Dragnet: The Big Family (EP4640)

Summary

The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio: Episode Summary – "Dragnet: The Big Family" (EP4640)

Released on March 1, 2025 | Hosted by Adam Graham | Season 15

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Introduction

In this episode of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio, host Adam Graham delves into the intricacies of the classic radio drama Dragnet: The Big Family. This episode showcases the relentless pursuit of truth by Los Angeles detectives as they unravel a seemingly straightforward missing person case that hides deeper family secrets and personal turmoil.

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Dragnet: The Big Family – Plot Summary

Opening Investigation

The episode begins on a foggy Saturday morning in Los Angeles, with Detective Sergeant Joe Friday and his partner Ben Romero assigned to the case of John Keith Jarrett, a wealthy businessman who has mysteriously vanished. Narrator sets the scene:

[02:27] Narrator: "The story you are about to hear is true. Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent."

Detectives Friday and Romero analyze the initial evidence: Jarrett's abandoned car discovered at Pier 6 with a suicide note but no visible signs of foul play.

[07:04] Detective Romero: "Jarrett's gun. The crime lab boys finally found it."

Family Interviews and Uncovering Motives

As the investigation progresses, the detectives interview Mrs. Jarrett, Jarrett's wife, who presents a picture of a strained marriage marked by indifference and alcoholism.

[09:35] Mrs. Jarrett: "Jack and I rarely argued. We didn't get along, that's all."

Further probing leads them to Evelyn Jarrett, their daughter, who reveals peculiar details about her father's ownership of a gun:

[13:45] Evelyn Jarrett: "Dad hasn't had that gun for a year. He gave it to my brother, Keith."

This discrepancy raises red flags, prompting the detectives to investigate Keith Jarrett, the son. Keith portrays himself as a professional tennis player with little interest in family affairs, but his evasiveness deepens the mystery.

[17:33] Keith Jarrett: "I like tennis all of the tournaments. I have a pretty good hunch why we're here."

The Breakthrough and Resolution

The turning point comes when fingerprints link Jarrett to an alias, Walter John Mitchell, suggesting Jarrett may have faked his own death. The detectives travel to the small fishing town of Port Santo Tomas, where they confront Jarrett aboard his boat.

[23:02] Detective Romero: "Your application for a Coast Guard pass? Check the fingerprint on it."

During the confrontation, Jarrett admits his dissatisfaction with his family's dysfunction and his decision to disappear, effectively exposing the facade of his affluent life.

[24:18] John Keith Jarrett: "Maybe you men care for a cold bottle of beer?"

[25:40] Detective Romero: "Yes, sir. Well, I guess it's none of my business, Mr. Jarrett, but you think that you might have been to blame. Maybe your children, I mean."

The case concludes with the realization that Jarrett sought freedom from his troubled family dynamics, choosing isolation over confrontation.

[28:00] Detective Friday: "After a complete investigation... it was found that John Keith Jarrett had acted within his rights legally."

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Adam Graham's Analysis

Complexities of the Case

Adam Graham commends the episode for its multifaceted narrative, highlighting how the initial appearance of a suicide case evolves into a deeper exploration of familial relationships and personal agency.

[29:05] Adam Graham: "A fascinating mystery with a lot of surprises. With the gun, you thought there might have been an indication the case was going towards the son being guilty. That fizzles out and the case ends up going another direction."

Character Dynamics and Themes

Graham discusses the portrayal of Jarrett's family, emphasizing their lack of genuine concern and the underlying themes of isolation and self-destruction.

[29:38] Adam Graham: "It was clear that they were all very problematic people. None of them had a desire to get better and they really did not care at all about him."

He also reflects on the detectives' investigative approach, noting how Dragnet realistically depicts police work by showing detectives handling multiple cases and following leads methodically.

[29:05] Adam Graham: "Dragnet portrays that detectives may have more than one active case at once, which you often wouldn't think to."

Listener Feedback

The episode receives positive feedback from listeners, with comments appreciating the depth and realism of the story.

[36:05] Listener Comment: "A great episode. Well, thanks so much, Michael."

Graham acknowledges and thanks his Patreon supporters, fostering a sense of community among dedicated listeners.

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Notable Quotes

• Detective Friday: "Dragnet is the documented drama of an actual crime."
  [03:06]

• Mrs. Jarrett: "I think I might stand a little. Brandy helps sometimes in the morning."
  [09:59]

• Evelyn Jarrett: "Dad hasn't had that gun for a year... it was hidden under the dashboard."
  [13:52]

• John Keith Jarrett: "I work hard for my family. I've had three vacations in 20 years."
  [24:35]

• Adam Graham: "Dragnet portrays that detectives may have more than one active case at once."
  [29:05]

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Conclusion

Dragnet: The Big Family serves as a compelling example of old-time radio's capacity to weave intricate narratives that delve into human psychology and societal issues. Through meticulous storytelling and character development, the episode not only entertains but also invites listeners to contemplate the complexities of familial obligations and personal freedom.

Adam Graham effectively bridges the classic drama with modern analytical insights, enhancing the listening experience for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

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Subscribe and Support

Enjoyed this summary? Subscribe to The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio on your favorite podcast platform. Support the show through Patreon and join a community of mystery enthusiasts eager to explore the golden age of radio detective dramas.

