Police Blotter: Homicide by Hurricane (Encore) (EP4574e)

Summary

Detailed Summary of "Police Blotter: Homicide by Hurricane" (EP4574e)

Released on December 15, 2024, as part of the "The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio" podcast hosted by Adam Graham.

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Introduction

In this special encore episode of "The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio," host Adam Graham presents "Police Blotter: Homicide by Hurricane," an episode from the 1957 series. Featuring Bill Zuckert as Sergeant Brad Peters, the episode delves into a riveting murder mystery set against the backdrop of an experimental aviation project.

Plot Overview

The episode begins with Sergeant Brad Peters receiving a distress call about the death of Ben Costa, a partner working on an experimental plane at Jonas Airport's wind tunnel. Upon arrival, Peters discovers that Costa's body is gruesomely disfigured, suggesting foul play.

Key Events:

1. Initial Investigation:

   • [06:04] Peters is briefed on the case, learning that Costa was working on a "flying platform" prototype with his partner, Harry Dennis.
   • [08:09] Harry Dennis arrives at the scene, expressing confusion and denying any foul intent. He mentions ongoing tensions regarding the project's viability.

2. Suspicions Arise:

   • [10:30] Peters uncovers a typewritten threat demanding money by Thursday, hinting at extortion or blackmail.
   • [12:10] Investigating Costa's personal life, Peters interviews Helen Costa, Ben's wife, who reveals financial strains and a pending divorce.

3. Unveiling Financial Deceit:

   • [15:10] Peters contacts William Jefferson, Ben's attorney, who discloses that Ben owed a significant sum for patent filings related to the invention.
   • [17:50] Further probing reveals that Dennis manipulated loan amounts, inflating them from $2,000 to $20,000, showcasing a pattern of financial misconduct.

4. Confrontation and Confession:

   • [21:00] Dennis becomes increasingly defensive, eventually admitting to altering the loan figures to cover personal debts.
   • [26:35] In a climactic confrontation, Dennis confesses to murdering Ben and attempting to eliminate Helen to conceal his fraudulent activities.

5. Resolution:

   • [28:04] With concrete evidence, including the typewritten letter linked to Jefferson, Dennis is apprehended and charged with first-degree murder.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Brad Peters [06:08]: "Judge. Suspicion of murder."

• Harry Dennis [08:21]: "Why do you guys always figure there had to be an argument?"

• Helen Costa [12:06]: "Not for any longer than I can help. And why shouldn't I take this furniture out?"

• William Jefferson [15:10]: "Well, I'm a lawyer, not an aeronautical expert, but I'd say it was worthless."

• Harry Dennis [20:20]: "He stole $18,000. He had taken a personal loan for 2,000. He hiked the value to 20,000."

• William Jefferson [26:35]: "She came to me for a divorce. We were going to get married, Helen and me... I figured it'd be easier with Ben out of the way."

• Brad Peters [28:04]: "Charge, murder remarks, Mrs. Costa turned state's evidence. Laboratory found the piece of letter had been typed on Jefferson's machine."

Host Commentary and Analysis

Adam Graham provides insightful commentary throughout the episode, appreciating the cleverness of using a wind tunnel as a murder weapon—a novel concept that adds a scientific edge to the mystery. He also points out certain inconsistencies in the dialogue, such as Helen Costa's immediate knowledge of the murder, which subtly hints at her deeper involvement or awareness of the unfolding deceit.

Graham commends the episode's ability to intertwine financial corruption with personal betrayal, creating a multi-layered narrative that keeps listeners engaged. He highlights the character development of Harry Dennis, whose facade crumbles as the investigation progresses, revealing his desperation and moral downfall.

Conclusion

"Homicide by Hurricane" stands out as a compelling episode that masterfully blends suspense, drama, and investigative prowess. The resolution not only brings justice for Ben Costa but also exposes the intricate web of deceit spun by Harry Dennis and William Jefferson. This episode exemplifies the enduring appeal of old-time radio detective dramas, showcasing complex characters and intricate plots that resonate with audiences even decades later.

Listener Feedback

Listener Linda Love shared her appreciation:
"The podcast keeps me entertained on my trips."
Graham acknowledges her support, emphasizing the podcast's role in preserving and celebrating classic radio mysteries.

