1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:11,400 Ladies and gentlemen, the story you are about to hear is true. 2 00:00:11,400 --> 00:00:14,040 The names have been changed to protect the innocent. 3 00:00:14,040 --> 00:00:20,260 Fatima cigarettes, king size, extra mild and soothing, brings you dragnet on both radio 4 00:00:20,260 --> 00:00:29,940 and television. 5 00:00:29,940 --> 00:00:33,600 You're a detective sergeant, you're assigned to homicide detail. 6 00:00:33,600 --> 00:00:37,840 You get a call that a man has had a heart attack, fallen and fractured his skull. 7 00:00:37,840 --> 00:00:39,960 It looks like an accidental death. 8 00:00:39,960 --> 00:00:43,960 Your job, investigate. 9 00:00:43,960 --> 00:00:49,680 Friends, the name Fatima has always stood for quality. 10 00:00:49,680 --> 00:00:54,480 Fatimas are distinctive with a truly different flavor and aroma. 11 00:00:54,480 --> 00:00:58,880 And in king size Fatima, you get an extra mild and soothing smoke. 12 00:00:58,880 --> 00:01:01,960 Plus, the added protection of Fatima quality. 13 00:01:01,960 --> 00:01:06,120 Remember, in Fatima, the difference is quality. 14 00:01:06,120 --> 00:01:11,860 Because of its quality, its extra mildness, its better flavor and aroma, Fatima continues 15 00:01:11,860 --> 00:01:15,400 to grow in favor among king size cigarette smokers everywhere. 16 00:01:15,400 --> 00:01:18,040 Switch to Fatima yourself today. 17 00:01:18,040 --> 00:01:22,340 Ask your dealer for Fatima in the bright sunny yellow pack. 18 00:01:22,340 --> 00:01:24,440 King size Fatima. 19 00:01:24,440 --> 00:01:29,200 The difference is quality. 20 00:01:29,200 --> 00:01:35,960 DRAGNET, the documented drama of an actual crime. 21 00:01:35,960 --> 00:01:40,880 For the next 30 minutes, in cooperation with the Los Angeles Police Department, you will 22 00:01:40,880 --> 00:01:45,480 travel step by step on the side of the law through an actual case transcribed from official 23 00:01:45,480 --> 00:01:47,200 police files. 24 00:01:47,200 --> 00:01:52,400 From beginning to end, from crime to punishment, DRAGNET is the story of your police force 25 00:01:52,400 --> 00:01:54,640 in action. 26 00:01:54,640 --> 00:01:59,400 It was Wednesday, September 4th. 27 00:01:59,400 --> 00:02:00,760 It was warm in Los Angeles. 28 00:02:00,760 --> 00:02:03,240 We were working the night watch out of homicide detail. 29 00:02:03,240 --> 00:02:04,600 My partner is Frank Smith. 30 00:02:04,600 --> 00:02:06,680 The boss is Thad Brown, Chief of Detectives. 31 00:02:06,680 --> 00:02:07,680 My name is Friday. 32 00:02:07,680 --> 00:02:12,080 It was 1046 p.m. when we got to 2102 West Francis Avenue. 33 00:02:12,080 --> 00:02:13,080 The front door. 34 00:02:13,080 --> 00:02:14,080 Yes? 35 00:02:14,080 --> 00:02:15,080 Mrs. Prater? 36 00:02:15,080 --> 00:02:16,080 Yes, that's right. 37 00:02:16,080 --> 00:02:17,080 Police officers, ma'am. 38 00:02:17,080 --> 00:02:18,080 Oh yes, of course. 39 00:02:18,080 --> 00:02:19,080 Come in. 40 00:02:19,080 --> 00:02:20,080 Thank you. 41 00:02:20,080 --> 00:02:21,560 I'm Sergeant Friday. 42 00:02:21,560 --> 00:02:22,560 This is my partner, Frank Smith. 43 00:02:22,560 --> 00:02:23,560 How do you do? 44 00:02:23,560 --> 00:02:24,560 How do you do, ma'am? 45 00:02:24,560 --> 00:02:25,560 Will you sit down? 46 00:02:25,560 --> 00:02:26,560 Yes, thank you very much. 47 00:02:26,560 --> 00:02:29,080 The doctor said you'd be here, because he told you about the accident. 48 00:02:29,080 --> 00:02:30,080 Yes, ma'am. 49 00:02:30,080 --> 00:02:32,480 If there's something you want to know, I guess I can tell you about it. 50 00:02:32,480 --> 00:02:35,680 Your husband's full name was Alfred Kenneth Prater, is that right? 