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Transcript

[Narrator]

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[Detective Romero]

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[Podcast Host]

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[Narrator]

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[Podcast Host]

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[Detective Romero]

For you, even if your needs are unique. Get more with.

[Podcast Host]

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 get into this week's episode of Dragnet. If you are enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. Our listener support and appreciation campaign continues. You can become one of our ongoing Patreon supporters for as little as $2 per month at patreon.greatdetectives.net yout can also send along a one time donation using the Zelle app to box 13 at greatdetectives.net and I want to thank Scott for supporting the podcast that way. Thank you so much Scott. And now, from December 28, 1950, here is the big Family.

[Narrator]

The story you are about to hear is true. Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent.

[Detective Friday]

You're a detective sergeant.

[Narrator]

You're assigned a missing person's detail. A wealthy businessman in your city drops from sight. There's no trace of him. There's no apparent reason for his disappearance.

[Detective Romero]

Your job? Find him.

[Detective Friday]

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 transcribed from official police files. From beginning to end, from crime to punishment, Dragnet is the story of your police force in action.

[Detective Romero]

It was Saturday, February 6th. It was foggy in Los Angeles. We were working the day Watch out on missing persons. My partner's Ben Romero. My boss is Thad Brown, Chief of Detectives. My name's Friday. I was on the way back from communications and it was 8:15am when I got to room 67Amissing persons hello Joe oh, hi, Avance.

[Ben Romero]

How you coming on the jarred case?

[Detective Romero]

Oh, nothing. It's a dead end so far.

[Keith Jarrett]

Yeah, it's a tough one.

[Detective Romero]

Sure is.

[Ben Romero]

Joe.

[Detective Romero]

Yeah, Ben?

[Ben Romero]

Just got a call from Evans Harbor Division. They found Jarrett's car.

[Detective Romero]

Where?

[Ben Romero]

Parked at the end of Pier 6. Abandoned. Found it about 7 o'clock this morning.

[Detective Romero]

Yeah, they checked the car over.

[Ben Romero]

Mm. They found Jarrett's coat in the front seat, letter in the pocket.

[Detective Romero]

Yeah.

[Ben Romero]

Suicide note.

[Detective Romero]

John Keith Jarrett was a prominent and prosperous man. He was a well known civic figure and socialite. As a young man, he'd inherited a moderately successful business from his father and over a period of 20 years built it into a million dollar concern. He was apparently happily married to an attractive woman. And he was the father of two grown children. A son, Keith, aged 26, and a daughter, Evelyn, age 23. According to his friends, business associates, employees and advisors, there was no logical reason for Jarrett taking his own life. The letter found in the abandoned car on Pier 6 was brought downtown and the handwriting checked. It matched perfectly with the other specimens of Jarrett's writing. There was no sign of the gun which Jarrett was supposed to have carried. 9:35am Ben and I drove down to San Pedro, boarded police boat number one and joined with Officers Brett, Hanby and tretter in a two hour search of the area around Pier 6. We found nothing. 11:40am the launch headed back for the dock.

[Ben Romero]

I can't make it out. Not a trace.

[Detective Romero]

Well, it might take a little. Pretty fair chance that the tide swept the body out of the area. Could still turn up.

[Ben Romero]

This fog's not helping much. Yeah, maybe I'm just ornery this morning, Joe. I sure can't buy this thing the way it stands.

[Detective Romero]

I'll put in with you there.

[Ben Romero]

Jarrett disappears Thursday night after work. His car doesn't turn up till this morning. He made up his mind to jump off the pier. Why'd he stall around an extra day and a half?

[Detective Romero]

I don't know.

[Ben Romero]

How about Ms. Jarrett? When's she due back?

[Detective Romero]

She's flying in late tonight from Sacramento. We can check her in the morning.

[Ben Romero]

Looks like we're just about in.

[Detective Romero]

Yeah, Well, a crime lab ought to be through checking the car, huh?

[Ben Romero]

Yeah, just about. Yeah. These boys on PD1 sure can't handle this thing, can't they?

[Detective Romero]

Sure can. Well, I'm going to call in from the phone on the dock. You want to stand by here a minute? Okay.

[Ben Romero]

Watch your step there, George. Livery.

[Narrator]

Yeah, all right.

[Detective Romero]

Michigan 5211, please. All right. Crime lab Please. Hi, Lee. Joe Friday. Did you look over that car?

[Ben Romero]

Mm.

[Detective Romero]

Where? Oh, yeah. We'll check with you.

[Ben Romero]

Right. Thanks. How'd they do, Joe? Anything?

[Detective Romero]

Jarrett's gun. The crime lab boys finally found it.

[Ben Romero]

Where?

[Detective Romero]

In his car. It was hidden up under the dashboard.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah.