Final Thoughts

Adam Graham wraps up the episode with reflections on its strengths and minor narrative flaws, expressing anticipation for future installments. He encourages listeners to engage through comments and social media, fostering a community of mystery enthusiasts eager to delve into more archival detective stories.

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For more episodes and insightful commentary on classic radio mysteries, subscribe to The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio via your favorite podcast platform.

Transcript

[Narrator]

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[Brad Peters]

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[Adam Graham]

Welcome to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio Sunday Encore From Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham. And today, in addition to our Monday through Saturday lineup, we are sharing a special Sunday Encore program from our archives. This program was played many years ago and so any offers or information included in the episode may not be valid unless it's reflected on our [e-mail] but now here is your Sunday Encore. Welcome to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio from Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham. If you have a comment, email it to me, box13reatdetectives.net Follow us on Twitter radiodetectives and become one of our friends on Facebook, facebook.com radiodetactives alright, well, before we get started, I do want to let you know this program is brought to you by the financial support of our listeners and I especially want to thank Elaine, Richard and Linda. Thank you so much for your support. And we'll send access to our premium site as well as any appropriate thank you gifts for those who donated during our listener support campaign. Usually this week I would go ahead and we would have our video theater episode on Sunday, but given that we've done specials the last three weeks, we're going to go ahead and delay that until next Sunday just to kind of give a break in here. Also [e-mail] be sure and check out my column in which I review the Nick Carter movies from 1939 and 40 and the DVD collection thereof from Warner Archives. And you can follow all my columns directly on your Kindle right through the Kindle Store. Well, today we're bringing you a new series. Having finished up with the lineup, we're going to bring you a show Called Police Blotter. And Police blotter was a 1957 program, and it was unique in that there were not a whole lot of programs, detective shows that began after Johnny Dollar started in September of 55. And both the programs that I'm aware of that came on US Radio were from Mutual. The other one is It's a crime, Mr. Collins. This one's from 1957. We don't know when. This is an Armed Forces Radio Services version of the show, and the series stars character actor Bill Zuckert as the star of the show. He plays the role of Sergeant Brad Peters. The series bears some resemblance to Dragnet in the way that it's produced and the way the story is told, though not quite as good. Zuckert's film roles and television roles were huge. He was a frequent judge on Perry Mason, appeared a lot on Gun Smoke. One of his last and best known roles was as Ace Ventura, pet detective on radio. He did, like I said, a lot of background work. That's pretty much what I was able to find. Probably the thing that I remember him most from is for playing Peter Chambers, policeman, friend in crime, and Peter Chambers, which we'll bring you early next season. He also starred in a series I just managed to track down and we'll listen to. And who knows, we might add it to our list of programs to air, though we'll have to. If it's another procedural, we'll have to wait about six years until after we finish running through Dragnet. But Here now from 1957 is police bought Otter and the episode Homicide by Hurricane.

[Bill Zuckert]

Tonight.

[Brad Peters]

Police Blotter, starring Bill Zuckert as Sergeant Brad Peters.

[Narrator]

Name, Harry Dennis. Address, 543 Larson Street.

[Brad Peters]

Judge. Suspicion of murder.

[Patrick Henry Narrator]

The heritage that you and I share as Americans has been given to us by many great men. One of these was Patrick Henry. He was a very lazy youngster, preferring to hunt or fish rather than go to school. But as he grew older, he developed an interest in law. This, together with a marvelous gift for oratory, led to his becoming a famous lawyer and later helped him serve several terms as governor of Virginia. In 1775, with the American Revolution at a critical stage, Patrick Henry made his famous speech, ending with the immortal words, I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death. Patrick Henry's words have rung through the ages. They are part of your American heritage.

[Brad Peters]

Police plotter, authentic dramas of police work, and the constant battle that goes on night and day against crimes. Homicide by hurricane on Police blotter. I'm Brad Peters, Sergeant homicide. Been inside a police station. Phone rings. It might be anything from disturbing the peace to murder. Whatever or whoever it is, rich or poor, innocent or guilty, sooner or later, I get to know them all. 9am call came in from Jonas Airport on the bay side of the precinct. Small field for private planes. Man named Costa, working on experimental plane was found dead in the wind tunnel.

