Dragnet: The Big Death (EP4550)

Summary

Summary of "The Great Detectives Present Dragnet (Old Time Radio)" Episode: Dragnet: The Big Death (EP4550)

Podcast Information

• Title: The Great Detectives Present Dragnet (Old Time Radio)
• Host/Author: Adam Graham
• Episode: Dragnet: The Big Death (EP4550)
• Release Date: November 16, 2024

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1. Introduction to the Case

The episode begins with Detective Sergeant Joe Friday and his partner, Sergeant Ben Romero, being briefed by Captain Steed regarding a disturbing case. A socially prominent citizen, Charles Stone, has confessed his intention to murder his wife and has approached individuals to carry out the heinous act. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the detectives are tasked with preventing the murder and apprehending Stone.

Captain Steed [03:06]: "Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent."

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2. The Suspect: Charles Stone

Charles Stone is introduced as a respected businessman owning a chain of six warehouses in Los Angeles. Despite his reputable standing, Stone's personal life is in turmoil due to marital issues. He offers $1,000 to anyone willing to kill his wife, Mildred Stone, revealing his desperate and dangerous state of mind.

Charles Stone [04:05]: "I want my wife killed. I'll pay you $1,000 for the job."

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3. Undercover Operation

To thwart Stone's plans, Captain Steed devises an undercover operation involving Mr. Trudeau, an associate of Stone's, to act as a potential hitman. The plan requires strategic surveillance and the careful orchestration of interactions to bait Stone into committing the crime, thereby securing irrefutable evidence against him.

Joe Friday [07:05]: "Or suppose I tell him I'm from Phoenix, huh? I know that town pretty well."

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4. The Meeting and the Setup

Joe Friday adopts the alias "Joe Matson" to meet with Charles Stone at a midget auto race stadium. The meeting is meticulously planned to appear genuine, with Stone believing he has found a willing accomplice. Friday expresses his concerns about potential legal pitfalls, but Romero assures him of the operation's integrity.

Joe Friday [11:18]: "I just play it straight down the line."

The detectives arrange for Stone's wife, Mildred, to be placed under 24-hour surveillance without her awareness. This ensures her safety and allows the authorities to monitor any suspicious activities leading up to the intended murder.

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5. The Confrontation

On the scheduled day, February 19, Joe Friday meets Charles Stone at the beach house to execute the planned murder. The tension peaks as Friday grapples with the dilemma of gathering evidence without incriminating himself. Mildred Stone arrives, unaware of the plot against her, and the detectives confront both Charles and Mildred with the amassed evidence.

Joe Friday [21:09]: "He's some fake officer. Skid row bum. I don't know him."

Mildred initially doubts the accusations but eventually confesses the truth under pressure, revealing the depth of her husband's malevolence.

Mildred Stone [23:13]: "He's my husband, Sergeant. I love him."

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6. The Resolution and Trial

Charles Stone fails to appear for the arranged payoff, leading to his immediate arrest. During the interrogation, inconsistencies in his story emerge, particularly regarding his ownership of a .32 Smith & Wesson revolver. The overwhelming evidence, including surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts, culminates in Stone's conviction for soliciting the commission of a felony.

Captain Steed [25:28]: "He's starting to talk."

The trial is swift, with Stone being sentenced as per the law, underscoring the importance of diligent police work and the collection of concrete evidence in securing justice.

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Notable Quotes and Timestamps

• Joe Friday [05:01]: "He wants his wife dead."
• Charles Stone [04:50]: "I knew his wife too well. I couldn't do it."
• Joe Friday [12:03]: "I may have a job lined up with Phoenix. I gotta get that dough and some new clothes."
• Captain Steed [20:59]: "Don't worry, you get your pay. Ask Trudeau if you like, they'll tell you."
• Mildred Stone [23:15]: "He's my husband, Sergeant. I love him."

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Conclusion

"Dragnet: The Big Death" masterfully illustrates the meticulous process of police investigation, highlighting the balance between undercover operations and the ethical dilemmas faced by law enforcement officers. Through Detective Sergeant Joe Friday's unwavering dedication and strategic acumen, justice prevails, reinforcing the episode's central theme: the indispensable role of evidence and perseverance in law enforcement.