[Detective Romero]

Gun's been fired recently. Two empty shells. How the recovered gun might tie in with Jarrett's disappearance and the suicide note. We had no idea when the car was found abandoned at the end of Pier 6. The obvious guess was that Jared had taken his life by drowning. If that was the case, what accounted for the two empty shells in his gun? Why was it carefully hidden under the dashboard of the car after it was used? Why were the only fingerprints on it those of Jarrett? Together with Sergeant John Epperson, Ben and I spent the rest of the day interviewing the friends and business associates of the missing man. The answers were the same. Not one of them could think of a good reason why Jared would take his life. More than half of them thought that he'd met with some kind of foul play. Late that night, Mrs. Jarrett arrived back in the city. The next morning, Sunday, Ben and I drove out to the mansion in Bel Air to talk to her. She was a pale, middle aged woman with a strong smell of liquor on her breath.

[Mrs. Jarrett]

I was just fixing these flowers. Not very good to keep them out of water very long, you know.

[Detective Romero]

Yes, ma'am. You go right ahead with it.

[Mrs. Jarrett]

Wouldn't you care for some brandy or something?

[Ben Romero]

No, thank you, ma'am.

[Mrs. Jarrett]

Coffee or something else?

[Detective Romero]

No, not right now, thank you.

[Mrs. Jarrett]

I think I might stand a little brandy helps sometimes in the morning. Sergeant, I'd like to have you tell me the truth. What do you think has happened to my husband?

[Detective Romero]

Well, that's just what we're trying to find out, Ms. Jarrett. All we have to go on is that letter that we found in his car.

[Evelyn Jarrett]

Where?

[Mrs. Jarrett]

I can't believe there's anything in that. Jack and I have been married 31 years. He'd never take his own life. I know him that well.

[Ben Romero]

The letter was in his handwriting, ma'am. We've confirmed that.

[Mrs. Jarrett]

That's why I say it's so confusing. Look. Isn't that a gorgeous rose? Little Scarlet, they call it. That's gorgeous.

[Ben Romero]

Yes, ma'am.

[Detective Romero]

Would it be possible for us to talk to your son and daughter, Ms. Jarrett? It's just a routine investigation.

[Mrs. Jarrett]

Well, I'd rather not have Keith or Evelyn brought into this, if you don't mind. Are you sure you wouldn't care for some brandy?

[Ben Romero]

No, thank you. Thank you.

[Detective Romero]

I don't mean to sound arbitrary, ma'am, but this case isn't exactly trivial. And I'm afraid that your son and daughter will have to be brought into it sooner or later.

[Mrs. Jarrett]

Well, can't be helped, I guess. If you like, I'll give you their addresses. Keith lives in Hollywood, and my daughter, Evelyn has an apartment near Malibu.

[Ben Romero]

Either one married?

[Mrs. Jarrett]

Both single now. Evelyn's been divorced.

[Detective Romero]

Any trouble between you and your husband, I mean, any recent arguments, Ms. Jarrett?

[Mrs. Jarrett]

Not recent, no. We didn't get along too well, that's all.

[Detective Romero]

Well, you don't think any family trouble could account for Mr. Jarrett's disappearance, huh?

[Mrs. Jarrett]

I don't think so. Jack and I rarely argued. We didn't get along, that's all. It was no worse last week than it was 10 years ago. Oh, he has his work. I have my interests worked out. As well as a lot of marriages. I guess I'd better get on with these flowers.

[Ben Romero]

No offense intended, ma'am, but you don't seem too disturbed by what's happened. Suicide note and all.

[Mrs. Jarrett]

No. Yes, I don't.

[Detective Romero]

You don't think this marriage trouble that you mentioned a little while ago could lead to your husband's suicide?

[Mrs. Jarrett]

I didn't mean that much to Jack. Good or bad. His family never meant that much to him.

[Detective Romero]

No.

[Mrs. Jarrett]

There's always the company business, making money. We never work there. Jack didn't care about having a real family. It didn't mean that much to him. He wrecked everything I ever wanted. I won't bore you with a story.

[Ben Romero]

Do you know of any business troubles that might have upset him? No.

[Mrs. Jarrett]

Jack never discussed business with me. He had his own interests. The children had their own interests. I guess I have mine, ma'am. I drink, Sergeant. It's something to do. I drink every day in the week. I drink quite a bit. It's only been since the children left. Blame them. Jack didn't care. Guess I don't care myself anymore. We never were a family.

[Detective Romero]

Do you know if your husband's seen your son or daughter recently?

[Mrs. Jarrett]

He never visits him. He never had anything in common with him.

[Detective Romero]

You still don't think that this trouble has any connection with what might have happened to Mr. Jarrah?

[Ben Romero]

Maybe.

[Mrs. Jarrett]

I don't think so. Doesn't seem to matter that much to me.

[Ben Romero]

How do you mean, doesn't matter?

[Mrs. Jarrett]

Sergeant? I don't hate Jack. I don't love him. Yeah, I just don't care, that's all.

[Detective Romero]

Before we left the Bel Air mansion, we got the addresses of the son and daughter and checked over Mr. Jarrett's room. No leads. 1pm Ben and I drove down to Malibu to interview the daughter, Evelyn Jarrett. She lived in a small modernistic cottage bordering on the beach. She was attractive and well dressed. At the age of 23, she'd been twice married and twice divorced. She sat on the sofa filing her fingernails while we talked to her.

[Evelyn Jarrett]

I don't mean to be rude, Sergeant. I have a date at 2:30. I don't want to be late.

