The Big Story: Death in the Family (EP4977)

Summary

The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio

Episode: The Big Story: Death in the Family (EP4977)

Release Date: May 19, 2026
Host: Adam Graham
Original Broadcast: June 21, 1950
Featured Story Reporter: Bill Noble
Drama Cast Highlights: Larry Haines (Bill Noble), Pat Hosley, Barbara Weeks, Bill Smith, Bob Dryden, Grant Richards, Jason Johnson

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Episode Overview

This episode centers on "Death in the Family," a dramatization from The Big Story series that adapts a real-life tragedy: the murder of a family in 1940s Michigan. The story follows the relentless work of reporter Bill Noble as he investigates what first seems to be a clear-cut murder-suicide, ultimately uncovering the shocking truth behind the deaths. Host Adam Graham provides context about the original case, its adaptation, and the ethical considerations around such dramatizations, capturing both the suspense and somber gravity of the material.

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Key Discussion Points and Episode Breakdown

Setup and Crime Discovery (03:15–08:40)

• The episode opens with the harrowing aftermath of violence: a mother (Ida) desperately tries to save her daughter Linda as they drive to the hospital.
• Bill Noble, a reporter, stumbles upon a house fire late at night, finding two bodies outside—Steve Wolczyk and the son, Paul.
• Authorities, witnesses, and neighbors provide conflicting accounts, suspecting Steve of killing his children and then himself, possibly due to jealousy and paranoia.

“Mommy. Mommy. I’m driving as fast as I can, Linda. I’m bleeding, Mommy.” — Ida and Linda Wojcick (03:24)

Investigative Doubts Emerge (10:12–14:58)

• Bill Noble interviews townspeople, learning that Steve was known as a gentle man, deeply devoted to his children and averse to violence or even hunting.
• Key neighbor testimonies challenge the initial conclusions, pointing to Steve’s character and the strain in the marriage.
• Bill Noble speaks to Ellie Javits, who claimed Steve confessed before dying, but her story and demeanor raise suspicions.

“He wouldn’t even go rabbit hunting. He was against killing anything. Now, how can you figure him killing his own two kids that he worshiped?” — Neighbor (12:31)

“I mean that Steve Wojciech would have confessed in Polish. And even if his last dying words were in English, they certainly wouldn’t have been so clear and grammatic.” — Bill Noble (13:59)

The Break in the Case (15:01–16:47)

• Noble’s tenacity reveals inconsistencies regarding Steve’s supposed suicide: Steve was left-handed but was shot in the right side, making self-infliction unlikely.
• The case is officially reopened, casting suspicion on more than just the father.

“He was left handed. He would only have shot himself on the left side… a man that’s about to commit suicide isn’t going to take any chances of failing.” — Bill Noble and Sheriff (15:55–16:51)

The Suspects: Chuck Snyder and Ida Wojcick (17:17–21:04)

• Focus shifts to the hired hand, Chuck Snyder, but he produces an alibi—he was working in Detroit at the time.
• With Snyder cleared, suspicion again falls on Ida, despite resistance from the sheriff, who finds it inconceivable that a mother would murder her children.
• Interview with the doctor reveals Linda (the dying daughter) repeatedly said, “mommy shot me,” further shifting suspicion.

“Did she say anything at all before she died?”
“Well, she kept repeating, mommy shot me. Mommy shot me.” — Bill Noble and Doctor (20:03–20:08)

Emotional Confrontation & Confession (22:30–26:42)

• Over several weeks, Bill Noble gently befriends Ida in jail, gradually encouraging her to unburden herself.
• Breaking point: he shows her a recovered toy from the burned house, appeals to her conscience, and recounts Linda's dying words.
• Overcome with guilt, Ida confesses: after a violent fight over custody, she killed her husband and children, then fabricated Steve’s confession.

“He said I wasn’t fit to take care of them. Told him if he ever tried to take the kids away, I’d kill them. We had a terrible fight… I took a gun and shot him and the kids. I was crazy, killing my own baby.” — Ida Wojcick (25:35)

Aftermath and Real Case Notes (26:42–29:47)

• Host Adam Graham details the true story behind the dramatization: Julie Kulinich’s 1941 Michigan case, changing of character names for privacy, and the subsequent legal battle over the broadcast.
• Kulinich was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison.
• Graham reflects on the significance of name changes for such stories and notes the lingering trauma even life sentences can’t erase.