51 00:02:35,680 --> 00:02:36,680 Yes, Alfred Kenneth. 52 00:02:36,680 --> 00:02:37,680 I wonder if we could go in, Miss Prater. 53 00:02:37,680 --> 00:02:38,680 Yes, in the dining room. 54 00:02:38,680 --> 00:02:39,680 Yes, ma'am. 55 00:02:39,680 --> 00:02:44,080 We just finished dinner, and Alfred got up from the table, said he wanted to see the 56 00:02:44,080 --> 00:02:45,080 ball game on television. 57 00:02:45,080 --> 00:02:49,880 He excused himself and got up, and all of a sudden he put his hand on his chest and started 58 00:02:49,880 --> 00:02:50,880 to stagger. 59 00:02:50,880 --> 00:02:53,880 He said something about his heart, asked me to help him. 60 00:02:53,880 --> 00:02:54,880 Yes, ma'am, go ahead. 61 00:02:54,880 --> 00:02:57,880 Well, I jumped up to go to him, and he just crumpled and fell. 62 00:02:57,880 --> 00:03:00,880 His head on the table, the thing there didn't move. 63 00:03:00,880 --> 00:03:03,880 The doctor said his skull might be fractured. 64 00:03:03,880 --> 00:03:05,880 That's what might have killed him. 65 00:03:05,880 --> 00:03:06,880 Did you call the doctor right away? 66 00:03:06,880 --> 00:03:08,880 No, I stayed with Alfred. 67 00:03:08,880 --> 00:03:09,880 My mother called Dr. Adams. 68 00:03:09,880 --> 00:03:10,880 He's her own doctor. 69 00:03:10,880 --> 00:03:11,880 When we got here, poor Alfred was gone. 70 00:03:11,880 --> 00:03:12,880 I'm not trying to say anything. 71 00:03:12,880 --> 00:03:13,880 Dr. Adams, he's the one that called us. 72 00:03:13,880 --> 00:03:14,880 Yes, he said he would. 73 00:03:14,880 --> 00:03:15,880 He said he would. 74 00:03:15,880 --> 00:03:16,880 He said he would. 75 00:03:16,880 --> 00:03:21,880 Something about a death certificate, and I didn't understand it. 76 00:03:21,880 --> 00:03:26,880 Well, Miss Prater, maybe you'd like to go into the living room. 77 00:03:26,880 --> 00:03:27,880 Yes, please. 78 00:03:27,880 --> 00:03:30,880 Can we get you anything, a glass of water, anything? 79 00:03:30,880 --> 00:03:31,880 No, I'll be all right. 80 00:03:31,880 --> 00:03:32,880 It'll just take a minute. 81 00:03:32,880 --> 00:03:33,880 All right. 82 00:03:33,880 --> 00:03:34,880 I'm sorry. 83 00:03:34,880 --> 00:03:35,880 Yes, ma'am, just a few more questions. 84 00:03:35,880 --> 00:03:36,880 Did your husband have a history of a bad heart? 85 00:03:36,880 --> 00:03:37,880 Any trouble like this before? 86 00:03:37,880 --> 00:03:38,880 Not that I have. 87 00:03:38,880 --> 00:03:39,880 I'm sorry. 88 00:03:39,880 --> 00:03:40,880 I'm sorry. 89 00:03:40,880 --> 00:03:41,880 I'm sorry. 90 00:03:41,880 --> 00:03:42,880 I'm sorry. 91 00:03:42,880 --> 00:03:43,880 I'm sorry. 92 00:03:43,880 --> 00:03:44,880 I'm sorry. 93 00:03:44,880 --> 00:03:45,880 I'm sorry. 94 00:03:45,880 --> 00:03:46,880 You've got to be kidding me. 95 00:03:46,880 --> 00:03:47,880 He was a good man. 96 00:03:47,880 --> 00:03:48,880 He was a good man. 97 00:03:48,880 --> 00:03:49,880 He was a good man. 98 00:03:49,880 --> 00:03:50,880 He was a good man. 99 00:03:50,880 --> 00:03:51,880 He was a good man. 100 00:03:51,880 --> 00:03:52,880 He was a good man. 101 00:03:52,880 --> 00:03:53,880 He was a good man. 102 00:03:53,880 --> 00:03:54,880 He was a good man. 103 00:03:54,880 --> 00:03:55,880 Your husband was a good man? 104 00:03:55,880 --> 00:03:56,880 Yes, I guess. 105 00:03:56,880 --> 00:03:57,880 That's a good guess. 