[Narrator]

I've been waiting for you. Where you been?

[Brad Peters]

Just getting out here, mister.

[Narrator]

Dennis. Harry Dennis. I told Ben to stay away from that wind tunnel. Told him a dozen times if I told him once. But he had his own ideas.

[Brad Peters]

That it up ahead in that hangar?

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[Brad Peters]

You're the one called the police?

[Narrator]

Yeah, that's right. I got here at 8 this morning, same as usual. I waited for Ben and he didn't show up. I began to wonder. Finally I looked in the wind tunnel.

[Brad Peters]

Why that?

[Narrator]

Because that's where I left him last night. Costa and I are working on an experimental plane. A flying platform kind of gadget. We were making wind tunnel tests. But last night at midnight, I had had it. I told Ben the project was a flop. And why throw good money after bad? You were partners up until last night.

[Brad Peters]

How did the argument end? What?

[Bill Zuckert]

What argument?

[Brad Peters]

Dissolving a partnership usually means an argument.

[Narrator]

Not with Ben and me. We've been friends for years. I just threw in the sponge, that's all. Look. Why do you guys always figure there had to be an argument?

[Brad Peters]

That's just force of habit, Mr. Dennis. Never mind. Let's see the body. I saw it, but there wasn't much to see. It was all chewed up. That's a tough way to die, huh?

[Narrator]

Yeah. Poor Ben. You see how a wind tunnel is, sergeant? The air is sucked in through that opening at the far end.

[Brad Peters]

Uh huh.

[Narrator]

These two giant propellers up here build up the airspeed over here. This is where we set up the airplane model. It's suspended on this platform. Wires are used to test stability, turbulence factors and so on.

[Brad Peters]

How did Costa get in here with that door?

[Narrator]

The same one we just used now. Only he couldn't have used it while the wind tunnel was in action.

[Brad Peters]

The door locks automatically once power is on.

[Narrator]

That's what I don't understand.

[Brad Peters]

What?

[Narrator]

How it started. It can only be turned on from outside. Ben must have been in here working on the model. Then something went haywire with the wind tunnel controls. It started up and there he was. Caught in a windstream of over 250. 300 miles per hour.

[Brad Peters]

You sure the controls Went haywire.

[Narrator]

What else?

[Brad Peters]

Well, I'll have The controls checked, Mr. Dennis. Maybe they're okay, in which case.

[Narrator]

What are you getting at?

[Brad Peters]

Murder. All anybody has to do is push that button. The controls were checked. They worked perfectly. At 10:30, the medical examiner reported on. Cause of death. Body battered by sledgehammer. Wind inside the tunnel. I went through the dead man's clothes, checked the possessions. I found a remnant of a typewritten letter. Few words. Must have money by Thursday next or will file for. And that was all. I spent the next half hour questioning personnel at the airfoil.

[Narrator]

Me? You're taking me in? What for, sergeant?

[Brad Peters]

Suspicion of murder.

[Narrator]

Mr. Dennis, you're off your rocker.

[Adam Graham]

Why me?

[Brad Peters]

You were the last one to see Costa alive.

[Narrator]

Who says so?

[Brad Peters]

Guard on duty last night at the field entrance.

[Narrator]

Look. That's nothing. This field isn't well guarded. Sure, there's a fence, but the fence is broken in a dozen places. Anybody could have walked in.

[Brad Peters]

And there's another reason. You said you didn't argue with Costa. So you were heard arguing? Loud voices, threats.

[Narrator]

I can explain all that.

[Brad Peters]

You'll get your chance. Dennis was taken in. Booked on suspicion of murder. 12:15pm I went over to Costa's apartment. The 800 block Shoreham Street. Furniture was being moved out. I found a woman supervising. Dark hair, good looking, well dressed.

[Helen Costa]

Who am I? Helen Costa, that's who I am.

[Brad Peters]

Mrs. Ben Costa.

[Helen Costa]

Not for any longer than I can help. And why shouldn't I take this furniture out? I paid for it. Not then. He put every penny into that stupid invention. I'm sick of it. Do you understand? I told him over and over I couldn't go on this way.

[Brad Peters]

You're divorcing him.

[Helen Costa]

I told him that last night.

[Brad Peters]

Last night? Where was this?