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Final Notes

This episode not only entertains but also educates listeners on the complexities of criminal investigations. Adam Graham's insightful commentary enhances the listening experience, drawing parallels with modern law enforcement techniques and reflecting on the timeless nature of detective work.

Transcript

[Adam Graham]

Welcome to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio from Boise, Idaho. This is your host, Adam Graham. In a moment, we're going to bring you this week's episode of Dragnet. But before we do, I want to encourage you, if you enjoy the podcast, to follow us using our favorite podcast software. Today's program is brought to you in part by the financial support of our listeners. You can support the show on a one time basis by mailing a donation to Adam Graham. That's P.O. box 15913, Boise, ID 83715. And you can also become one of our ongoing Patreon supporters for as little as $2 per month at patreon.greatdetectives.net but now, from September 28, 1950, here is the big.

[Narrator]

The story you are about.

[Captain Steed]

To hear is true. Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent.

[Narrator]

You're a detective sergeant. You're assigned a homicide detail.

[Captain Steed]

A socially prominent citizen is plotting to kill his wife. He tells you his plans for the murder. He hires you to do the killing. Your job.

[Joe Friday]

Stop him.

[Narrator]

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

[Joe Friday]

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

[Captain Steed]

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

[Joe Friday]

Yep. Sure.

[Captain Steed]

Captain Steed, Sergeant Romero. Sergeant Friday. I'd like to have you meet Special Agent Ray Kimball, Public Utilities Commissioner Kimball.

[Ben Romero]

Hello, Mr. Kimball.

[Captain Steed]

And his friend, Mr. Trudeau.

[Mr. Trudeau]

Mr. Trudeau, how are you, sir?

[Captain Steed]

Gentlemen, Mr. Kimball and Mr. Trudeau here have some important information to give us. Mr. Trudeau, would you like to repeat for these officers what you told us a few moments ago?

[Charles Stone]

Yes, sir. Well, a friend of mine wants me to kill his wife for him. I'm convinced he means to go through with the thing.

[Captain Steed]

Naturally. It goes without saying that Kimball here back up the veracity of the story.

[Mr. Trudeau]

Well, Mr. Trudeau, who is your friend? How long have you known him?

[Charles Stone]

His name's Charles Stone. Guess. Maybe you heard of him? Owns a string of warehouses around town. I used to work for him.

[Mr. Trudeau]

Oh, yeah? Go ahead.

[Charles Stone]

Well, the Other day, he called me and asked me if I was working. I told him no. Then he asked me to meet him in front of the public library. That was last Saturday afternoon.

[Joe Friday]

Did you meet him?

[Charles Stone]

Yes, I did. And he took me to a bar in the neighborhood. Started telling me all about his troubles at home. He said his wife was stepping out on him, running around with other men. Well, we had quite a few drinks, and I guess I thought that's what accounted for it.

[Ben Romero]

What's that, Mr. Trudeau?

[Charles Stone]

Well, he leaned toward me and he said, here's the dough. The wife and I haven't been getting along well at all for about a year. She's stepping out with some other guy on me. And to make a long story short, well, that's when he told me. He said, I want a loser. What do you say? Well, I told him I didn't quite get the drift of the thing. And then he said, I want my wife killed. I'll pay you $1,000 for the job.

[Mr. Trudeau]

Mr. Trudeau, have you any idea why he contacted you on this thing?

[Charles Stone]

Well, I don't know, other than the fact that I hadn't been able to work for some time. He knew I needed the money pretty badly. As soon as I was sure he wasn't kidding about the murder, I told Mr. Kimball here. He's an old friend of mine.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Charles Stone]

Said the only thing to do was to take it to the police.

[Ben Romero]

Did this Mr. Stone make this proposition.

[Charles Stone]

To you more than once? Yes, he did. Kept reminding me how much I could use. A thousand dollars. Well, all I could say was that I knew his wife too well. I couldn't do it.