106 00:03:57,880 --> 00:03:58,880 He was a good man. 107 00:03:58,880 --> 00:03:59,880 He was a good man. 108 00:03:59,880 --> 00:04:00,880 You never said anything about it. 109 00:04:00,880 --> 00:04:01,880 Not that I know of. 110 00:04:01,880 --> 00:04:02,880 Never said anything about it. 111 00:04:02,880 --> 00:04:03,880 He used to work off his heart long hours. 112 00:04:03,880 --> 00:04:04,880 Has your husband been out of the care of a physician? 113 00:04:04,880 --> 00:04:05,880 No, never was sick. 114 00:04:05,880 --> 00:04:06,880 Had a doctor where we used to live. 115 00:04:06,880 --> 00:04:07,880 Since we've been here, we haven't had any need for one. 116 00:04:07,880 --> 00:04:08,880 Did your husband ever give you any indication there was something wrong with his heart? 117 00:04:08,880 --> 00:04:10,880 And we couldn't ask for anything more. 118 00:04:10,880 --> 00:04:11,880 Good provider. 119 00:04:11,880 --> 00:04:14,880 Who was here when your husband had the accident, ma'am? 120 00:04:14,880 --> 00:04:16,880 My mother. She lives with us. 121 00:04:16,880 --> 00:04:17,880 She here now? 122 00:04:17,880 --> 00:04:19,880 Yes, she's in the next room lying down. 123 00:04:19,880 --> 00:04:21,880 In the drying time, officer. 124 00:04:21,880 --> 00:04:22,880 Yes, ma'am. 125 00:04:22,880 --> 00:04:24,880 All those years Alfred and me. 126 00:04:24,880 --> 00:04:26,880 Ray was born, he's nine now. 127 00:04:26,880 --> 00:04:27,880 Happy family. 128 00:04:27,880 --> 00:04:29,880 All the neighbors used to tell me how lucky I was, but I knew it. 129 00:04:29,880 --> 00:04:30,880 I knew it. 130 00:04:30,880 --> 00:04:32,880 Now it's all gone. 131 00:04:32,880 --> 00:04:34,880 I wonder if we could speak to your mother in this prayer. 132 00:04:34,880 --> 00:04:38,880 Yes, of course, I'll get it. 133 00:04:38,880 --> 00:04:39,880 Sergeant. 134 00:04:39,880 --> 00:04:40,880 Yes, ma'am. 135 00:04:40,880 --> 00:04:42,880 She's 55, and even too well late in the call. 136 00:04:42,880 --> 00:04:44,880 Things could be quite a shock for her. 137 00:04:44,880 --> 00:04:46,880 I'd appreciate it if you'd be as brief as possible. 138 00:04:46,880 --> 00:04:50,880 Yes, ma'am, we understand. 139 00:04:50,880 --> 00:04:52,880 Mother? Mother, are you awake? 140 00:04:52,880 --> 00:04:53,880 Yes, dear, what is it? 141 00:04:53,880 --> 00:04:55,880 Well, there's two officers out in the living room. 142 00:04:55,880 --> 00:04:56,880 They'd like to talk to you. 143 00:04:56,880 --> 00:04:57,880 What about? 144 00:04:57,880 --> 00:04:58,880 About Alfred. 145 00:04:58,880 --> 00:05:00,880 Alfred? What about him? 146 00:05:00,880 --> 00:05:01,880 I think they asked you to break in. 147 00:05:01,880 --> 00:05:02,880 Nothing wrong. 148 00:05:02,880 --> 00:05:04,880 Tell them I'll be right there. 149 00:05:04,880 --> 00:05:06,880 All right, good evening. 150 00:05:06,880 --> 00:05:07,880 Be right out, Alfred. 151 00:05:07,880 --> 00:05:09,880 All right, thank you, Miss, later. 152 00:05:09,880 --> 00:05:11,880 Can I get you something? A cup of coffee or something? 153 00:05:11,880 --> 00:05:12,880 No, not a thing, thank you. 154 00:05:12,880 --> 00:05:13,880 Oh, ma'am, thank you very much. 155 00:05:13,880 --> 00:05:16,880 If you don't mind, I'd like to make a pot of tea for Mother and myself. 156 00:05:16,880 --> 00:05:17,880 Yes, go right ahead. 157 00:05:17,880 --> 00:05:18,880 Do I come out in the kitchen? 158 00:05:18,880 --> 00:05:20,880 We can talk while I put the water on. 159 00:05:20,880 --> 00:05:22,880 All right, ma'am. 160 00:05:22,880 --> 00:05:23,880 Did you call the coroner, Frank? 