“At the trial, the judge said, there is no power in this court to punish the accused more than she has punished herself. For the rest of her life, she will be faced with the horror of what she did.” — Host Adam Graham reading judge’s words (27:11)

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Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On Early Assumptions:
  “Who’s the dead man?”
  “Steve Wolczyk. My little boy, Paul.” — Ida and Sheriff (05:51)
• On Character Evidence:
  “Not one bad word for him. Not one good word for Ida.” — Bill Noble (15:34)
• On Forensic Doubt:
  “He was left handed. He would only have shot himself on the left side.” — Bill Noble (15:55)
• On Psychological Pressure:
  “Ida. You’ll never be able to sleep again until you get it off your mind… It’ll drive you stark staring mad unless you talk. Come on now. Tell it to me.” — Bill Noble (25:14)
• Ida’s Confession:
  “When we got home, I took a gun and shot him and the kids. I was crazy, killing my own baby…” — Ida Wojcick (25:35)
• On Lifelong Punishment:
  “There is no power in this court to punish the accused more than she has punished herself…” — Judge, as read by Adam Graham (27:11)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Discovery of Crime and Initial Reactions: 03:15–08:40
• Doubts Surface (Character and Testimony): 10:12–14:58
• Forensic Breakthrough (Left vs. Right Handed): 15:01–16:47
• Suspect Interrogation and Elimination: 17:17–21:04
• Doctor Interview/Linda’s Last Words: 19:44–20:21
• Ida’s Interrogation, Psychological Pressure, and Confession: 22:30–26:42
• Host’s Commentary on the Real Case/Reflections: 27:11–29:47

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Host Reflections & Historical Context

• Graham highlights the moral and legal complexity in dramatizing real-life tragedies and notes the additional pain such stories can cause surviving family members.
• He reflects on the enhancements made for radio, the legal battles over “right to privacy,” and how even in mid-century reporting, such stories were deeply sensitive.
• The episode is a sobering reminder of the importance of truth-seeking journalism and the far-reaching impact of violence within families.

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Closing Remarks

• Graham thanks Patreon supporter Damien and encourages continued audience engagement.
• The next episode is teased, promising a new detective mystery for regular listeners.

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Summary:
"Death in the Family" is a somber, haunting illustration of old-time detective radio’s unique capacity both to unravel intricate crimes and evoke deep emotional response. Through careful reporting and dogged determination, Bill Noble uncovers not just the facts, but the human frailty behind a family tragedy—a theme that resonates long after the episode concludes.

Transcript

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[Narrator/Interviewer]

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[Podcast Host (Adam Graham)]

Welcome to the Great detectives of Old Time Radio from Boise, Idaho. This is your host, Adam Graham. In a moment, I'm going to bring you this week's episode of the Big Story. But first, I do want to encourage you. If you are enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. And I want to encourage you to check out our other podcast. And today, I'm highlighting the Amazing world of radio. The Amazing World of Radio will be starting its summer season coming up May 27, and we will be featuring Columbokillers and Old Time Radio. And that's just what it sounds like. Radio programs that feature actors who played the killer in an episode of Columbo do check that [e-mail] Now, a little bit of an apology. This week's episode should have been played last week. We got out of order just because I looked at the wrong episode and didn't realize the problem until it was too late to fix it. So with that said, today's episode originally aired June 21, 1950, and the title is Death in the Family.

[Narrator (Bill Noble)]

The big story.

[Ida Wojcick]

Mommy. Mommy. I'm driving as fast as I can, Linda. I'm bleeding, Mommy. We'll be in the hospital in a few minutes. Mommy. I don't feel good. Keep Your hand tight over the bullet hole. I'm going to die. I'm going to die. No. You'll be all right. As soon as I can get you to the hospital.

[Narrator (Bill Noble)]

Lapeer, Michigan.

[Sheriff]

The story of a reporter who followed through to the end, one of the

[Narrator (Bill Noble)]

most brutal atrocities in American criminal history. Lapeer, Michigan. The story as it actually happened. Bill Noble's story as he lived it. Michigan Indian summer. Midnight. And you, Bill Noble, reporter for the Lapeer Press, are driving home after a pleasant visit at a friend's. The night hangs softly, peacefully, over the dark rolling hills ahead of you. A strange light flickers. You wonder what it is, but as you come nearer, you stop wondering. You can see a house burning now. The entire upper floor is aflame. As you drive into the grounds, your headlights light up a man and a young boy lying on the ground, both obviously dead. Bill Noble.

[Sheriff]

How'd you know about this?

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

Assume I was just passing by, Sheriff. Say, this is awful.

[Sheriff]

I just got here myself.