[Joe Friday]

What did Stone say to that, sir?

[Charles Stone]

Said I had cold feet. Told me I was just like another man he'd lined up to kill his wife. Told me if I didn't want the job, he'd get someone else to do it.

[Captain Steed]

Do you think he might go for a substitute, Mr. Trudeau, one of our men?

[Charles Stone]

I don't know, Chief. There's only one thing I'm sure of.

[Captain Steed]

Yes, sir.

[Charles Stone]

He wants his wife dead.

[Joe Friday]

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

[Ben Romero]

In your last meeting with stone, Mr. Trudeau, you refused outright to have anything to do with his plan to have his wife murdered. That right? That's right.

[Mr. Trudeau]

Did you leave any opening at all?

[Charles Stone]

Well, just to get away from the guy, I told him if I heard of anybody that'd do the job, I'd let him know.

[Joe Friday]

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

[Charles Stone]

I don't know. He'd listen to me. But he's no dummy. You gotta understand that. He's gonna be careful.

[Ben Romero]

Well, which one of you is gonna play the killer?

[Mr. Trudeau]

I'd like to try it, Skipper.

[Ben Romero]

Who's gonna fit the part best? Trudy here just told you this Charles Stone's no pushovers.

[Charles Stone]

I don't know, Captain. This officer here.

[Mr. Trudeau]

Me?

[Charles Stone]

Yeah. No offense, but I'd sure peg you for a cop.

[Mr. Trudeau]

You would? Why's that?

[Charles Stone]

I don't know. You just look like one, I guess.

[Ben Romero]

Well, Joe is a little closer to average height, Wade.

[Charles Stone]

Yeah, that's what I mean, Captain. He doesn't look like a cop.

[Ben Romero]

All right, now, Mr. Trudeau, you're willing to go along with us on this thing?

[Charles Stone]

Certainly, Captain. Anything I can do, you just tell me what you want.

[Ben Romero]

Well, just as soon as possible, we'd like to have you contact Mr. Stone. You'll know how to approach him so as not to make him suspicious.

[Charles Stone]

Yes, I think I can do that.

[Ben Romero]

Joe, how do you want to go about this?

[Joe Friday]

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

[Mr. Trudeau]

How about Kelly? Just plain Kelly.

[Joe Friday]

That's fine with me. Good.

[Ben Romero]

Now, how about your background? I better get that straight with Mr. Trudeau here.

[Joe Friday]

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

[Ben Romero]

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

[Joe Friday]

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

[Charles Stone]

Yes, sir. 42 to 45 CBI.

[Joe Friday]

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

[Ben Romero]

And now, Mr. Trudeau, this is all you'll have to do. Set up a meeting with Stone as soon as possible. Introduce Friday as the man who's willing to do the job for him. Old army friend. Then step out of the picture as.

[Captain Steed]

Quickly as you can.

[Charles Stone]

All right, Captain, I understand.

[Ben Romero]

It goes without saying, we certainly appreciate your cooperation.

[Charles Stone]

Not at all, sir. Only glad I'm in a position to help out.

[Mr. Trudeau]

Probably saved that woman's life.

[Charles Stone]

I wish I could be sure.

[Joe Friday]

How do you mean, Trudeau?

[Charles Stone]

Last time I saw Charlie Stone was three days ago.

[Ben Romero]

Maybe he's hired somebody else.

[Joe Friday]

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

[Charles Stone]

I saw Charlie Stone a few minutes ago.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, sir.

[Captain Steed]

How'd it go?

[Charles Stone]

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

[Joe Friday]

What he say?

[Charles Stone]

He wants to meet you.

[Joe Friday]

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

[Captain Steed]

Hi.

[Joe Friday]

Hi.

[Ben Romero]

You look like you're all set.

[Joe Friday]

How does the outfit strike? You okay?

[Charles Stone]

Yeah, fine.

[Ben Romero]

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

[Joe Friday]

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

[Ben Romero]

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

[Joe Friday]

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

[Ben Romero]

Good.