[Helen Costa]

Well, it was at the. It was. It was right here, Sergeant. Here in this apartment.

[Brad Peters]

What time was that?

[Helen Costa]

Oh, 6:30.

[Brad Peters]

You're certain of that?

[Helen Costa]

No, I'm not certain. I was upset. I told him. Either he gave me back all the money I poured into that invention or I filed for divorce.

[Brad Peters]

You put your own money into it?

[Helen Costa]

Every cent I had.

[Brad Peters]

Mrs. Costa, do you own a typewriter?

[Helen Costa]

A typewriter?

[Brad Peters]

Yeah.

[Adam Graham]

Why?

[Helen Costa]

No.

[Brad Peters]

How did you tell your husband? In writing.

[Helen Costa]

In writing? No, I just told him, that's all. I spoke to him.

[Brad Peters]

If you're contemplating divorce, you have a lawyer, haven't you?

[Helen Costa]

Yes.

[Brad Peters]

All right. What's his name?

[Helen Costa]

William Jefferson.

[Brad Peters]

William Jefferson. His address?

[Helen Costa]

250 Court Avenue. Excuse me.

[Brad Peters]

Yeah, sure.

[Helen Costa]

Hello? Yes, this is Helen. What?

[Narrator]

What?

[Helen Costa]

Oh, no, no, Excuse me, I. I can't talk now, Sergeant.

[Brad Peters]

Why didn't you tell me about your husband?

[Helen Costa]

That's why you're here, isn't it? Why didn't you tell me?

[Brad Peters]

Who did tell you, Mrs. Custer?

[Helen Costa]

That was my lawyer, Bill Jefferson. Dead. And all the while I was. I was having the furniture moved out all the time.

[Brad Peters]

Nobody can blame you if you didn't know.

[Helen Costa]

Yes, but it's so ghoulish. It was Dennis. Dennis?

[Brad Peters]

It must have been his partner.

[Helen Costa]

Fine partner. He never put any money into it. All he was doing was fastening onto Ben like a leech. He always got paid. Even when Ben was starving. Dennis got paid. Is there anything else you want, son?

[Brad Peters]

Not right now, Mrs. Custer.

[Helen Costa]

I better have this furniture move back. Oh, it's awful. That's what it is. It's just awful.

[Brad Peters]

She was crying. It could have been grief. On the other hand, it could have been guilt. I got one of the neighbors to stay with her. I went over to Court Avenue, called on Attorney Jefferson.

[Bill Zuckert]

Yes, Sergeant? Mrs. Coster was going to file for divorce. Now, naturally, it's not necessary.

[Brad Peters]

You knew Ben Costa yourself, Mr. Jefferson?

[Bill Zuckert]

I met him once or twice.

[Brad Peters]

Are you his lawyer?

[Bill Zuckert]

Not recently. Wouldn't have been ethical to handle his wife's divorce and represent him at the same time. But I was representing him until about a month ago.

[Brad Peters]

Why did you stop?

[Bill Zuckert]

Money, Sergeant. He was delinquent in his bill.

[Brad Peters]

Ah. How much he owe you?

[Bill Zuckert]

Over $5,000. Most of that was for filing the patent on his invention. I had to do a patent search, draw up the usual legal documents. Very complicated.

[Brad Peters]

You've seen his invention?

[Bill Zuckert]

Yes, several times.

[Brad Peters]

What do you think of it?

[Bill Zuckert]

Well, I'm a lawyer, not an aeronautical expert, but I'd say it was worthless. Never got off the ground.

[Brad Peters]

We talked a while longer. I got no further information. I went back to the office, put in the call at the government patent office in Washington. Yats, Right. Peters, Homicide. We're investigating the murder of a man named Ben Costa. Yeah, I'd like information on a patent filed in his name in the aeronautical field. Ah, well, the other name on it may be Harry Dennis. Yeah, well, get back to me as soon as you can, will you? Thanks. 3:30pm Got the information from the patent office. Only two names on the patent. Ben Costa, Harry Dennis. I held further conversation with Dennis in my office.

[Narrator]

Now you know you can't hold me. I didn't have anything to do with it.

[Brad Peters]

What happens to that invention? With Costa dead, the invention isn't any good. It's worthless. Well, as surviving partner, do you get it?

