawer, table, cupboards. Turn them inside out, throw things around.

[Joe Friday]

Leave my fingerprints all over everything.

[Captain Steed]

I've taken care of that old pair of gloves of mine. You'll find them here in this drawer. Remember that.

[Joe Friday]

All right.

[Captain Steed]

Let's see now. Oh yeah. Sash cord.

[Joe Friday]

I'm sure.

[Captain Steed]

This ought to serve the purpose. Shouldn't have any trouble.

[Joe Friday]

Piece of rope's pretty new. It's a little slippery.

[Captain Steed]

Won't be with the gloves on. She's not very strong. Shouldn't have any trouble. Leave the rope here in the closet.

[Joe Friday]

You sure she's going to be alone?

[Captain Steed]

Positive.

[Joe Friday]

Where am I supposed to hide?

[Captain Steed]

Let me show you. Here. Right by the front door. This closet?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Captain Steed]

When the wife comes in, closes the door, she'll probably go right to the bedroom, take off her coat, follow her in, then do it fast while her backs turn. No screams, neighbors might hear.

[Joe Friday]

All right.

[Captain Steed]

Want it clean and quiet? Do it as quickly as you can. Now, when you're finished, here's what I want you to do with her.

[Joe Friday]

What's that?

[Captain Steed]

Take the body and bring it this way. Come here. Come here. I want you to see. All right. Across the living room to these French doors. Open this one. You won't have any trouble. Take the body out here on the porch. Come with me. Now I want you to get this clear in your mind.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, I think I got it.

[Captain Steed]

Take her down to this End of the porch, right to the railing. Leave her here. That's very important, you understand? All the way down to the end of the porch here.

[Joe Friday]

I don't get it, but I guess it's all right.

[Captain Steed]

All right, let's go back in.

[Joe Friday]

Look, Stone, I may forget the layout of this house here. Would you draw a floor plan for me? I don't want to get mixed up here.

[Captain Steed]

No. There's paper on the desk there. You can draw it yourself before you leave tonight.

[Joe Friday]

What's the matter? Don't you trust me?

[Captain Steed]

Can't afford to take any chances now. What was it? Yeah. After you're finished using the Ropamine. Yeah? You'll find some rings on my wife's fingers. Take them all off. Big setting. Especially love your bracelet on her left wrist. Take that, too.

[Joe Friday]

What'll I do with them?

[Captain Steed]

Put them in this white vase in the mantle here. Rings and the bracelet. Don't miss any of the rings. They're expensive.

[Joe Friday]

Well, how about me bringing them to you? I can pick up my dough at the same time.

[Captain Steed]

No, put them in the vase. As soon as that's done, leave here and go back downtown. I'll pick you up where we met tonight. Six in Alameda. 7:30 sharp. Have the money for you then.

[Joe Friday]

Where are you going to be at 6:00?

[Captain Steed]

I have to cover myself. I'll stay on at the office. Special conference.

[Joe Friday]

I don't know. I don't think I like this.

[Captain Steed]

What do you mean, you don't like it?

[Joe Friday]

Suppose something should happen. I got no protection. I'd feel a lot better with a gun.

[Captain Steed]

Told you, I don't have a gun to give you. Why would you need one anyway?

[Joe Friday]

Just feel a lot better, that's all.

[Captain Steed]

Buy one if you want. That's your problem. I'm paying you for the job.

[Joe Friday]

I haven't seen your money.

[Captain Steed]

I told you, when the job's done, get your money then.

[Joe Friday]

Just one thing. I want to make sure of no mistakes here.

[Captain Steed]

Don't worry, you get your pay. Ask Trudeau if you like. He'll tell you. You can trust me. You can ask anybody about your wife.

[Joe Friday]

Before I left Charles Stone, I got one more valuable piece of evidence out of him. A special phone number written in his handwriting on the back of one of his business cards. In case anything went wrong. I was to call him at this number in his own handwriting. I also got a list of times that I was supposed to remember when to come to the house, when to leave, when to meet him for the payoff. The next afternoon at 3:30, I left the hotel and drove my car out to Venice to Stone's beach house. Captain Steed and another officer from Homicide followed me out. We waited in the house together. Shortly before 6pm Mrs. Mildred Stone arrived with Biff, Banham, Gill and Sinas. She refused to believe the story of her husband's plot to have her murdered. Captain Steed laid out the evidence for her.

[Captain Steed]

This key, Mrs. Stone, you recognize it? Why, yes. It's the one for the front door. It must be Charles. He gave it to this officer, miss. The man who was supposed to murder you. No, I don't believe it.