[Joe Friday]

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

[Ben Romero]

Yeah?

[Joe Friday]

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

[Ben Romero]

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

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Ben Romero]

The idea for the crime has to originate in the mind of the criminal. It's gotta be all his idea. You just go along with him, okay?

[Captain Steed]

Sure.

[Ben Romero]

And keep us posted.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, I will.

[Ben Romero]

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

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Ben Romero]

Be careful.

[Joe Friday]

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

[Captain Steed]

Where you from, Kelly?

[Joe Friday]

Phoenix.

[Captain Steed]

Like midget auto races?

[Joe Friday]

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

[Captain Steed]

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

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Captain Steed]

You ever handle anything like this before?

[Joe Friday]

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

[Captain Steed]

I just want to know if you could handle it.

[Joe Friday]

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

[Captain Steed]

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

[Joe Friday]

What are you looking for, references?

[Captain Steed]

Gotta be careful, that's all.

[Joe Friday]

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

[Captain Steed]

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

[Joe Friday]

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

[Captain Steed]

Plenty of time talk money.

[Joe Friday]

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

[Captain Steed]

Yeah?

[Joe Friday]

When could you get it?

[Captain Steed]

When would you want it?

[Joe Friday]

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

[Captain Steed]

I'd be just as stupid to give it to you first. Say, can I buy you a hot dog? Cold drink okay. Mess? Yeah, one hot dog, cup of root beers. One dog. Too big. You like root beer? Sure.

[Joe Friday]

How about settling on the dough, huh?

[Captain Steed]

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

[Joe Friday]

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

[Captain Steed]

You'll get your money. We can work out something.

[Joe Friday]

Two wheat bears, 40.

[Captain Steed]

Mustard's on the counter. Hey, just move over there out of the way.

[Joe Friday]

Okay. Well, you haven't told me yet.

[Captain Steed]

What?

[Joe Friday]

How do you want it done?

[Captain Steed]

All depends.

[Joe Friday]

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

[Captain Steed]

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

[Joe Friday]

Well, make up your mind.

[Captain Steed]

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

[Joe Friday]

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

[Captain Steed]

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

[Joe Friday]

How about 10 bucks on the cuff? I gotta live em flat.

[Captain Steed]

Well, there's five. See if that'll do.

[Joe Friday]

All right.

[Mr. Trudeau]

How about that payoff?

[Joe Friday]

The thousand. How do we set that up?

[Captain Steed]

We can talk about that later.

[Joe Friday]

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

[Captain Steed]

Take it easy.

[Joe Friday]

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

[Captain Steed]

How do I know you'll kill her?

[Joe Friday]

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

[Mr. Trudeau]

We tailed Stone to the midget auto racers last night. George do any good?

[Joe Friday]

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

[Mr. Trudeau]

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

[Joe Friday]

Thought he lived in Glendale.

[Mr. Trudeau]

Does the apartment he went to registered to Gene Howard. Stayed until 4 this morning. Checked the Howard girl out. She's a secretary at one of Stone's warehouses.

[Joe Friday]

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

[Mr. Trudeau]

Here's one more thing. We tailed him to a gun shop this morning, bought a couple of things. And after he's gone, we checked with the store Clerk told us Stone bought a box of shells,32 caliber.

[Joe Friday]

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

[Mr. Trudeau]

Doesn't look too good in my book.

[Joe Friday]

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

[Mr. Trudeau]

Don't trust him. A dime's worth, Jo. And so.

[Joe Friday]

All right. You want to check with me later on? I got to keep this line open.

[Mr. Trudeau]

Yeah.

[Captain Steed]

All right.

[Mr. Trudeau]

See you later.

[Joe Friday]

Right.

[Captain Steed]

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

[Joe Friday]

When Fortnite.

[Narrator]

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

[Joe Friday]

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

[Captain Steed]

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

[Joe Friday]

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

[Captain Steed]

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

[Joe Friday]

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

[Captain Steed]

All right.

[Joe Friday]

The living room, huh? Yeah.

[Captain Steed]

Bedroom's over here. Through this door?