[Neighbor (Javit)]

Hey, are you the sheriff?

[Narrator (Bill Noble)]

That's right.

[Neighbor (Javit)]

I'm a neighbor. Javit's my name. I just looked through the house. There's no one else in there. Hey, Ellie. Ellie.

[Sheriff]

Who are you calling?

[Neighbor (Javit)]

My daughter. She said the wife and another child were still in the house.

[Ida Wojcick]

But I did find the papa.

[Neighbor (Javit)]

Ain't no one in the house, Ellie.

[Ida Wojcick]

But Steve said they was.

[Neighbor (Javit)]

I looked upstairs and downstairs until the smoke drove me out. I tell you, there ain't no one in there.

[Sheriff]

Who's supposed to be in there?

[Neighbor (Javit)]

His wife and daughter. That living room downstairs, a bloody mess. Blood all over on the chairs, sofa, on the rug.

[Podcast Host (Adam Graham)]

Even on the walls.

[Sheriff]

Who's the dead man?

[Ida Wojcick]

Steve Wolczyk. My little boy, Paul.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

Do you have any idea who shot the.

[Ida Wojcick]

He done it himself. Killed himself and Paul.

[Sheriff]

How do you know?

[Ida Wojcick]

I live across the road. I was just going to bed when I saw the fire. I ran over and I saw Steve stumbling out of the house, holding Paul in his arms. I asked him, what happened to you? He said, I did it. I shot Paul and myself. Then I asked him, where's Ida and Linda? He just pointed to the burning house. And then he died. We were awful, just awful.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

Might have shot his wife and daughter, too.

[Neighbor (Javit)]

They must have gotten away. Cause no one's in there.

[Sheriff]

Why'd you do it with he crazy?

[Ida Wojcick]

He was always jealous of Ida. Always suspicioned her.

[Neighbor (Javit)]

Sheriff.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Sheriff.

[Sheriff]

Here I am, Sergeant.

[Narrator (Bill Noble)]

I told them about the fire. The state police are on their way down. There's also been a bad crack up on Route 40. 2. Two miles out of Hillsdale.

[Sheriff]

Oh, what a night.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

All the house is a goner. Burning out the roof to sell it.

[Sheriff]

Hope no one's in there. That accident, Sergeant, was it a local

[Narrator (Bill Noble)]

or a tourist car? A local woman by the name of

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

Ida Wo Chek and her daughter.

[Sheriff]

What?

[Narrator (Bill Noble)]

They took them over to the Carton Hospital.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

Look, there goes the house.

[Narrator (Bill Noble)]

The horror of it has caught you, Bill Noble. You race along with the sheriff to the hospital wanting to know more of this tragedy. You wonder what can possess a man to shoot his own child. You wonder how his wife Ida can

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

live through this tragedy.

[Narrator (Bill Noble)]

And at the hospital, you listen as she tells her story to the sheriff.

[Ida Wojcick]

He's been plaguing me all day about him.

[Sheriff]

Who is him, Mrs. Wilcheck?

[Ida Wojcick]

Hired hand Chuck Snyder. My husband had a silly idea that Chuck and I were too friendly. That's why he fired him.

[Sheriff]

Tell us what happened.

[Ida Wojcick]

We stopped off at Ross's Bar for a beer. Beer always calms him down. But today he got worse.

[Sheriff]

You went directly home from there?

[Ida Wojcick]

That's right. I went to bed.

[Sheriff]

What about your kids?

[Ida Wojcick]

They were all right. They were asleep when we got home. I wasn't sleeping more half an hour when I woke up suddenly. There he was, standing all dressed with a gun in his hand. I screamed and ran. He fired at me and missed. I ran outside into the fields. And then I heard some more shots. I ran back, didn't see him. So I ran to the kids room and I saw Linda was shot. I grabbed her and ran for the car. Drove as fast as I could to the hospital because she was.

[Sheriff]

And you stop for your boy Paul? Weren't you worried about him too?

[Ida Wojcick]

He loved Paul more than anything. I didn't believe he would ever hurt him. He killed my boy. Killed my boy.

[Narrator (Bill Noble)]

You listen to her story, Bill Noble. You listen to her cry inconsolably. There isn't much more to know except how our little daughter is making out in her fight for life. And so you go and see the doctor down at the other end of the corridor, hoping hard that the doctor will tell you the one piece of

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

good news in this terrible tragedy.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

I'm sorry, but I cannot let you in.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

Well, Doctor, could you tell me how she's doing?

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Who are you?