[Narrator]

Look, that happens to be my discount.

[Brad Peters]

How much money was invested in that invention, all told?

[Narrator]

Well, I should say 60, $70,000.

[Brad Peters]

What was your share?

[Narrator]

That's my business too.

[Brad Peters]

You ever see this?

[Narrator]

Must have money by Thursday next, or we'll file for. Where's the rest of it?

[Brad Peters]

That's all.

[Narrator]

It's not familiar to me. Whose is it?

[Brad Peters]

We found it in the wind tunnel.

[Narrator]

Must have been Ben's. I don't get it. What money?

[Brad Peters]

I thought you might know. Did it cost to borrow any money?

[Narrator]

Not that I know of. He had some, I had some. And his wife? Say, this could be about a divorce. She was pretty mad about Ben using up all her money.

[Brad Peters]

That's all you can tell me?

[Narrator]

Yes, except that you've got no right to keep me here. I talked to my lawyer. He says you can't.

[Brad Peters]

We can for 24 hours.

[Narrator]

Now, one more question you can ask. I may not answer.

[Brad Peters]

Who was Costa's lawyer for the past month?

[Narrator]

Bill Jefferson.

[Brad Peters]

Jefferson says no.

[Narrator]

Oh, that's right. Sure. A man named Hazel. John Hazel.

[Brad Peters]

I thanked Dennis, then checked the phone book for Hazelton lawyer. The address? 2850 Mandrake. I went over there at once. Excuse me, miss. Yes?

[Helen Costa]

Oh, yes, sergeant.

[Brad Peters]

I'd like to see Mr. Hazelton.

[Helen Costa]

Well, he's very busy right now. Doesn't want to be disturbed. But if it's important.

[Brad Peters]

It could be.

[Helen Costa]

What's it about?

[Brad Peters]

Murder.

[Helen Costa]

Oh.

[Brad Peters]

That got her. She disappeared at once. While I waited, I checked the typewriter. I found a sample in the waste basket. Put it in my pocket. Five minutes later, I was talking to Hazelton.

[Bill Zuckert]

Yes, I heard about it. Terrible tragedy. Terrible. Anything I can do at all, just call on me.

[Brad Peters]

Sergeant, I am.

[Bill Zuckert]

Not that I can give you much help. I've only known Costa a month.

[Brad Peters]

And Dennis same.

[Bill Zuckert]

Not very well in either case.

[Brad Peters]

This invention were affairs in a tangle.

[Narrator]

Tangle?

[Bill Zuckert]

Sergeant, you've heard of the Gordian knot?

[Brad Peters]

Yeah, I think so.

[Bill Zuckert]

This was worse. Well, just two days ago, I learned that Custer had borrowed $20,000 and was being threatened with a lawsuit.

[Brad Peters]

20,000?

[Bill Zuckert]

Well, that's the figure he gave me.

[Brad Peters]

Who did he borrow it from?

[Narrator]

I don't know.

[Brad Peters]

You're his lawyer and you don't know?

[Bill Zuckert]

Well, I know that sounds odd, but it's not really. You see, he told me that on the phone two days ago. Very much upset. Said he'd drop in and discuss it with me. Well, he died before he could, so. All I know is there's someone around whom coster owed 20,000. And there's one other point.

[Brad Peters]

About the debt.

[Bill Zuckert]

Yes. I shouldn't violate a client's confidence, but since Coster is dead. He kited the figure, Sergeant.

[Brad Peters]

Kited the figure?

[Bill Zuckert]

Well, that's what he told me. The original note was for 2000.

[Brad Peters]

He changed it to 20. Yes. That's criminal offense.

[Bill Zuckert]

Yes, so I told him. He said he was desperate for money. He said his invention was close to becoming practical. He'd been testing out the bugs. He had blueprints of an improved model.

[Brad Peters]

Improved model?

[Bill Zuckert]

Well, that's what he said. Of course, I have no way of knowing whether that was true or not.

[Brad Peters]

Where did Costa have his office?

[Bill Zuckert]

Office? The only office he had, as far as I know, was out at the airport.