161 00:05:23,880 --> 00:05:26,880 Yeah, Joe, before we left the office, should be here any minute now. 162 00:05:26,880 --> 00:05:28,880 Have to get a sketch of the room before he removes the body. 163 00:05:28,880 --> 00:05:30,880 Yeah. 164 00:05:30,880 --> 00:05:32,880 Ray's the one who's gonna suffer for it. 165 00:05:32,880 --> 00:05:34,880 How's that, ma'am? 166 00:05:34,880 --> 00:05:35,880 Poor little kid. 167 00:05:35,880 --> 00:05:37,880 I mean, his father was a great friend. 168 00:05:37,880 --> 00:05:40,880 I don't know what he's gonna do when he really knows what's happened. 169 00:05:40,880 --> 00:05:41,880 Well, doesn't the boy know about it yet? 170 00:05:41,880 --> 00:05:43,880 Well, yes, he was here when it happened, 171 00:05:43,880 --> 00:05:46,880 but I don't think he realizes yet what it means. 172 00:05:48,880 --> 00:05:49,880 How old did you say he was, ma'am? 173 00:05:49,880 --> 00:05:51,880 Nine. Nine last month. 174 00:05:53,880 --> 00:05:55,880 Where is he now, Miss Prater? 175 00:05:55,880 --> 00:05:57,880 In his room, asleep. 176 00:05:57,880 --> 00:05:59,880 Here's Mother now, Officer. 177 00:05:59,880 --> 00:06:00,880 Mother? 178 00:06:00,880 --> 00:06:01,880 Yes, dear? 179 00:06:01,880 --> 00:06:05,880 Mother, this is Mr. Friday and Mr. Smith from the police. 180 00:06:05,880 --> 00:06:06,880 My mother and Mrs. Atkins. 181 00:06:06,880 --> 00:06:07,880 Hello. 182 00:06:07,880 --> 00:06:08,880 Hi, Mrs. Prater. 183 00:06:08,880 --> 00:06:09,880 Ellen says there's something about Alfred? 184 00:06:09,880 --> 00:06:10,880 Yes, ma'am, that's right. 185 00:06:10,880 --> 00:06:12,880 I don't see any need to call the police. 186 00:06:12,880 --> 00:06:14,880 Accident, that's what the doctor said. 187 00:06:14,880 --> 00:06:15,880 Well, there's no death certificate, ma'am. 188 00:06:15,880 --> 00:06:17,880 We have to look into it. It's just routine. 189 00:06:17,880 --> 00:06:19,880 Mrs. Prater told us pretty much what we want to know. 190 00:06:19,880 --> 00:06:20,880 We'd just like to get your side of it. 191 00:06:20,880 --> 00:06:23,880 Sure, I was there, you know. I saw it all. 192 00:06:23,880 --> 00:06:25,880 He got up from the table, said he had a heart attack. 193 00:06:25,880 --> 00:06:27,880 Well, he wasn't fooling me. 194 00:06:27,880 --> 00:06:28,880 Well, thank you, partner. 195 00:06:28,880 --> 00:06:31,880 He wasn't fooling me. I knew. Heart attack. Fooey. 196 00:06:31,880 --> 00:06:32,880 I don't understand. 197 00:06:32,880 --> 00:06:33,880 He was drunk. 198 00:06:33,880 --> 00:06:34,880 Mother. 199 00:06:34,880 --> 00:06:37,880 Well, I still think he was, and you ain't going to change my mind. 200 00:06:37,880 --> 00:06:38,880 Had Mr. Prater been drinking? 201 00:06:38,880 --> 00:06:43,880 No. Well, he maybe had a drink on the way home from work, you know, to relax him a little. 202 00:06:43,880 --> 00:06:44,880 Relax him. 203 00:06:44,880 --> 00:06:46,880 There was no trouble relaxing him. 204 00:06:46,880 --> 00:06:48,880 The big thing was to get him off the dime. 205 00:06:48,880 --> 00:06:51,880 Laziest man I ever knew. I told her not to marry him. 206 00:06:51,880 --> 00:06:53,880 I was against it all the time. I knew his time. 207 00:06:53,880 --> 00:06:57,880 Out, carousing around, hanging around in bars. 208 00:06:57,880 --> 00:07:00,880 And he'd come home and take it out on poor Ellen and little Ray. 209 00:07:00,880 --> 00:07:03,880 Mother, please, Alfred was my husband. He's Ray's father. 210 00:07:03,880 --> 00:07:05,880 You're dead. Find a little forgiveness in your heart. 211 00:07:05,880 --> 00:07:07,880 That's all I'll find. A little. 