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

I'm from the lapierre Press. A reporter.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

The girl's dying.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

Dying?

[Narrator/Interviewer]

She's delirious and not saying anything that would make sense. There's no point and no good reason why she should be visited.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

There's no hope.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

None.

[Sheriff]

Well, Sheriff, what do you think it's open and shut? Murder and suicide. Steve and Wojcick were alive, we'd hang him.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

Tell me, what makes a man kill his own kids?

[Sheriff]

Some men are born lunatics.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

Yeah, well, I'm going back to my office and write up the story. Oh, by the way, Sheriff, what was the name of the tavern Mrs. Wojcick said she and her husband were at?

[Sheriff]

Ross's Tavern. What?

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

Oh, I think I'll just stop by there. Get me a beer.

[Narrator (Bill Noble)]

That'll it be, friend.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

Vera?

[Narrator (Bill Noble)]

Yeah.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

Say, did you hear about the World Checks?

[Narrator (Bill Noble)]

Yeah.

[Neighbor (Javit)]

Just can't believe it.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

Mrs. Wolczek said she was in here just before her husband went berserk. Weren't they? In here? Yep. What'd they fight about it?

[Neighbor (Javit)]

I never listened to other people's troubles, mister.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

People quarrel. You just can't help listening.

[Neighbor (Javit)]

Maybe you can't.

[Narrator (Bill Noble)]

I can't.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

Look, I'm Bill Noble from the Lapia Press. I'm a reporter. I'd be much obliged if you'd help me.

[Neighbor (Javit)]

I told you, mister, I never listened.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Excuse me, but my name's Tom Hatcher. Don't bother introducing yourself. I always listen in on other people's conversations.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

At least you're honest.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Tell you something, Mr. Noble, that might interest you. I knew Steve Wojcick pretty well.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

You did?

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Known him ever since he came to this country years ago.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

What was he like?

[Narrator/Interviewer]

He was a good Joe.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

A Good Joe? The man that murders his two kids?

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Just telling you what I knew about him. I guess I knew him as well as anyone. He wanted to get ahead. He worked hard. It was crazy for his kids. Spoke English very bad. So he went to night school in order for his kids not to grow up with an accent. But even night school didn't help him much. Whenever he got excited, he jabbered away in Polish.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

You were a good friend of his, weren't you?

[Narrator/Interviewer]

I was. And I'm telling you the truth about Steve. Ida gave him plenty of reason to hate her. She always poked fun at him. His poor English. This being left handed. This being such a meek mouse with his boss and everything.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

Must have been insane.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Maybe if he was, she made him crazy. Ida loved a good time. She and her girlfriend, always cutting up.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

The girlfriend?

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Her neighbor. Ellie Javits.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

Ellie Jevitz.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

And then she carried on with this Chuck Snyder. The hired hand man with a police record.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

Yeah, but none of this adds up to killing his own kids.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

No, it don't, Mr. Nova. That's why I'm telling you.

[Narrator (Bill Noble)]

It's hard for you to believe Tom Hatch's story, Bill Noble. But now you have your teeth in a case that's not so open and shut. There's some doubt, and you have to

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

wipe out that doubt.

[Narrator (Bill Noble)]

You go to see some of the neighbors.

[Ida Wojcick]

Now look here, young fellow. I don't believe everything they're writing. Them newspapers. Steve wouldn't even go rabbit hunting. He was against killing anything. Now, how can you figure him killing his own two kids that he worshiped? Tell me that.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

Yes, I know him. I liked him. So did everyone in Hillsdale. You won't find a soul with a bad word for him. Not one.

[Narrator (Bill Noble)]

You do a pretty thorough job of entertainment, interviewing the neighbors. Bill Melbourne. And now you're full of doubts. You go and see Ellie Javits, the girl who saw Steve Wojcick die.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

And as you talk to her, you

[Narrator (Bill Noble)]

watch her nervously torture a handkerchief.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

She scarcely looks at you.

[Ida Wojcick]

Told you what I heard Mr. Woek say. I did it. I killed Paul and myself.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

He didn't mention Linda's name.

[Ida Wojcick]

I don't remember hearing him say anything about Linda.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

Tell me, do you speak Polish, Ms. Javits, or understand it?

[Ida Wojcick]

No.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

Did you ever hear Mr. Wojciek speak Polish?

[Ida Wojcick]

Sure.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

Whenever he.

[Ida Wojcick]

He wanted to. I don't know when. You're asking me real fool questions.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

Well, didn't he lapse into Polish whenever he became excited or upset?