[Joe Friday]

Do you have any idea what's in that closet, ma'am? That one over there.

[Captain Steed]

There's nothing in there.

[Joe Friday]

I cleaned it out.

[Captain Steed]

The last time we were here, I cleaned out all the closets.

[Joe Friday]

I'd like to show it to you, ma'am.

[Captain Steed]

Piece of rope. I never saw that there before.

[Joe Friday]

Mr. Stone gave it to me. It was supposed to be the murder weapon.

[Captain Steed]

Just one more point, ma'am. Over here, please. Do you know what's in this drawer here? It's empty. It has to be. We never keep anything in there. Only when we move down for the summer months. Joe.

[Joe Friday]

Right? A pair of your husband's old gloves. Is that right, ma'am?

[Captain Steed]

Well, why would they be there? What for?

[Joe Friday]

I was supposed to wear them while I was in the house. So I wouldn't leave fingerprints.

[Captain Steed]

Do you. Do you mind if I sit down? Here you are. I'm sorry, Mr. Stone. We know it's a terrible shock for you. I think you realize we had to tell you.

[Ben Romero]

It's all right.

[Captain Steed]

You've been very kind. You saved my life. I'm sorry now that happened. It would have been better if he'd succeeded. Much better. Take it easy, Mrs. Stone.

[Joe Friday]

The shame.

[Captain Steed]

Terrible, terrible shame. Is there anything I can do for him?

[Joe Friday]

He wanted to have you murdered, ma'am.

[Captain Steed]

I know that. He wanted me dead.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'am.

[Captain Steed]

There's only one thing.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah?

[Captain Steed]

He's my husband, sergeant. I love him.

[Joe Friday]

6:45Pm I telephoned Charles Stone and told him the job was done. His wife was murdered. He said he'd meet me at 6th and Alameda Streets for the payoff as scheduled. I waited. He failed to show up. At 7:30pm Stone was placed under arrest as he parked his in front of their Venice beach house. A loaded.32 caliber revolver was found in his pocket. He was taken back to the City Hall. The chief of Detective's office. Ben and I waited outside the open door. We could hear Thad Brown start the interrogation inside.

[Captain Steed]

Do you know what we have you down here for, Mr. Stone? No, I haven't the finest idea. What would you say if I told you your wife had been murdered? I think you were crazy. What would you say if I told you that you were accused of her murder? It's silly. It's ridiculous. I've been at work all day. I can prove it. All right, Friday. Come in. Desert. Have you ever meet this man before? I've seen him on skid row. I don't know him. Do you recognize the man you hired to kill your wife? I didn't know the man. I didn't kill my wife. I don't understand all this.

[Joe Friday]

The name's Kelly, Mr. Stone.

[Captain Steed]

He's some fake officer. Skid row bum. I don't know him.

[Joe Friday]

I don't think that's gonna make it, Stone. Both you and your wife have been tailed constantly for the last couple of days. Photographs taken. Midget auto races. 6th on Alameda, Beverly Hills apartment.

[Captain Steed]

Crazy. You don't know what you're talking about. Mike, would you send the lady in, please? Mildred, you don't believe all these things you're saying about me, do you? Here are the rings, Charles. The bracelet, too. I didn't realize how much you wanted them, Millie. I didn't mean it. I didn't mean it. I don't know what I was thinking of. There, Charles. There. It's all right now. You'll feel better in a few minutes. Yes, ma'am. That's all.

[Joe Friday]

Friday, right?

[Captain Steed]

What's it look like, Joe?

[Joe Friday]

He's starting to talk.

[Captain Steed]

Scott Maine. He tries to have her murdered. She goes to bat for him.

[Joe Friday]

What's it prove? He sure must love him. What do you think? How about a cup of coffee?

[Captain Steed]

The story you have just heard was true. Only the names were changed to protect the innocent. On May 2, trial was held in Superior Court Department 89, City and County of Los Angeles, State of California. In a moment, the results of that trial. And now, here is our star, Jack Webb.

[Joe Friday]

Thank you. To the working detective. The difference between guilt and innocence is proof in the form of physical evidence. In the form of testimony gathered from reliable witnesses. In determining any suspect's guilt or innocence. The difference is actual proof.

[Captain Steed]

Charles Farnsworth Stone was tried and convicted on soliciting the commission of a felony. Two counts. He received a sentence as prescribed by law. You have just heard, Dragnet. A series of authentic cases from official files. Technical advice comes from the office of Chief of Police W.H. parker, Los Angeles Police Department.

