Podcast Summary: The Great Detectives Present Dragnet (Old Time Radio) Episode: Dragnet: The Big Blast (EP4768) Release Date: July 31, 2025

1. Introduction

In this episode of The Great Detectives Present Dragnet, host Adam Graham delves into "The Big Blast," an authentic case from the iconic old-time radio series Dragnet. The episode meticulously recounts the investigation led by Sergeant Joe Friday and Sergeant Ben Romero as they unravel the murder of Josephine Stevens.

2. Case Overview

The episode opens with a gripping narration by Joe Friday, setting the stage for a true crime story from July 17, 1951:

[01:56] Joe Friday: "Dragnet is proud to present its Academy Award winning radio program. The story you are about to hear is true. Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent."

The narrative centers on the tragic murder of Josephine Stevens, a 28-year-old mother, who is found dead in her bed while her seven-year-old son, Charles, sleeps beside her.

3. Investigation Process

a. Crime Scene Examination

Detectives Joe Friday and Ben Romero arrive at the crime scene at 543 W. Bixel St. around 11:25 PM. Their initial observations include:

• Shotgun Pellets: Multiple shotgun pellets are found embedded in the victim's bed and walls.

  [09:06] Joe Friday: "Notice the blood on the floor there leading from the sleeping porch to this bedroom here."

• Entry Point: A torn screen on the door suggests the murderer entered through the back porch.

• Physical Evidence: The absence of fingerprints due to the soft earth and a careful search of the surrounding area yields no immediate suspects.

b. Interviews with Victim’s Family

The detectives speak with Charles Stevens, the traumatized seven-year-old son, to glean insights into the incident.

[07:46] Joe Friday: "My name's Joe. Charlie?"

[08:05] Charles Stevens: "Well, we were sleeping in the bed on the back porch. We just got to bed, and Mommy was reading me a story. Then I heard this man at the screen door."

Charles provides a fragmented account, indicating he heard a man cutting the screen door and a subsequent gunshot, but he did not see the assailant.

4. Leads and Suspect Identification

As the investigation progresses, Friday and Romero identify Keith Stevens, the estranged husband of Josephine, as a primary suspect. They visit his residence at 1543 East Workman Street around 1:37 AM.

[14:37] Joe Friday: "We have to check Everybody. Is there somebody out at the plant that can verify the fact that you were out there during the entire shift today?"

Keith claims alibi support from his employer and asserts he owns no firearms, despite the method of the murder.

5. Breakthrough and Arrest

a. Discovery of Michael Duff

Detectives uncover inconsistencies in Keith Stevens' story, particularly a prior arrest for drunkenness on June 7, 1951 ([21:26] Joe Friday: "Booking number 8023"). This leads them to Michael Lewis Duff, an ex-convict with a criminal history, including:

• 1933: Grand theft auto (served four and a half years)
• 1946: Suspected robbery charges

b. Interrogation and Confession

Upon locating Duff at 5234 West Main Street, the detectives find shotgun shells in his possession, contradicting his earlier statements.

[??:??] Joe Friday: "We find two guns in your possession."

Faced with evidence, Duff confesses:

[??:??] Michael Duff: "I did it. But I did it for Stevens. Come on, give me a thousand dollars if I kill his wife for him. I haven't been paid yet. I'm still waiting to get paid off."

Duff admits that Keith Stevens had hired him to murder Josephine, motivated by custody disputes over their son, Charlie.

6. Trial and Sentencing

The case culminates in a swift legal process:

• Keith Edward Stevens: Convicted of first-degree murder, sentenced to life imprisonment.

  [??:??] Joe Friday: "Keith Edward Stevens was convicted of murder in the first degree and received a life sentence."

• Michael Lewis Duff: Convicted of first-degree murder, sentenced to death, and executed via lethal gas chamber.

  [??:??] Joe Friday: "Michael Lewis Duff was convicted of first degree murder and received the death sentence. He was executed in the lethal gas chamber at the state penitentiary."

7. Host's Analysis and Comments

After the dramatization, Adam Graham offers his reflections on the episode:

[28:18] Adam Graham: "This was such a heartbreaking crime. The interview with the child was beautifully done. It was horrific to think that a father would put his own son through that because of a desire to maintain custody."

Graham critiques certain aspects of the episode, such as:

• Authenticity Claims: Noting discrepancies like Dragnet being labeled an Academy Award-winning program in 1951, despite it being a radio show.

  [29:00] Adam Graham: "How even in 1951, an Academy Award made an Oscar. At this point in 1951, Dragnet wasn't even a TV show. Radio programs don't get Academy Awards."

• Procedural Accuracy: Highlighting possible legal inaccuracies, such as searching Duff's apartment without a warrant.

• Character Development: Discussing Joe Friday's personal life, particularly his lack of marriage and familial background, and how it contributes to his portrayal as an icon over a relatable character.

8. Listener Feedback

The episode also features listener comments, showcasing engagement and diverse perspectives:

• Dino's Comment: Appreciates the educational parody Mathnet and its nods to Dragnet, including guest appearances like James Earl Jones and Weird Al Yankovic.

  [Listener Comment]: "Mathnet was awesome. Totally agree. I think that Mathnet was fantastic in so much that it, you know, essentially consumed Square One."

• Betsy's Comment: Expresses frustration with Joe Friday's lack of personal life development.

  [Listener Comment]: "Joe's mother is too much. No wonder he never got married. Who could come close to mom?"

Adam Graham responds by clarifying Joe Friday's background and the show's focus on his professional life over personal narratives.

9. Conclusion

Adam Graham wraps up the episode by acknowledging patron supporters and encouraging audience interaction:

[41:59] Adam Graham: "This is your host, Adam Graham, signing off."

He invites listeners to follow the podcast on various platforms and tease the next episode titled "Counter Spy."

Notable Quotes:

• Joe Friday on the Case's Authenticity:

  "The story you are about to hear is true. Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent." — [01:56]

• Charles Stevens’ Heartbreaking Testimony:

  "Mr. Friday, do you know what happened to my mommy?" — [07:34]

• Michael Duff’s Confession:

  "I did it for Stevens. I haven't been paid yet." — [??:??]

• Adam Graham on the Emotional Impact:

  "It was horrifying to think that a father would put his own son through that because of a desire to maintain custody." — [28:18]

This episode of The Great Detectives Present Dragnet masterfully blends dramatic reenactment with insightful analysis, offering listeners both the gripping narrative of a classic Dragnet case and thoughtful commentary on its themes and production nuances.