[Ben Romero]

We'll try to make it as quick as possible, Ms. Jarrett. We talked to your mother this morning. She told us you haven't seen too much of your father the last two years.

[Evelyn Jarrett]

Yes, that's right. None of us were ever really close to him.

[Detective Romero]

When's the last time that you saw your father, Ms. Jarrett?

[Evelyn Jarrett]

Well, up until last Thursday night. I hadn't seen him for about five months, I guess.

[Detective Romero]

Oh, you saw your father last Thursday night, was it?

[Evelyn Jarrett]

Yes. He called me that afternoon. Said he wanted to have dinner with me and my brother, Keith.

[Detective Romero]

Did you have dinner with him?

[Evelyn Jarrett]

Yes. Little Spanish place out in Melrose. Keith was late as usual.

[Ben Romero]

Wasn't that pretty unusual for your father? Having you and your brother get together with him for dinner?

[Evelyn Jarrett]

It didn't happen very often. Mother probably told you about that.

[Detective Romero]

Well, how did he seem that night? Did you notice anything unusual about him?

[Evelyn Jarrett]

No. He was pretty much the same as always. Asked Keith and me how we were getting along, if we needed any money.

[Ben Romero]

He didn't mention anything about leaving the city, Going on a trip maybe?

[Evelyn Jarrett]

No, he didn't. We had dinner, a few drinks, then I left.

[Detective Romero]

What was that, Ms. Jerrick?

[Evelyn Jarrett]

A little after midnight, I think. Well, Keith and my father stayed on. They said they were going to have a few more drinks.

[Detective Romero]

I see.

[Evelyn Jarrett]

Care for a cigarette?

[Ben Romero]

No, thank you very much.

[Detective Romero]

Here you are. I'll get it.

[Evelyn Jarrett]

Thank you.

[Ben Romero]

How was your father when you left him, Ms. Jarrett? In pretty good mood.

[Evelyn Jarrett]

Oh, he and Keith were arguing as usual after a few drinks. They always argue.

[Detective Romero]

Anything serious?

[Evelyn Jarrett]

I don't know. Keith had some debts. He wanted dad to pay them off. There's one thing I'd like to ask you, Sergeant.

[Detective Romero]

Yeah?

[Evelyn Jarrett]

I read the story in the paper. That gun you found in my father's car, was it a nickel plated revolver? A.32?

[Detective Romero]

Yes, that's right. There were two shells fired.

[Evelyn Jarrett]

Funny, dad hasn't had that gun for a year. Reason I know is because after my divorce, I moved into this place alone. I thought it'd be a good idea to have a Gun around, so I asked my father for his.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah?

[Evelyn Jarrett]

He told me he'd given it away already. He didn't have any more use for it.

[Ben Romero]

Who'd he give it to? Do you know?

[Evelyn Jarrett]

Told me he gave it to my brother, Keith. That was almost a year ago. Must be a mistake. Keith had the gun. How could they find it in my father's car?

[Detective Romero]

Maybe Keith can tell us. As soon as we left Devil and Jarrett, we drove to a public phone booth. And Ben put in a call to the Greencastle Apartments in Beverly Hills. Where Keith Jarrett was living. There was no answer. Ben called the manager of the apartment.

[Ben Romero]

Yes, sir. How's that? When did you say? I say, all right. Thank you, Brian. Maybe we got something.

[Detective Romero]

What's that?

[Ben Romero]

Jared's son doesn't live there anymore. Manager says he moved in a hurry.

[Detective Romero]

Yeah? When?

[Ben Romero]

Thursday night.

[Detective Friday]

You are listening to Dragnet Authentic stories of your police force in action.

[Detective Romero]

Sunday, February 7, 4pm Ben and I drove to the apartment vacated by Keith Jarrett and checked it over. No leads. We called Mrs. Jarrett and her daughter, Evelyn. They had no idea of Keith's whereabouts. Mrs. Jarrett suggested that we call a fashionable tennis club out in Hollywood. To which her son belonged. There, they told us that Keith Jarrett was scheduled to play in a tournament match on their courts the following morning, Monday, February 8, 10:30am we checked in at the tennis club.

[Podcast Host]

Michael.

[Detective Romero]

Sir.

[Ben Romero]

Joe, I talked to the man at the desk.

[Detective Romero]

Yeah?

[Ben Romero]

He says Keith Jarrett's around here someplace. He's having a boy, Paige, and he'll send him over to it.

[Detective Romero]

Okay. Wonder if this is where he moved after he left the apartment.

[Ben Romero]

No, I talked to the clerk at the desk. They don't have living quarters here. That's sure a beautiful stretch along, isn't it?

[Detective Romero]

Yeah.

[Ben Romero]

Wonder if they have any trouble with Gopher. Nice shot.

[Keith Jarrett]

My name's Jarrett. You gentleman looking for me?

[Detective Romero]

Oh, yeah. Police officers. Jarrett. We'd like to talk to you a few minutes, if you don't mind.

[Keith Jarrett]

Oh, not at all. Got a match coming up? Well, yeah, I got time. What can I do for you?

[Ben Romero]

It's about your father. Jarrett. We've been assigned to the case. Thought you might be able to help us out.