212 00:07:07,880 --> 00:07:10,880 Officer, I'm not afraid to say what I think. I didn't like him. I never did. 213 00:07:10,880 --> 00:07:13,880 Well, as I'm concerned, he was no good. Drunken bum. That's all he was. 214 00:07:13,880 --> 00:07:15,880 He hated me. He never did like me. 215 00:07:15,880 --> 00:07:17,880 Regretted every mouthful of food I ate. 216 00:07:17,880 --> 00:07:19,880 Never was too quiet about it either. 217 00:07:19,880 --> 00:07:20,880 Mother, that's not true. 218 00:07:20,880 --> 00:07:23,880 Alfred never regretted having you here with us. 219 00:07:23,880 --> 00:07:25,880 Well, that's what you say and I know different. 220 00:07:25,880 --> 00:07:27,880 He might have died from a heart attack, all right. 221 00:07:27,880 --> 00:07:30,880 But if he did, it was that cheap liquor that brought it on. 222 00:07:30,880 --> 00:07:32,880 Got up from the table, staggered around and fell. 223 00:07:32,880 --> 00:07:36,880 Well, you say it was his heart and I say he was drunk. Just plain drunk. 224 00:07:36,880 --> 00:07:38,880 Well, how about it, Miss Prater? 225 00:07:38,880 --> 00:07:40,880 Had Mr. Prater been drinking enough to make him fall, do you think? 226 00:07:40,880 --> 00:07:42,880 Certainly not, Officer. You'll have to excuse Mother. 227 00:07:42,880 --> 00:07:44,880 She doesn't mean what she's saying. 228 00:07:44,880 --> 00:07:45,880 I do, too. 229 00:07:45,880 --> 00:07:47,880 If you're going to call me a liar, I'm going to my room. 230 00:07:47,880 --> 00:07:50,880 When you're sorry about what you said, you can call me. 231 00:07:52,880 --> 00:07:54,880 You'll have to forgive her. She doesn't know what she's saying. 232 00:07:54,880 --> 00:07:55,880 Yes, ma'am. 233 00:07:55,880 --> 00:07:57,880 My father died when I was very young, Sergeant. 234 00:07:57,880 --> 00:07:58,880 I was old mother head. 235 00:07:58,880 --> 00:08:01,880 Guess she never did think any man was good enough for me. 236 00:08:01,880 --> 00:08:03,880 I hate to do this, Mrs. Prater, but there are some questions 237 00:08:03,880 --> 00:08:05,880 we have to ask for our report if you'll bear with us. 238 00:08:05,880 --> 00:08:07,880 Of course, I understand. 239 00:08:07,880 --> 00:08:09,880 You said his full name was Alfred Kath Prater, is that right? 240 00:08:09,880 --> 00:08:10,880 Yes. 241 00:08:10,880 --> 00:08:11,880 What was his age? 242 00:08:11,880 --> 00:08:13,880 36, birthday's November 22nd. 243 00:08:13,880 --> 00:08:14,880 How about his physical description? 244 00:08:14,880 --> 00:08:17,880 5'11", 167 pounds. 245 00:08:18,880 --> 00:08:20,880 Front door. Mind answering? 246 00:08:20,880 --> 00:08:22,880 Not at all, ma'am. My imagination's for us anyway. 247 00:08:22,880 --> 00:08:23,880 I'll get it, Jill. 248 00:08:25,880 --> 00:08:27,880 Mrs. Prater, we'd like to get this straight. 249 00:08:28,880 --> 00:08:30,880 Just your mother, your son and yourself were present 250 00:08:30,880 --> 00:08:32,880 when this accident occurred, is that right? 251 00:08:32,880 --> 00:08:34,880 Yes, just the three of us. 252 00:08:35,880 --> 00:08:36,880 The water's ready. 253 00:08:39,880 --> 00:08:40,880 You sure you don't want a cup of tea? 254 00:08:40,880 --> 00:08:42,880 No, ma'am. Thanks, just the same. 255 00:08:42,880 --> 00:08:43,880 How about the other officers? 256 00:08:43,880 --> 00:08:45,880 No, I don't think you'll want them either. 257 00:08:45,880 --> 00:08:47,880 How about your boy Ray, Mrs. Prater? 258 00:08:47,880 --> 00:08:48,880 What about him? 259 00:08:48,880 --> 00:08:49,880 You said he was asleep? 260 00:08:49,880 --> 00:08:51,880 That's right. We put him to bed right after the accident. 261 00:08:51,880 --> 00:08:54,880 He was so close to Alfred. They were great friends. 262 00:08:54,880 --> 00:08:56,880 I thought it might be best if he went back to sleep. 