[Ida Wojcick]

Yes. Yes, he did.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

Do you think he'd be excited or upset after having shot himself and his two kids?

[Ida Wojcick]

You're asking me too many questions. I don't know what you mean.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

I mean that Steve Wojciech would have confessed in Polish. And even if his last dying words were in English, they certainly wouldn't have been so clear and grammatic.

[Ida Wojcick]

I told you what I heard. You want me to lie?

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

No, I don't. Ms. Javits, you'll go to prison if you lie. This case is going to be reopened. You're going to have to swear that you heard Mr. Wojcick say he did it. Now, we know that you and Ida are pretty close friends. If you're protecting her or that hired man, Chuck Snyder, you'll be in serious trouble.

[Ida Wojcick]

That's what I heard him say. I'm almost sure he said that.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

You'd better be absolutely sure, Ms. Javits, because I don't think Steve Wojcick murdered his family.

[Sheriff]

This is Cy Harris returning it to your narrator.

[Narrator (Bill Noble)]

And the big story of William T. Noble as he lived it and wrote it. As you hurry to the Sheriff's office. Bill Noble, reporter on the Lapeer Press. With the new evidence about Steve Wojcick's character, your mind goes back to the sight of him dead, clutching his dead son close to him. That's a sight you can't forget or forgive. You're determined to find the murderer and at the moment you're in the sheriff's office discussing the case.

[Sheriff]

You interviewed all the neighbors, Bill?

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

Most everyone, Sheriff. Not one bad word for him. Not one good word for Ida.

[Sheriff]

Well, you want me to reopen the case.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

Don't you think it warrants it?

[Sheriff]

Could be.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

Say, Sheriff, I was just wondering. That bullet wound that killed Wojcie, where was it? Do you remember?

[Sheriff]

Not exactly. It was on the side under the armpit.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

Which one, right or left?

[Sheriff]

I don't remember. Why?

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

Well, he was left handed. He would only have shot himself on the left side. Well, no.

[Sheriff]

Call the undertaker.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Bloody.

[Sheriff]

Still there. Hello, Ed, this is the sheriff. Say, take a look at the report on Stephen Wojcick and tell me where the bullet wound is. Right or left side? Okay, I'll hold on. Take a look. I don't know, it seems to me.

[Narrator (Bill Noble)]

Hello?

[Sheriff]

The right side. You're sure now? Okay, thanks.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

Ah, that's it. He couldn't have killed himself.

[Sheriff]

Are you sure he was left handed?

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

Several people told me so.

[Sheriff]

Maybe a left handed man could shoot himself in the right side.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

Take your gun and try. It.

[Narrator (Bill Noble)]

Could be done.

[Sheriff]

Would be awkward.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

Sheriff, a man that's about to commit suicide isn't going to take any chances of failing.

[Sheriff]

Okay. The case is officially reopened.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

Okay, now we have two suspects. Mrs. Ida Wo. Check. And the hired man, Chuck Snyder.

[Sheriff]

Now, the probability is that Chuck Snyder's our man.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

He has a police record.

[Sheriff]

I know, I checked him. But it's all small stuff. Disorderly conduct, petty thieving. Still, I'm going to arrest him. You want to come along?

[Narrator (Bill Noble)]

But Chuck Snyder is nowhere to be found. The sheriff rolls up his sleeves and goes to work. In an hour the whole state is alerted for Chuck Snyder. Every policeman and detective in Michigan is on the lookout for a tall, heavy set, black haired man. Within a few hours they find him in a little town right outside of Detroit. His brother's home. You sit with the sheriff while he questions him.

[Sheriff]

Why did you do it, Snyder?

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

Do what?

[Sheriff]

Murder Steve Wojcick and his kids.

[Narrator (Bill Noble)]

Murder them? Are you crazy?

[Sheriff]

If you didn't do it, why did you run away?

[Narrator (Bill Noble)]

I didn't run away.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

I was fired.

[Sheriff]

You were a close friend of Mrs. Wochek?

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

Weren't you?

[Narrator (Bill Noble)]

I worked for her on the phone.

[Sheriff]

Answer the question.

[Narrator (Bill Noble)]

Yes, I. I was a friend of hers. But you're not going to pin this thing on me. No, sir.

[Sheriff]

You've got a long police record.

[Narrator (Bill Noble)]

I'm no child killer. I ain't never killed anyone. No, I did.

[Sheriff]

Did she tell you to do it?

[Narrator (Bill Noble)]

I ain't killed anyone, I tell you.