[Joe Friday]

Hi folks, this is Bob on the air for Chesterfield every Tuesday night. Consult your local paper for time and station.

[Captain Steed]

Hope and Bing on the air for Chesterfield every Wednesday night. Crosby, I've called this little seminar to teach our new boy the ropes say sag.

[Joe Friday]

I think it's only fair to warn.

[Captain Steed]

You, with me selling Chesterfields this year.

[Joe Friday]

You'Ll have to limp along lively to keep up.

[Captain Steed]

Since when have you been any competition, lover boy? When when we're in pictures together, who always gets the girl?

[Joe Friday]

Which only backs up the old saying, everybody loves a fat man.

[Captain Steed]

Hear? Hope and Crosby. Tuesday Next we the people on NBC.

[Ben Romero]

How do you feel when you switch to Geico and save on your car insurance? It's like going to work on one Thursday morning and thinking to yourself, just one more day until Friday. But then somebody in the elevator says happy Friday. Then you check your phone quickly and discover today is actually Friday. So yes, Happy Friday. Random stranger in the elevator. Happy Friday indeed. Yep, switching and saving with Geico feels just like that. Get more with Geico. Welcome back. Another solid script. It's worth noting that a similar concept was used in the 1960s TV show and the the season two episode the Big Ad, except in that one a newspaper ad was being placed in order to solicit the crime. It's kind of funny, given how Joe Friday became a police icon, that he was chosen to play the hood based on the idea that he didn't look like a cop. Now, to be fair, Webb was often cast as various sorts of tough guys and criminals and certainly played his fair share of hoods, even in some films into the early 1950s. It just seems odd knowing what we know now. Well, now it's time to thank our Patreon supporter of the day. And I want to thank Stephen. Stephen's been one of our Patreon supporters since July 2024, currently supporting the podcast at the detective Sergeant level of $7.14 or more per month. Thank you so much for your support, Stephen, and that will actually do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software and be sure to rate and review the podcast wherever you download it from. We'll be back next Saturday with another episode of Dragnet, but join us back here tomorrow for our 4550th episode special.

[Captain Steed]

Where McCollins I've eliminated three of those people. Why? There's nothing to tie them in. In the first place, all the local police had to go on was Suspicion. That's not much. But how about the fourth suspect, a man named Samuel Arthur?

[Joe Friday]

Anything on him?

[Captain Steed]

No, nothing. Nothing at all. But look, if Arthur's guilty of. You think he's the one, you gotta have something. What about the money from the robbery? Not a penny of it shown up. That's why I believe the job was pulled by someone in this town. Someone who was afraid to leave. Someone who killed the watchman, Walters, and then got panicky. Panicky? A murderer who's played doggo for a year isn't exactly panicky. He's smart. Waiting for the time he can leave. Collins, I'm changing boarding houses and cooking bad at the one you're in now. No, the hunting's bad. Samuel Arthur stays at Mrs. Holly's boarding house. Here. Here's the address.

[Joe Friday]

All right, what's next?

[Captain Steed]

I'm going to find one lead, one clue that'll give me a toehold.

[Ben Romero]

I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to Box13REAT detectives.net 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. How do you feel when you switch to GEICO and save on your car insurance? It's like going to work on one Thursday morning and thinking to yourself, just one more day until Friday. But then somebody in the elevator says, happy Friday. Then you check your phone quickly and discover today is actually Friday. So, yes, Happy Friday. Random stranger in the elevator. Happy Friday indeed. Yep, switching and saving with Geico feels just like that. Get more with geico.

[Captain Steed]

The sun's shining, birds are singing, and.

[Ben Romero]

All feels right in the world. Until the season changes and suddenly you lose your motivation to get out of bed.

[Captain Steed]

In fact, one in five people experience some form of depression, no matter the.

[Ben Romero]

Season or time of year. At the American Psychiatric association foundation, our vision is to build a mentally healthy nation for all. Because we want you to live your best life and be your best you all year round.

[Captain Steed]

Please visit mentally healthynation.org to learn more.

[Ben Romero]

Coming up this week on the Old Time Radio Snack Wagon.

[Captain Steed]

Well, boy? Yes, Mr. Finley.

[Joe Friday]

Where are you, boy?

[Captain Steed]

What about my house? Well, I'll tell you, Mr. Finley. Where's your word? You said you'd be over with a down payment. What are you made of, boy? Rock, maple or pineapple? Something has come up, Mr. Finley. I got 15 people after this house.

[Ben Romero]

Listen to the Old Time radio snack wagon snackwagon.net or wherever you get your podcast.