[Brad Peters]

I asked some further questions, but that was all he knew. I went back to the office, gave the lab the original typewritten sentence, gave them the sample from Hazleton's office. I arranged for searches for other samples. From the other lawyer, Jefferson, from Dennis, from Mrs. Costa. She denied having a typewriter. But in a murder case, a lot of people deny a lot of things. At 6pm Dennis was sprung by his lawyer. Okay, Mr. Dennis, you're out. Unveiled. Just don't leave town.

[Narrator]

I have no intention of leaving town. Any more thoughts about Ben? Yeah, I don't know why I should help you out.

[Brad Peters]

Me, Mr. Dennis, yourself. You're the suspect.

[Narrator]

But I tell you. Okay, I guess you were just doing your job. Okay. Ben and I did have a quarrel last night. Yes, Every day for the past week. Sergeant, did you know what that darn fool had done?

[Brad Peters]

I'm listening.

[Narrator]

He stole $18,000.

[Brad Peters]

18?

[Narrator]

He had taken a personal loan for 2,000. He hiked the value to 20,000. He told me all about it. He was worried sick. The lender had threatened criminal action.

[Brad Peters]

You were involved?

[Narrator]

I'm his partner. In a partnership, each is responsible.

[Brad Peters]

Who gave him the loan, Dennis?

[Narrator]

I don't know.

[Brad Peters]

Your own partner and you don't know?

[Narrator]

I told you, no.

[Brad Peters]

Well, if it was a personal loan.

[Narrator]

Personal? It wasn't. He forged my name to it too. Now, if there's nothing else.

[Brad Peters]

Yeah, there is one more thing.

[Narrator]

Yeah?

[Brad Peters]

I hear that invention was close to success. What?

[Narrator]

Where'd you hear that?

[Brad Peters]

Is that true?

[Narrator]

Don't you think I'd know if it was? It's not true, Sergeant. It can't be true. Unless.

[Brad Peters]

Yeah.

[Narrator]

Ben worked there a lot.

[Brad Peters]

Alone without you?

[Narrator]

Yeah. Many nights I knocked off at 5 or 6. He kept going. I never thought of that. A man who would alter a check and forge another signature. He might be completely unscrupulous.

[Brad Peters]

Would that flying platform be worth anything?

[Narrator]

Worth anything, Sergeant? If it worked, it would be worth millions. Millions.

[Brad Peters]

The newspapers carried it in the late editions. Inventor murdered on Brink of Great Triumph. I checked the lab at 8:30. I was still working on the typewriter search. And then a call came in at 9pm Peters homicide. Right. How long ago? Check call was from plane clothesman walker. He had Mrs. Costa under surveillance. She had gone to Jarvis Airport. I went out there. Walked across the airport till I came to the hangar that housed the wind tunnel. I entered through the big steel door. I could just feel that echo. Just then the door beside me opened. I saw it was a man. I didn't recognize him, but a flashlight went on across the hangar from me. And then there were two figures. A man and a woman. I started to tiptoe across. Mrs. Casta. Mrs. Casta. There was nothing. There's no answer. Then something came flying through the air and it hit the hangar wall instead of me. Alert. You're wasting your time. There's been one murder already. You can't get away with another. Is this custody, Mrs. Tapp? And then I heard it. I couldn't tell where it was. Hanger had echoes. Might have come from any direction, but somebody was dragging her. And I listened. There was a door somewhere. Not an outside door. It sounded different then. The same door again. Closing. What other door was there? Front door on the hangar. The back door. What other sound? And I listened. It was a hum. It started low. It seemed to vibrate through the hangar. The wind tunnel. And then I used the flashlight. Wide open this time. Narrow beam, but strong. And I ran toward the wind tunnel beside the door leading into it. I saw the starting button just as I got there. Hey. One side. Drop that light. Look, you fool, whoever you are, you'll never know. He was big. He was bigger than I was. And he was frightened. He was desperate. He was tough to handle. But I finally handled him. My head was switching, swimming. And all I had was a match. First one went out, but second one held. And I found the switch and I cut it off. And I went into the wind tunnel. And that was like stepping into a hurricane. Wind sucked at me and I fought it. Mrs. Custer. Mrs. Custer. All right. Take anything. Just keep talking. Keep talking. Walking. All right. Okay. Easy.

[Narrator]

All right.

[Brad Peters]

Easy now. Easy.

[Narrator]

The wind.