263 00:08:56,880 --> 00:08:57,880 You want to see him? 264 00:08:57,880 --> 00:08:59,880 Well, it's probably better if he sleeps right now. 265 00:08:59,880 --> 00:09:01,880 We can talk to him in the morning if we have to. 266 00:09:01,880 --> 00:09:03,880 I'd appreciate it if you could, Mr. Fryder. 267 00:09:03,880 --> 00:09:05,880 He's just a boy and all this, you know. 268 00:09:05,880 --> 00:09:06,880 Surely, ma'am, we understand. 269 00:09:06,880 --> 00:09:08,880 Deputy Coroner Joe, he's taking care of the body. 270 00:09:08,880 --> 00:09:10,880 Well, what about that, ma'am? 271 00:09:10,880 --> 00:09:11,880 You're going to take Alfred now? 272 00:09:11,880 --> 00:09:12,880 Yes, ma'am. 273 00:09:12,880 --> 00:09:15,880 Where will he be? Can I go along? 274 00:09:15,880 --> 00:09:17,880 Poor Alfred. 275 00:09:17,880 --> 00:09:18,880 There's no need for it, ma'am. 276 00:09:18,880 --> 00:09:20,880 There'll be an inquest after the autopsy. 277 00:09:20,880 --> 00:09:21,880 We'll give you a call about that. 278 00:09:21,880 --> 00:09:22,880 We know how you feel, ma'am. 279 00:09:22,880 --> 00:09:24,880 We don't like to intrude at a time like this, 280 00:09:24,880 --> 00:09:27,880 but it's one of our duties there being no doctor in attendance at the time of death. 281 00:09:27,880 --> 00:09:29,880 Meantime, if there's anything we can do for you, 282 00:09:29,880 --> 00:09:31,880 here's our card and you let us know anything at all. 283 00:09:31,880 --> 00:09:34,880 Thank you very much. Michigan 5211. 284 00:09:34,880 --> 00:09:37,880 That's right, that's right. Station 2521. 285 00:09:37,880 --> 00:09:39,880 All right, Mr. Fryder. 286 00:09:39,880 --> 00:09:41,880 Terrible thing. 287 00:09:41,880 --> 00:09:44,880 Can't hardly believe it. Alfred dead. 288 00:09:44,880 --> 00:09:46,880 Terrible. 289 00:09:48,880 --> 00:09:49,880 Officers. 290 00:09:49,880 --> 00:09:50,880 Yes, ma'am? 291 00:09:50,880 --> 00:09:52,880 I hope you didn't take Mother seriously about Alfred drinking. 292 00:09:52,880 --> 00:09:54,880 I know she didn't really mean it. 293 00:09:54,880 --> 00:09:55,880 Don't worry about it, Miss Prater. We understand. 294 00:09:55,880 --> 00:09:57,880 Don't forget to call us if there's anything you need. 295 00:09:57,880 --> 00:09:59,880 I won't. Good night, Mr. Fryder. Mr. Smith. 296 00:09:59,880 --> 00:10:01,880 Good night, ma'am. 297 00:10:04,880 --> 00:10:05,880 That's one for you, huh, Joe? 298 00:10:05,880 --> 00:10:06,880 Yeah. 299 00:10:06,880 --> 00:10:08,880 Even when he's dead, his mother-in-law won't leave him alone. 300 00:10:08,880 --> 00:10:10,880 Must have been a real pleasant life. 301 00:10:10,880 --> 00:10:12,880 It's been rough on his wife, too. 302 00:10:14,880 --> 00:10:16,880 Hey, you. 303 00:10:16,880 --> 00:10:17,880 Joe, you hear that? 304 00:10:17,880 --> 00:10:19,880 I think I did over there by the window. 305 00:10:19,880 --> 00:10:21,880 Yeah, there's somebody there. 306 00:10:24,880 --> 00:10:25,880 Well, did you call us, son? 307 00:10:25,880 --> 00:10:26,880 Yeah, you the cops? 308 00:10:26,880 --> 00:10:28,880 That's right. Is there something you wanted? 309 00:10:28,880 --> 00:10:30,880 Yeah, I'm my Prater. 310 00:10:30,880 --> 00:10:31,880 There's something I wanted to tell you. 311 00:10:31,880 --> 00:10:33,880 Why? What is it, son? 312 00:10:33,880 --> 00:10:34,880 About my father. 313 00:10:34,880 --> 00:10:35,880 I don't want Mom to hear me. 314 00:10:35,880 --> 00:10:38,880 She'd be sorry if she knew I told you. 315 00:10:38,880 --> 00:10:39,880 I'm supposed to be asleep. 