[Mr. Trudeau]

Uh huh.

[Joe Friday]

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

[Captain Steed]

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

[Joe Friday]

When do you want me here?

[Captain Steed]

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

[Joe Friday]

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

[Captain Steed]

Okay. First thing you do when you get here is pull out all the drawers in the bedroom bureau. Scatter things around, make it look as much like a burglary as you can.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Captain Steed]

Same here in the living room. Desk drawer, table, cupboards. Turn them inside out, throw things around.

[Joe Friday]

Leave my fingerprints all over everything.

[Captain Steed]

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

[Joe Friday]

All right.

[Captain Steed]

Let's see now. Oh, yeah. Sash cord. I'm sure. This ought to serve the purpose. Shouldn't have any trouble.

[Joe Friday]

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

[Captain Steed]

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

[Joe Friday]

You sure she's gonna be alone?

[Captain Steed]

Positive.

[Joe Friday]

Where am I supposed to hide?

[Captain Steed]

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

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Captain Steed]

My wife comes in, closes the door. She'll probably go right to the bedroom, take off her coat, follow her in, then do it fast while her back's turned. No screams. Neighbors might hear.

[Joe Friday]

All right.

[Captain Steed]

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

[Joe Friday]

What's that?

[Captain Steed]

Take the body and bring it this way. Come here. I want you to see.

[Joe Friday]

All right.

[Captain Steed]

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

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, I think I got it.

[Captain Steed]

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

[Joe Friday]

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

[Captain Steed]

All right, let's go back in.

[Joe Friday]

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

[Captain Steed]

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

[Joe Friday]

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

[Captain Steed]

Can't afford to take any chances. Now, what was it? Yeah. After you're finished using the rope for me.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah?

[Captain Steed]

You'll find some rings on my wife's fingers. Take them all off. Big setting, especially. There'll be a bracelet on her left wrist. Take that, too.

[Joe Friday]

What'll I do with them?

[Captain Steed]

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

[Joe Friday]

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

[Captain Steed]

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

[Joe Friday]

Where are you going to be at 6:00?

[Captain Steed]

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

[Joe Friday]

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

[Captain Steed]

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

[Joe Friday]

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

[Captain Steed]

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

[Joe Friday]

Just feel a lot better, that's all.

[Captain Steed]

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

[Joe Friday]

I haven't seen your money.

[Captain Steed]

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

[Joe Friday]

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

[Captain Steed]

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

[Joe Friday]

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

[Ben Romero]

This key, Mrs. Stone. You recognize it?

[Mildred Stone]

Why, yes. It's the one for the front door. Must be Charles.

[Ben Romero]

He gave it to this officer, Mrs. Stone, the man who was supposed to murder you.

[Mildred Stone]

No, I don't believe it.

[Joe Friday]

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

[Mildred Stone]

There's nothing in there. I cleaned it out the last time we were here. I cleaned out all the closets.

[Joe Friday]

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

[Mildred Stone]

Piece of rope. I never saw that there before.

[Joe Friday]

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

[Ben Romero]

Just one more point, ma'am.

[Captain Steed]

Over here, please.

[Ben Romero]

Do you know what's in this drawer here?

[Mildred Stone]

It's empty. It has to be. We never keep anything in there. Only when we move down for the summer months.

[Captain Steed]

Joe.

[Joe Friday]

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

[Mildred Stone]

Why would they be there? What for?

[Joe Friday]

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

[Mildred Stone]

Do you. Do you mind if I sit down here?

[Ben Romero]

I'm sorry, Mrs. Stone. We know it's a terrible shock for you. I think you realized we had to tell you.

[Mildred Stone]

It's all right. You've been very kind. You saved my life. I'm sorry. Now that happened. Would have been better if he'd succeeded. Much better.

[Ben Romero]

Take it easy, Mrs. Stone.

[Joe Friday]

Shame.

[Mildred Stone]

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

[Joe Friday]

He wanted to have you murdered, ma'am.

[Mildred Stone]

I know that. He wanted me dead.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'am.