[Sheriff]

Where were you on the night of the murder?

[Narrator (Bill Noble)]

The night of the mur.

[Sheriff]

That's what I said.

[Narrator (Bill Noble)]

I was in Detroit. That's where I was.

[Sheriff]

Where in Detroit?

[Narrator (Bill Noble)]

The Marquette Restaurant. I work there as a waiter until 11:30 every night.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

I can prove it.

[Narrator (Bill Noble)]

You ain't gonna pin this thing on me.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

I can prove it.

[Sheriff]

Call him up.

[Narrator (Bill Noble)]

Go ahead and call him. He proved it, too. Bill Noble, the owner of the Marquette Rest, cleared him. It was impossible for Chuck Snyder to have been in Detroit and at the scene of the crime at the same time.

[Sheriff]

I'm letting you go, Snyder. Or don't you go running away. I want you to stay in town. I may be needing you.

[Narrator (Bill Noble)]

I ain't running.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

I don't like cops chasing me with

[Narrator (Bill Noble)]

their guns out of their pockets.

[Sheriff]

Well, there goes our best suspect.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

That leaves us only one.

[Sheriff]

Ida Woolcheck. Can't be her. No woman would murder her own children.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

Well, Sheriff, you were ready to believe the father did.

[Sheriff]

I don't know what to believe anymore.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

She's still in the hospital?

[Sheriff]

No, she's been discharged. Living with her sister. I think I'll pick her up and start asking a few questions.

[Narrator (Bill Noble)]

While they're bringing in Ida. Wo check you, Bill Noble. Go back to the hospital, have a talk with the doctor. Perhaps Linda had regained consciousness before she died. Perhaps she had said something that might be of some help.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Yes? Mr. Noble. What can I do for you, Doctor,

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

I'm the reporter from the Lapeer Press.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Oh, yes, you were in here about a week ago.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

Tell me, did Linda ever regain consciousness?

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Not really. She was never completely lucid.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

That's too bad.

[Narrator (Bill Noble)]

A plucky little girl fought very hard

[Narrator/Interviewer]

to live, but the odds were too much against her.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

Did she say anything at all before she died?

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Well, she kept repeating, mommy shot me. Mommy shot me.

[Narrator (Bill Noble)]

You sure?

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Of course I'm sure. She was delirious. Can't go by that too much. People are liable to say anything in their delirium.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

Anything?

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Yes.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

Did she ever say that her daddy shot her?

[Narrator/Interviewer]

No. No, she didn't.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

Thank you, Doctor. That's all I want to know.

[Sheriff]

I've been talking to Ida Wojcick.

[Narrator (Bill Noble)]

For five hours.

[Sheriff]

I didn't get the first base.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

She sticks to a story, huh, Sheriff?

[Sheriff]

Oh, she tells one story over and over again.

[Narrator (Bill Noble)]

The drop of a hatch.

[Sheriff]

You repeat the whole thing word for word. Can't break her or shake her.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

You have to keep trying.

[Sheriff]

I know human nature. She's lying. Her story is too smooth. She remembers too many important details. She's too composed for a woman whose two kids have been murdered.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

Oh, Sheriff, she's not really composed. She's just holding tight.

[Sheriff]

That's what I think, but it's no good unless we get a confession. We'll never convict her otherwise.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

Look, can I talk to her?

[Narrator (Bill Noble)]

Sure.

[Sheriff]

Come on. I'll take you over to the cell.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

I'll go there myself. I better do it alone. Hello, Mrs. Wick.

[Ida Wojcick]

Hello.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

I'm not a detective. Just a reporter from the Lapia Press.

[Ida Wojcick]

Why did they open this case again after my husband confessed?

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

That's the police for you. Always looking to stir up things.

[Ida Wojcick]

Have no right to keep me here.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

Oh, they'll have to let you go pretty soon. The way I see it, they haven't got a leg to stand on.

[Ida Wojcick]

It must be crazy to think a mother could kill her own kid. Besides, didn't Steve confess that he did it?

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

Well, I. I really think they opened this case for some political reason.

[Ida Wojcick]

Yeah, I bet that's it.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

Sure. Just don't let yourself get panicky. Say the wrong things.

[Ida Wojcick]

I won't. My story's perfect.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

Well, I'll drop by tomorrow, let you know what's happening. My papers out to see that you get a fair deal, Mrs. Wojek. And besides, well, you're the prettiest prisoner they ever had in this prison.

[Ida Wojcick]

Nice of you to say that. Thank you.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

Hello, Mrs. Wojek.