316 00:10:39,880 --> 00:10:40,880 What's that, Ray? 317 00:10:40,880 --> 00:10:42,880 I've been sitting here listening to you talk to Mom. 318 00:10:42,880 --> 00:10:44,880 She told me she'd tell you, and she didn't. 319 00:10:44,880 --> 00:10:45,880 Tell us what, Ray? 320 00:10:45,880 --> 00:10:47,880 Maybe I shouldn't tell you. 321 00:10:47,880 --> 00:10:49,880 Mom said she'd take care of it. 322 00:10:49,880 --> 00:10:51,880 I just don't know what to do. 323 00:10:51,880 --> 00:10:53,880 I tried to think of what Dad did. 324 00:10:53,880 --> 00:10:55,880 He always said if there was something wrong, 325 00:10:55,880 --> 00:10:57,880 to find a policeman to tell him. 326 00:10:57,880 --> 00:10:59,880 All right, son. What is it you want to tell us? 327 00:10:59,880 --> 00:11:01,880 About Dad. 328 00:11:01,880 --> 00:11:04,880 Just before he fell on Hitty's head, he was finishing dinner. 329 00:11:04,880 --> 00:11:07,880 He drank a glass of milk, and he put the glass down on the table, 330 00:11:07,880 --> 00:11:09,880 and he said to Mom, this milk tastes bitter. 331 00:11:09,880 --> 00:11:11,880 It's not bad. This milk tastes bitter. 332 00:11:11,880 --> 00:11:14,880 I tried mine, but it tastes all right. 333 00:11:14,880 --> 00:11:15,880 Now, go ahead. 334 00:11:15,880 --> 00:11:17,880 Well, a little bit after, he got it from the table, 335 00:11:17,880 --> 00:11:19,880 and he fell on Hitty's head. 336 00:11:19,880 --> 00:11:21,880 Did your mother hear him say that about the milk? 337 00:11:21,880 --> 00:11:23,880 Yes, sir. She was right there. 338 00:11:23,880 --> 00:11:25,880 Well, why did you say that you didn't want your mother 339 00:11:25,880 --> 00:11:26,880 to know that you talked to her, Ray? 340 00:11:26,880 --> 00:11:28,880 Because when I asked her about it, 341 00:11:28,880 --> 00:11:30,880 she said for me not to tell anybody. 342 00:11:30,880 --> 00:11:32,880 Mom said that if I told anybody, they wouldn't believe me. 343 00:11:32,880 --> 00:11:34,880 They'd be mad at me. 344 00:11:34,880 --> 00:11:36,880 I said it, and I thought about it, 345 00:11:36,880 --> 00:11:39,880 and if she didn't tell you, I thought maybe I should. 346 00:11:39,880 --> 00:11:40,880 Is that wrong, mister? 347 00:11:40,880 --> 00:11:42,880 No, son, that's not wrong. 348 00:11:42,880 --> 00:11:44,880 I hope it's all right. 349 00:11:44,880 --> 00:11:45,880 Is it, mister? 350 00:11:45,880 --> 00:11:46,880 What's happened? 351 00:11:46,880 --> 00:11:48,880 Are you mad at me? 352 00:11:52,880 --> 00:11:54,880 Before we left the house, the incident looked just like 353 00:11:54,880 --> 00:11:56,880 another natural or accidental death. 354 00:11:56,880 --> 00:11:58,880 However, with the boy's story, it seemed possible 355 00:11:58,880 --> 00:12:00,880 that it might be something more. 356 00:12:00,880 --> 00:12:02,880 11 56 p.m. 357 00:12:02,880 --> 00:12:04,880 Under the pretext of getting additional information 358 00:12:04,880 --> 00:12:06,880 for our report, Frank and I went back into the house. 359 00:12:06,880 --> 00:12:08,880 We talked to Mrs. Prater for another hour. 360 00:12:08,880 --> 00:12:11,880 It was possible that the boy's story about the glass of milk 361 00:12:11,880 --> 00:12:14,880 was his imagination, but it had to be checked out. 362 00:12:14,880 --> 00:12:17,880 While we talked to her, we had to be careful not to let her know 363 00:12:17,880 --> 00:12:19,880 that we'd seen or talked to little Ray. 364 00:12:19,880 --> 00:12:21,880 We noticed that the dishes from the evening meal 365 00:12:21,880 --> 00:12:23,880 had been washed and put away. 366 00:12:23,880 --> 00:12:25,880 We commented about this, and Mrs. Prater said that she'd done 367 00:12:25,880 --> 00:12:28,880 the dishes to keep her mind occupied while she waited for us. 368 00:12:28,880 --> 00:12:31,880 Frank and I asked her about her husband's insurance policy, 369 00:12:31,880 --> 00:12:34,880 and she gave us the name of the company that had written them. 370 00:12:34,880 --> 00:12:36,880 We asked if she and her husband had quarreled much, 371 00:12:36,880 --> 00:12:38,880 and she told us that in 14 years of marriage, 372 00:12:38,880 --> 00:12:40,880 they hadn't had one serious argument. 