[Brad Peters]

The wind. Stop it. Stop it. Listen. It's dying down now. It's all right, Mrs. H. Out of the wind tunnel. The clothes were torn. She certainly needed another permanent. I found the hanger lights, switched them on. I sat her down. Slipped handcuffs on the man I had knocked out. Okay. Mrs. Custer. William Jefferson, huh? Yes. He killed your husband? Yes.

[Helen Costa]

He came here last night. Ben owed him money. A lot of money.

[Brad Peters]

$20,000.

[Helen Costa]

You know about that?

[Brad Peters]

Yeah, we knew. Another couple of hours, we'll have the proof.

[Helen Costa]

Will was. Well, he was angry at Ben. Very angry.

[Brad Peters]

Only because of the money?

[Helen Costa]

Well, yes.

[Brad Peters]

Nothing else, huh?

[Helen Costa]

No, of course not. What else could there be?

[Bill Zuckert]

She's lying, Sergeant. Why are you lying, Helen?

[Brad Peters]

To your conscience, Jefferson, huh?

[Bill Zuckert]

She came to me for a divorce. We were going to get married, Helen and me. That's funny.

[Brad Peters]

Funny?

[Bill Zuckert]

I'm a lawyer. I didn't want to wait for a divorce. I figured it'd be easier with Ben out of the way.

[Brad Peters]

An accident.

[Helen Costa]

Accident?

[Bill Zuckert]

Okay, no accident. I came here late last night. I sneaked through a break in the fence. I put him in the wind tunnel.

[Helen Costa]

And you did the same to me.

[Brad Peters]

I cut it out, Mrs. Custard.

[Helen Costa]

You know why he wanted to kill me, too, don't you? Don't you, Sergeant?

[Brad Peters]

Yeah, I can guess.

[Bill Zuckert]

You don't have to guess, Sergeant. I got panicky, that's why. Helen knew what I'd done. I told her. Then I got panicky. She was the only witness. I told her to meet me here. I picked up that story in the newspapers as an excuse. Coster had blueprints around a new flying platform, a successful one, worth millions.

[Helen Costa]

You tried to kill me.

[Bill Zuckert]

Yes. I didn't want to, but I had to. I had to.

[Narrator]

Keep your mouth shut.

[Bill Zuckert]

No, Sergeant. These handcuffs.

[Brad Peters]

What about them?

[Bill Zuckert]

Well, you don't need them now. I'm finished. I know that. Can't you take them off?

[Brad Peters]

Sure, when you're sitting pretty behind bars. Name, William Jefferson.

[Bill Zuckert]

The address, 1304 Elmwood Place.

[Brad Peters]

Charge, murder remarks, Mrs. Costa turned state's evidence. Laboratory found the piece of letter had been typed on Jefferson's machine. Jefferson indicted and tried. Found guilty. Executed for murder, first degree. Signed, Sergeant Brad Peters. On the side, you have just heard police blotters. Starring Bill Zuckerd as Sergeant Brad Peters. The cast included Joseph Boland, Elaine Rost and Carl Frank. Tonight's drama, homicide for Hurricane was written by Sheldon Stark and directed by William Marshall.

[Bill Zuckert]

Police blotter has come to you through the worldwide facilities of the United States Armed Forces Radio and Television Service.

[Adam Graham]

SA.

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[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. Well, I actually enjoyed this episode. I think that the idea of the murder by Wind tunnel was actually pretty clever. There were a few parts of the program that had some odd dialogue. The big one was the, you know, when I was listening to the to it and the widow demanded of him of Peter's, you know, why didn't you tell me he had been murdered? And that just made me think why were you answering all of his questions without knowing why he was asking it? Though since she had a knowledge of the murder, she could have just been giving herself away a little bit on that. Well, now we turn to some listener comments and feedback and we have this from Linda Love. The podcast keeps me entertained on my trips. Well, we're glad to be of service and thanks so much once again for the donation, Linda. I truly appreciate it. All right, well that will wrap it up for today. We'll return on Monday with yours truly, Johnny Dollar. And join us back here next Saturday for one last episode of Police Blotter. In the meantime, send your comments to box13reatdetectives.net and follow us on Twitter @RadioDoUtives. Become one of our friends on Facebook, Facebook.com RadioDoTactives but from Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.

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