[Ida Wojcick]

Hello, Mr. Noble.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

How are they treating you?

[Ida Wojcick]

Rotten food. Terrible.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

You just keep calm.

[Ida Wojcick]

I'm not worried.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

They've been working on Ellie Javits. She's not so sure now that Steve confessed.

[Ida Wojcick]

That little hussy. What's she afraid of? They can't do anything to her.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

Of course not. But she's getting very jittery. Say, look, do you mind if I take your picture, Mrs. Wilczek? For the paper?

[Ida Wojcick]

Sure, sure. Okay, fine.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

Your profile. That makes you look best. Now, there we are. I. I hope it comes out as pretty as you really are.

[Narrator (Bill Noble)]

Day after day, for two weeks, you, Bill Noble, went to see her. Became friendly with her, broke down some of her resistance. She looked forward to seeing you every day. You confided in her, and in turn she began to confide in you. Little things, nothing important.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

But you'd open the door. Hello, Ida.

[Ida Wojcick]

Hello, Bill.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

How are you today?

[Ida Wojcick]

Lousy. I'm getting fed up with this place.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

You've got to learn how to relax.

[Ida Wojcick]

Anything new happen in my case?

[Ross]

Yeah.

[Ida Wojcick]

Is it bad?

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

Pretty bad.

[Ida Wojcick]

Tell me.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

Well, they got Ellie to admit that she wasn't sure what it was Steve said before he died. Instead of being sure that he said I did it, she now agrees it sounded more like Ida did it.

[Ida Wojcick]

No. No.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

Now the police have figured out something else. Steve couldn't have shot himself. He was left handed. He was shot in the right side.

[Ida Wojcick]

He wasn't left handed. He was right handed.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

There are six neighbors who are ready to swear that he was left handed.

[Ida Wojcick]

I didn't do it. I wouldn't kill my own kids. You believe me, don't you, Ida?

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

I'm just telling you what the police are doing.

[Ida Wojcick]

Chuck did it. He's the one who did it.

[Neighbor (Javit)]

No.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

No, he didn't. He was in Detroit at the time. He can prove it.

[Ida Wojcick]

I swear I didn't do it. You believe me, Bill, don't you? Please.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

The doctor that traded poor Linda also told the police that Linda kept saying, mommy shot me. Mommy's shot.

[Ida Wojcick]

Salat. Salat.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

On the way here, I stopped by your house, Ida. It's burnt to the ground, but I found this toy. A walking, chirping bird. You see, it's still good. The fire never touched it.

[Ida Wojcick]

Paulie. My little Paulie.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

The doctor also said that Linda wasn't angry at you before she died. She kept calling for Mommy until the end.

[Ida Wojcick]

My baby. My baby.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

Ida. You'll never be able to sleep again until you get it off your mind. It'll tear you apart. You'll never have a moment's peace. It'll shake you to bits. It'll drive you stark staring mad unless you talk. Come on now. Tell it to me. You can't keep it inside you any longer. Tell it to me, Ida. Tell me.

[Ida Wojcick]

He wanted to take the kids to his mother. He said I wasn't fit to take care of them. Told him if he ever tried to take the kids away, I'd kill them. We had a terrible fight. When we got home. I took a gun and shot him and the kids. I was crazy, killing my own baby. When I saw little Linda lying on the floor, I realized what a dreadful thing I did. I grabbed her up and drove her to the hospital. Who will forgive me? The Lord will never forgive me for this horrible thing. Ever.

[Narrator (Bill Noble)]

Now we Read you that telegram from William T. Noble of the Lapeer Michigan

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

Press, murderous in tonight's Big Story, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to life imprisonment at the Detroit Hospital of Correction. At the trial, the judge said there is no power in this court to punish the accused more than she has punished herself. For the rest of her life, she will be faced with the horror of what she did.

[Narrator (Bill Noble)]

And so ends another Big Story. In order to protect the names of people actually involved in tonight's authentic Big Story, the names of all characters in the dramatization were changed, with the exception of the newspaper reporter. The Big Story has been a presentation of the United States Armed Forces Radio Service, the voice of information and education.

[GoFundMe Organizer (Mackenzie)]

My name is Mackenzie and I started a GoFundMe for the adoptive mother of a non verbal autistic child. The mother had lost her job because she wasn't able to find adequate care for this autistic child. So she really needed some help with living expenses, paying some back bills. So I launched a GoFundMe to help support them during this crisis. And we raised about $10,000 within just a couple of months. I think that the surprising thing was by telling a clear story and just like really being very clear about what we needed, we had some really generous donations from people who are really moved by the situation that this family was struggling with.