[Keith Jarrett]

Oh, yeah? Tell you anything I know. Figure suicide, huh?

[Detective Romero]

Well, we're not quite sure. We talked to your sister. We understand that you had dinner with her and your father last Thursday night.

[Keith Jarrett]

Yeah, I did. Kind of unusual. We haven't spent much time together the.

[Ben Romero]

Last couple of years.

[Keith Jarrett]

My father and I didn't get along too well.

[Detective Romero]

How'd he seem to you Thursday night all right?

[Keith Jarrett]

Yeah, pretty much the same as always. We ate, had a few drinks. That was about the size of it.

[Ben Romero]

What time did you leave the restaurant? You remember?

[Keith Jarrett]

Oh, 11 30, I guess.

[Ben Romero]

Did your father leave with you?

[Keith Jarrett]

Yeah, that's right. We drove to my place for nightcap. Talked a little and then he left.

[Detective Romero]

What'd you talk about, do you recall?

[Keith Jarrett]

Same old thing. Tried to argue.

[Ben Romero]

Me.

[Keith Jarrett]

They're taking a job with a company. He's been trying to sell me out for years. I never could see it.

[Detective Romero]

I see. What kind of work do you do now, Jack?

[Ben Romero]

Tennis. How's that?

[Keith Jarrett]

I play tennis all of the tournaments. I like it pretty well. My father never could see it. He calls his tennis bums.

[Detective Romero]

I see. You don't have a regular job that you work at.

[Keith Jarrett]

No, that's what we always argued about. I like tennis, though. Figure if you've got the money and you don't have to work, you might as well be doing something you like. Do you fellas care for sticking gum?

[Ben Romero]

No, thank you.

[Keith Jarrett]

Excuse me. You know, I've been doing pretty well since I shanked my backhand. I'm seated fourth in this tournament.

[Ben Romero]

That so? Oh.

[Keith Jarrett]

Pretty good life, all in all. A lot of fresh air, nice looking girls around. Good class people.

[Detective Romero]

You still live in town, Jared?

[Keith Jarrett]

My friend and I rent a place in North Hollywood. Just moved there.

[Detective Romero]

When did you move?

[Keith Jarrett]

Sometime last week. Why?

[Ben Romero]

Thursday night?

[Keith Jarrett]

Yeah, that's right, Thursday night. Is that supposed to mean something?

[Detective Romero]

You left pretty much in a hurry, didn't you?

[Keith Jarrett]

I guess so, yeah.

[Detective Romero]

Mind telling us why?

[Keith Jarrett]

Look, let's go back in the lounge.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah, okay.

[Keith Jarrett]

Little more privacy. No use advertising.

[Ben Romero]

What's that?

[Keith Jarrett]

I got quite a few bills around town they need paying. Tried to get my father to cover them. When I saw him Thursday night, he turned me down. So I figured the best thing to do is move. I'd lose some of the bill collectors for a while anyway.

[Detective Romero]

Do you usually notify your family when you move?

[Keith Jarrett]

Well, I was gonna let them know. Haven't gotten around to it yet. I don't think I get it. All these questions.

[Detective Romero]

Just routine. Jerry, we understand that your father gave you a gun about a year ago. A.32 revolver, nickel plated.

[Keith Jarrett]

Yeah, that's right.

[Ben Romero]

Well, if you had the gun, how come it was found in your father's car?

[Keith Jarrett]

Cause he asked me for it back. Well, it must have been a month, six weeks ago.

[Ben Romero]

You say why he wanted it back?

[Keith Jarrett]

No, I didn't ask him. I dropped it off one day when I was going by his office. You can check with his secretary, Mr. Butler. Say, fellas, if you don't mind, I better run. I got that doubles match coming.

[Detective Romero]

Just one more question, Jerry. Can you think of a good reason why your father'd want to take his own life?

[Keith Jarrett]

Just one?

[Detective Romero]

Yeah.

[Keith Jarrett]

You met my mother.

[Detective Romero]

During the next three weeks, besides checking on dozens of other missing persons calls, we continued pushing the search for John Keith Jarrett. One by one, we eliminated the possibilities. Jarrett's personal physician told us that after a recent examination, he considered his patient to be in sound physical and mental health. We rechecked Jarrett's business rating. His company was in excellent financial condition. His bank statements were gone over. Nothing showed there. We talked to Jarrett's lawyer. He could think of nothing to account for his client's disappearance or possible suicide. We went back and retraced our steps. Outside of the gun found in Jarrett's car, which tied in with nothing, there was no hint of foul play involved. Two months went by. We kept pressing the search. We got nowhere. Thursday, April 11th. I had lunch at the Federal Cafe. And then I took our car adk to the police garage for servicing. 1:15pm I checked back in at the office.

[Ben Romero]

Joe.

[Detective Romero]

Hi.

[Ben Romero]

Got something? Yeah. The Jarrett case. This cake back? Just came through from Washington. Oh, let me see. Now. Look here. Walter John Mitchell, Port Santa Tomas.

[Detective Romero]

Santa Tomas?

[Ben Romero]

Yeah, we've been there. A little fishing town north of San Diego. Sure, sure. Walter Mitchell, small boat operator. Applied for a coast guard pass, March 18th.