[Mildred Stone]

There's only one thing.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah?

[Mildred Stone]

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

[Joe Friday]

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

[Captain Steed]

Do you know what we have you down here for, Mr. Stone? No, I haven't the faint idea. What would you say if I told you your wife had been murdered? I think you were crazy. What would you say if I told you that you're accused of her murder? Silly, it's ridiculous. I've been at work all day. I can prove it. All right, Friday.

[Mr. Trudeau]

Come in.

[Ben Romero]

Yes, sir.

[Captain Steed]

Have you ever meet this man before? I've seen him on skid row. I don't know him. Do you recognize the man you hired to kill your wife? I don't know the man. I didn't kill my wife. I don't understand all this.

[Joe Friday]

The name's Kelly, Mr. Stone.

[Captain Steed]

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

[Joe Friday]

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

[Captain Steed]

Crazy. You don't know what you're talking about. Mike, would you send the lady in, please? Mildred, you don't believe all these things you're saying about me, do you?

[Mildred Stone]

Here are the rings, Charles. The bracelet too. I didn't realize how much you wanted them.

[Captain Steed]

I didn't mean it. I didn't mean it. I don't know what I was thinking of.

[Mildred Stone]

There, Charles. It's all right now. You'll feel better in a few minutes.

[Captain Steed]

Yes, ma'am. It's all Friday, right?

[Mr. Trudeau]

What's it look like? Joe?

[Joe Friday]

He's starting to talk.

[Mr. Trudeau]

It's got me. He tries to have her murdered. She goes to bat for him.

[Joe Friday]

What's it?

[Captain Steed]

Proof.

[Mr. Trudeau]

You sure must love him.

[Joe Friday]

What do you think? How about a cup of coffee?

[Narrator]

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

[Captain Steed]

And now, here is our star, Jack Webb.

[Joe Friday]

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

[Narrator]

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

[Joe Friday]

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

[Captain Steed]

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

[Joe Friday]

I think it's only fair to warn.

[Captain Steed]

You, with me selling Chesterfields this year.

[Joe Friday]

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

[Captain Steed]

Since when have you been any competition, lover boy?

[Mr. Trudeau]

When?

[Captain Steed]

When we're in pictures together, who always gets the girl?

[Joe Friday]

Which only backs up the old saying, Everybody loves a fat man, hear?

[Captain Steed]

Hope and Crosby, Tuesday. Next, we the people on NBC.

[I]

The holidays mean more travel, more shopping, more time online and more personal info. And more places that could expose you more to identity theft. But lifelock monitors millions of data points per second. If your identity is stolen, our U. S. Based restoration specialists will fix it, guaranteed. Or your money back. Don't face drained accounts, fraudulent loans or financial losses alone. Get more holiday fun and less holiday worry with Lifelock, save up to 40% your first year with promo code NEWS. Visit lifelock.com term supply.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. Another solid script. It's worth noting that a similar concept was used in the 1960s TV show and season two episode the Big Ad, except in that one, a newspaper ad was being placed in order to solicit the crime. It's kind of funny, given how Joe Friday became a police icon, that he was chosen to play the hood based on the idea that he didn't look like a cop. Now, to be fair, Webb was often cast as various sorts of tough guys and criminals, and certainly played his fair share of hoods, even in some films into the early 1950s. It just seems odd knowing what we know now. Well, now it's time to thank our Patreon supporter of the day. And I want to thank Steven. Steven has been one of our patreon supporters since July 2024, currently supporting the podcast at the Detective Sergeant level of $7.14 or more per month. Thank you so much for your support, Stephen. And that will actually do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. And be sure to rate and review the podcast wherever you download it from. We'll be back next Saturday with another episode of Dragnet, but join us back here tomorrow for our 4550th episode special where Collins.

[Captain Steed]

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

[Joe Friday]

Anything on him?

[Captain Steed]

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

[Joe Friday]

Here.

[Captain Steed]

Here's the address.

[Joe Friday]

All right, what's next?

[Captain Steed]

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

[Adam Graham]

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

[I]

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