[Sponsor Voice (GoFundMe/Grainger)]

GoFundMe is the world's number one fundraising platform, trusted by over 200 million people. Start your GoFundMe today at gofundme.com that's gofundme.com gofundme.com this podcast is supported by GoFundMe.

[Podcast Host (Adam Graham)]

Welcome back. A rough one here. Let's go ahead and start with the cash information. Mr. Noble was played, of course, by Larry Haines, a veteran of many detective programs. Also in the cast, Pat Hosley, Barbara Weeks, Bill Smith, Bob Dryden, Grant Richards and Jason Johnson. And pretty much everybody but Mr. Haynes doubling up in this episode. Now, the story was based on real Life events from September 1941, where Julie Kulinich killed her husband, their daughter and son, and then she set the fire and killed himself. And her story was initially believed, but the reporter kept at it and through several interviews really came to the conclusion that she was the one who did it. And she confessed five months later and was convicted of second degree murder and manslaughter and was sentenced to life in prison. And this is a case that illustrates why the Big Story did things the way they did in terms of changing the names, because Kulinich, when the story was announced, sued, and she wanted to stop the broadcast to, quote, unquote, preserve her privacy and to protect her from harassment, ridicule, and humiliation. There was an injunction placed, and then it was appealed in the afternoon, and then the injunction was vacated, and then the show aired. And Dr. Joe Webb notes in his stories behind the Big Story website that this suit might have been an effort to annoy William Noble, who she thought had betrayed her or misled her. Webb notes that information on Mr. Noble is kind of hard to find. He bounced around a lot. He went to California for a while and ran some small newspapers, and then ended up coming back to the Michigan area to Detroit to work for the Free Press for a while and then had a lot of freelance gigs into the 1970s. Well, now it is time to thank our Patreon supporter of the Day. Thank you to Damien, Patreon, Supporter since March 2024, the podcast at the rookie level of $2 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support, Damien. And that will do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. And if you're enjoying the podcast on YouTube, be sure to like the video, subscribe to the channel, and mark the notification bell. All those great things that help YouTube channels to grow. We'll be back next Tuesday with another episode of the Big Story, but join us back here tomorrow for Broadway's My

[Narrator (Bill Noble)]

Bait, where you killed a man tonight, Ross.

[Ross]

I didn't kill him.

[Narrator (Bill Noble)]

Well, maybe you didn't mean to at first. Maybe you forgot.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

A boy with fists like yours.

[Narrator (Bill Noble)]

Deadly weapons, we call it. A fighter can kill a man easy

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

with hands like yours.

[Ross]

I told you.

[Sheriff]

No, you haven't, Ross.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

You haven't told us a thing.

[Ross]

Except you were in the bar. I was sitting there with my friend, just talking. This guy came up, this slumman drunk. Tried to pick a fight. They do that sometimes. Gives them kicks because they remember. I was a fighter once.

[Narrator (Bill Noble)]

Sure, sure, they do that. But this one you took out in the alley, beat him to death, murdered him.

[Ross]

Yeah, I took him out in the alley, put my arm around him, tried to talk to him, reason with him. I'm crazy. I do that sometimes. I walked him up the alley from the bar. He broke away, pulled a jackknife, came after him. Passed out before he got in a deep, poor, miserable drunk. And after that, I didn't touch him. Just walked away from him. Turned around, walked away down the other end of the alley.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

Went home.

[Narrator (Bill Noble)]

Hello, boys. Guess what I got. Boy, we give up, Webster. What have you got a writ? That ever loving writ. ABS Corporates. Don't talk to them anymore, Ross boy. You don't have to. I'm taking you away from all this.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

I don't know you.

[Narrator (Bill Noble)]

I know, boy, I know. And I'm a friend of a friend of yours. A fellow you haven't been very nice to. Jack Coble, your former manager. But he's sure nice to you.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

Coble is.

[Narrator (Bill Noble)]

He hired old Billy Webster, counselor. And you're gonna get up and walk out of here just because I say something. Isn't he, boy? Yeah, and you too, Webster.

[Reporter (Bill Noble)]

Leave with him.

[Podcast Host (Adam Graham)]

I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to box13greatdetectives.net Follow us on Twitter at radiodetectives and follow us on Instagram Instagram.com Great detectives from Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off. If you're into tech, you will love this. TikTok is a live lab where users post instant reviews of the latest trends. Download TikTok and check it out.

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