[Detective Romero]

Let me see. Check the fingerprints on Mitchell's application. Found to be the same as fingerprints on Missing Persons Bulletin. Well, how about that?

[Ben Romero]

Yes, we made it. John Jarrett, Walter Mitchell.

[Detective Romero]

Same man, huh? 2:00pm Ben and I checked out of the office, got in a car and drove down the coast to Port Santo Tomas, a small fishing town with a population of 250. On his application for a Coast Guard pass, the man who signed himself Walter John Mitchell listed his address as Pier 2, berth number 11. When we checked there, the berth was empty. We talked to one of the villagers fishing from the pier. He pointed to a fishing craft lying halfway out in the bay and identified it as the Blanche S. Mitchell's boat. Said he was having engine trouble. A man told us that he had a small boat that he'd rent out for $2. We took him up on it.

[Ben Romero]

Sure hot down here. Think I'll get rid of this coat.

[Detective Romero]

Yeah, it's a good idea. Yeah, I'll give you a hand there.

[Ben Romero]

Thanks. Oh, it's your Long pull.

[Detective Romero]

You want me to take over for a while?

[Ben Romero]

No, we're almost there now.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[Detective Romero]

Easy now. We're coming alongside you.

[Ben Romero]

All right.

[Detective Romero]

That ought to do it.

[Ben Romero]

Mr. Mitchell. Walter Mitchell. Yeah.

[Detective Romero]

Yeah.

[John Keith Jarrett]

Coming, was it?

[Detective Romero]

Police officer, sir. Like to talk to you if you have a minute.

[John Keith Jarrett]

Oh, all right. Come on aboard.

[Detective Romero]

Hold a study there. All right, I got it. Go ahead, Ben.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah, all right.

[Detective Romero]

Look.

[Narrator]

What?

[John Keith Jarrett]

You better grab hold of my hand.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah. All right. Thank you.

[John Keith Jarrett]

Tie up and climb aboard.

[Ben Romero]

Yes, sir. Thank you.

[John Keith Jarrett]

Man up forward. Officer.

[Ben Romero]

Thank you. My name's Romero, sir. This is my partner, Sergeant Friday.

[John Keith Jarrett]

How do you do?

[Detective Romero]

How do you do, sir?

[John Keith Jarrett]

Here we are. Sit on that hat. Cover if you like. Clean scrubbed it down myself this morning.

[Ben Romero]

Oh, that's fine. Thank you, sir.

[John Keith Jarrett]

Beautiful day, isn't it? Nice, warm sun. Look at that. Water's clear as crystal. Good life out here, officer.

[Detective Romero]

Yes, sir. I guess you have a pretty good hunch why we're here.

[John Keith Jarrett]

Well, I don't know. Like to have you tell me.

[Detective Romero]

Well, your real name's Jared, isn't it? John Keith Jarrett.

[John Keith Jarrett]

Yeah, I thought so. I've been halfway expecting it. Tell me, how'd you find it?

[Ben Romero]

Your application for a Coast Guard pass? Check the fingerprint on it.

[John Keith Jarrett]

Well, yeah, but you didn't have anything to compare them with, did you?

[Ben Romero]

Well, when you applied for that permit to carry a gun, we got a set of your prints. They went out with the Missing Persons bulletin on you.

[John Keith Jarrett]

Oh, yeah, I forgot.

[Ben Romero]

Washington matched up the prints and sent the information long to us.

[John Keith Jarrett]

Yeah, it's all right. Sure handed to you fellas. I thought I was pretty smart covering up.

[Detective Romero]

Well, how about it, Mr. Jared? I mean, taking off like you did? Don't you figure that maybe you have a little explaining to do?

[John Keith Jarrett]

Yeah, imagine I do. Smoke?

[Ben Romero]

Oh, thank you.

[Keith Jarrett]

Yes, sir.

[Detective Romero]

I'd like one. Here. I got a match right here.

[Ben Romero]

Well, there's no need to tell you. You've had a lot of people worrying over you.

[John Keith Jarrett]

I don't think there are too many. My secretary, maybe. Right?

[Detective Romero]

Well, yes, sir.

[John Keith Jarrett]

Look, I realize you men know your business. I know I don't have to remind you, but I just like to make it clear.

[Ben Romero]

What's that?

[John Keith Jarrett]

I know a little bit of the law. And I want you to understand this. If you should tell anyone where I am, I'd consider it an invasion of my personal rights. Okay.

[Detective Romero]

Any way you want it.

[John Keith Jarrett]

Maybe you can't figure out my disappearing the way I did. But I think you know that legally I've done nothing wrong. I respected the rights of the law. Now I want the law to respect my right.

[Detective Romero]

Yes, sir. It's fine with us. Mr. Jarrett. There's just one thing.

[John Keith Jarrett]

Yes, sir.

[Detective Romero]

We've chased down quite a few blind alleys on this thing. That false suicide that you staged. The gun, the letter. Do you think that maybe that earns us an explanation?

[John Keith Jarrett]

I'm sorry about the legwork. Believe me, you can hear the story if you want a short version. Along which one?

[Ben Romero]

Any way you want to tell it.

[John Keith Jarrett]

Uh huh. You met my family, Harry?

[Detective Romero]

Yeah, we have.

[John Keith Jarrett]

My wife.

[Detective Romero]

Yes, sir.

[John Keith Jarrett]

My son, Keith.

[Detective Romero]

Yeah.

[John Keith Jarrett]

My daughter.

[Detective Romero]

Yes, sir.

[John Keith Jarrett]

Then you know what they're like. My wife's been an alcoholic for eight years. Why be polite? She's a drunk. My son's a tennis bum. There's no other word for that. My daughter.

[Ben Romero]

Yes, sir.

[John Keith Jarrett]

You know it as well as I do. Two divorces, different boyfriend every week. He might as well be walking the street. I work hard for my family, Sergeant. I was proud of them once. What would you do if they turned out the way they have?

[Ben Romero]

I don't think I could say. Mr. Jarrett, I don't know your family that well.

[John Keith Jarrett]

There's a good reason you don't, Sergeant. I paid a lot of money to keep them off the front page. One jam after another scandal. Ten years of it. Covering up fellow. I got tired of it. Dead tired. Maybe I'm just getting old. You men care for a cold bottle of beer?

[Narrator]

No.

[Detective Romero]

No thanks.

[John Keith Jarrett]

Well, there's nothing more to tell, Officers. I worked most of my life for my family. I've had three vacations in 20 years. I tried to do everything I could for them. They're rotting apart, Sergeant. All three of them. I didn't want to stand around and watch them rot. That's why I left. I see they each have their own trust fund. They'll be taken care of.

[Detective Romero]

Yes, sir. Well, I guess it's none of my business, Mr. Jarrett, but you think that you might have been to blame. Maybe. Your children, I mean.

[John Keith Jarrett]

I don't know. Maybe. If I made the mistakes, I guess I'll pay for them. It's not much fun changing your life when you're 52 years old. Gets lonely sometimes. Pretty lonely.

[Detective Romero]

What are you gonna do now, do you know?

[John Keith Jarrett]

Ooh, sail around, I guess. Take the blanchess down to Mexico all round. Do some fishing. It's lonely sometimes. I'll get used to it. Say, you men wouldn't like to stay on board for dinner, would you? I'm even learning to cook.

[Ben Romero]

No, thank you, Mr. J. Guess we better start getting back, hun. Joe.

[Detective Romero]

Yeah. Yes, we have.

[John Keith Jarrett]

Well, thanks very much for dropping by, officers. Sorry about that extra legwork I caused you. Here.

[Ben Romero]

What's this?

[John Keith Jarrett]

$2 for the rent of the rowboat.

[Detective Romero]

Oh, no, sir. That's right.

[John Keith Jarrett]

Go on, take it. I can afford it.

[Detective Romero]

No, that's right. Glad to have met you, Mr. Jarrett. And good luck to you.

[John Keith Jarrett]

Same to you, Friday. Goodbye. Watch your step then.

[Detective Romero]

Yes, we've got it. All right, I think. There you go.

[Ben Romero]

Okay, Joe, come ahead. All right, cast off.

[John Keith Jarrett]

Your line, boy.

[Detective Romero]

Okay. Thanks, Mr. Mitchell.

[Ben Romero]

Goodbye.

[John Keith Jarrett]

Goodbye. Good luck, gentlemen.

[Ben Romero]

Good luck to you. Nice fella, that Mr. Mitchell, huh?

[Detective Romero]

Yeah.

[Ben Romero]

Strange one, huh, Joe?

[Detective Romero]

Oh, I don't know. He seems pretty happy. Must have been pretty rough on him.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah. What's it prove?

[Detective Romero]

It's no crime to get lost.

[Narrator]

The story you have just heard was tr Only the names were changed to protect the innocent.

[Detective Friday]

On April 19, a final report was filed by officers investigating the disappearance of John Keith Jarrett. In a moment, the results of that report.

[Detective Romero]

Now here is our star, Jack Webb. Thank you. Happy New Year from Dragnet.

[Detective Friday]

After a complete investigation by officers assigned to the case, it was found that John Keith Jarrett had acted within his rights legally. For the officers to disclose his whereabouts would have constituted an invasion of privacy. Three years ago, unknown to his family or friends, John Jarrett died and was buried anonymously. You have just heard Dragnet, a series of authentic cases from official files. Technical advice for Dragnet comes from the office of Chief of Police W.H. parker, Los Angeles Police Department.

[John Keith Jarrett]

We the People is next. More good times on NBC.

[Narrator]

Bring along an American Express card to open the door to rewards wherever you go. Morning coffee, run with an old friend. Earn cash back. Weekend getaway. Earn miles. Dinner at the hottest restaurant in town. You get the idea. No matter the place or the plan. Amex rewards your inner explorer. See if you pre qualify for an American Express card with no impact on your credit score. Learn [e-mail] check-4 offers. Your credit score may be impacted if you accept a card. Terms apply.

[Podcast Host]

Welcome back. A fascinating mystery with a lot of surprises. And with the gun, you thought there might have been an indication the case was going towards the son being guilty. That fizzles out and the case ends up going another direction. And one thing I like about Dragnet is that they occasionally acknowledge the reality that policemen don't necessarily just stick with one case purely on something like a missing person's case. Where if you don't find the person, you're looking for right away, the trail can go cold rather quickly. And in a case like that, where you run out of leads, you take steps, you send out alerts, you forward along information to other agencies and then you focus on other cases that may be more pressing or have more leads and you be alert and you work on other things. And so Dragnet portrays that detectives may have more than one active case at once, which you often wouldn't think to, or watching other detectives programs of the time. Now, obviously there are other divisions where they're going to be more focused on the same case, particularly when you're dealing with a string of crimes that are being committed regularly and you're on that case, that's going to take up a lot more of your time to probably be focused more on that and for longer. But in this case, the guy disappeared once, he's not going to disappear again. And so they work on other things. I do think he got a little bit too cute with his setup where he had the car crash in the river and he also had the gun with shells missing. And it reminded me a little bit of the Three Tools of Death by G.K. chesterton, where there were too many weapons and that left Romero like, okay, what is it we're supposed to think that he was shot or he Dr. And that may have been his biggest mistake in this. Now, how you feel about what he did. Complicated matter, because on one hand, the episode clearly showed that his family was difficult, although I like that they showed that difficulty in a way that wasn't that over the top type of Mr. Chameleon approach. But it was clear that they were all very problematic people. None of them had a desire to get better and that they really did not care at all about him. I mean, there is indifference to your father and then there is filing your nails while the police talk about him either committing suicide or perhaps being a victim of foul play. On the other hand, there's a sense where you might feel that he's at least partially responsible for how things turned out with his family and that he's running away from the wreckage he helped create. And there are some indications of that. If nothing else, someone who responds to the collapse of his family by writing them off as a bad loss and faking his own death after years of enabling their bad behavior suggests something about how he related to his family. However, regardless of how you feel, the point of the episode is that it's not the job of the police to impose a sort of solution or a way for people to have to respond to difficult circumstances. As he said, he didn't violate the law and that's the only way they could compel him. Now obviously you can violate the law by trying to fake your own death. We've heard enough cases on Johnny Dollar where insurance fraud is involved in these sort of cases, and there are probably other frauds that could be committed, as well as some related to dodging civil liab, but none were applicable here. He made sure his family was financially taken care of, which was all they cared about anyway, and went fishing. And there's no law against that now. This episode does contain one line I found weird, and it's where Friday said that the man seems pretty happy and I mentioned that it was an odd line the first time. Some people didn't get what I found weird about and said it sounds perfectly fine, but I wish that Friday had a sarcastic partner for once who said, I kind of gathered that. In between him explaining how he chucked his entire life's work because his family was an utter disaster, talked about the difficulty of restarting life at 52, and him explaining that he lives a life of total isolation, I'd say pretty happy is how I'd read him too. Now, the guy was pleasant, but I don't get happy. Was it like a 1950s idea that if you were pleasant and friendly that you were therefore happy? Because to me, he came off as a obvious, very lonely person, and that's the way that Butterfield pitched him. You get the sense that he's glad just to have company, and that's why he invites Friday and Romero to dinner, because he's so incredibly lonely. Or as Joe Friday would say, pretty happy. Listener Comments and Feedback now and we go Comments regarding the episode the Big Picture. A great episode. Well, thanks so much, Michael. And now it's time to thank our Patreon Supporter of the Day. And I want to go ahead and thank Damien. Damian's been one of our Patreon supporters since March, currently supporting the podcast at the rookie level of $2 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support, Damian, and that will 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 next Listener Support Appreciation special Wear with his head I.

[Narrator]

Used to paint you're exactly 1 minute and 22 seconds. Late hours are made of minutes, Minutes are made of seconds in killing this seemingly negligible interval of time, you have wounded an hour. Oh, I have? Well, I'm sorry. The traffic's pretty heavy out here this hour of the morning. You know, you should have started a minute and 22 seconds earlier. I'm sorry, There was a bore on the telephone. Kept talking about how valuable his time was. Well, don't apologize, only waste more time. Here's your check. Hundred dollars. My car's just around the corner. I pay that chauffeur a large salary. We mustn't keep him waiting. In the meantime, you may as well start earning a fee. I've been earning it for the past 22 minutes and 22 seconds. Wait. Uh huh. I suspected as much. You drive a car? Yeah. You mean one man drives all that? I see him. That rascally chauffeur of mine. Sleep in the back seat. All right, come out of there. You watch moto earlier. Exactly 1 minute and 22 seconds late. But Mr. Now don't apologize. Only waste more time. Come along.

[Detective Romero]

Yes.

[Narrator]

Car's just around the corner. Pay that chauffeur a large salary. Mustn't keep him waiting. Uh huh. I suspect it's as much. Do you drive a car, Mr. Moto?

[Detective Romero]

Why yes. May I ask.

[Narrator]

Oh, never mind, never mind. I see him. See who?

[Ben Romero]

Mr. Python.

[Narrator]

Oh, that rascal chauffeur. Am I to sleep in the back seat? Get out of there. Mr. Payton, watch out.

[Podcast Host]

I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to box Thirteenreatdetectives.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.

[Narrator]

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