373 00:12:40,880 --> 00:12:43,880 During the conversation, we gave her every opportunity 374 00:12:43,880 --> 00:12:46,880 to tell us about Mr. Prater's remark concerning the glass of milk. 375 00:12:46,880 --> 00:12:48,880 She didn't mention it. 376 00:12:48,880 --> 00:12:50,880 Until we received the results of the autopsy, 377 00:12:50,880 --> 00:12:53,880 Frank and I figured we'd better wait before questioning her further. 378 00:12:53,880 --> 00:12:55,880 12 34 a.m. 379 00:12:55,880 --> 00:12:57,880 We got back to the office and signed out. 380 00:12:57,880 --> 00:12:59,880 The next morning, we put in a call to the insurance company 381 00:12:59,880 --> 00:13:01,880 to check on the husband's policy. 382 00:13:01,880 --> 00:13:04,880 The deputy coroner said we'd have the results of the autopsy by noon. 383 00:13:04,880 --> 00:13:06,880 Thursday, 11 20 a.m. 384 00:13:06,880 --> 00:13:08,880 Yes, sir. 385 00:13:08,880 --> 00:13:10,880 All right, sir, thank you. 386 00:13:10,880 --> 00:13:12,880 Yeah, that's right, Smith, 2521. 387 00:13:12,880 --> 00:13:14,880 Thanks again, bye. 388 00:13:14,880 --> 00:13:15,880 Anything? 389 00:13:15,880 --> 00:13:17,880 Insurance company says when they wrote the policy on Prater, 390 00:13:17,880 --> 00:13:19,880 there was nothing wrong with his heart. 391 00:13:19,880 --> 00:13:21,880 Good size policy, Joe. 392 00:13:21,880 --> 00:13:23,880 25,000 double indemnity in case of accidental death. 393 00:13:23,880 --> 00:13:25,880 Who's the beneficiary? His wife. 394 00:13:25,880 --> 00:13:27,880 Guy at the company told me that Mrs. Prater called last week 395 00:13:27,880 --> 00:13:29,880 wanting to know the premium on the larger amount. 396 00:13:29,880 --> 00:13:31,880 He gave it to her and said they'd like to send a salesman 397 00:13:31,880 --> 00:13:33,880 over to the house to talk to her and her husband. 398 00:13:33,880 --> 00:13:35,880 He said it wouldn't be necessary. She'd bring him down to the office. 399 00:13:35,880 --> 00:13:37,880 They haven't heard from her since. 400 00:13:37,880 --> 00:13:39,880 $50,000. Sure is in a good motive, isn't it? 401 00:13:39,880 --> 00:13:41,880 Yeah. Funny about the kid, isn't it? 402 00:13:41,880 --> 00:13:42,880 What do you mean? 403 00:13:42,880 --> 00:13:44,880 Figuring what his father said about the milk might have meant something. 404 00:13:44,880 --> 00:13:46,880 Must have been a tough decision for the little guy to make 405 00:13:46,880 --> 00:13:48,880 whether to tell us or keep quiet. 406 00:13:48,880 --> 00:13:50,880 I'll get it. 407 00:13:50,880 --> 00:13:52,880 Commicide Friday. 408 00:13:52,880 --> 00:13:55,880 Yeah, just a second. 409 00:13:55,880 --> 00:13:57,880 All right, go ahead. 410 00:13:58,880 --> 00:14:00,880 Well... 411 00:14:00,880 --> 00:14:02,880 Okay, thank you. 412 00:14:03,880 --> 00:14:06,880 Abernathy at the coroner's office just finished the autopsy. 413 00:14:06,880 --> 00:14:07,880 Anything? 414 00:14:07,880 --> 00:14:08,880 Yeah. 415 00:14:08,880 --> 00:14:10,880 Considerable amount of poison in the victim's stomach. 416 00:14:10,880 --> 00:14:12,880 You are listening to Dragnet, 417 00:14:12,880 --> 00:14:14,880 authentic stories of your police force in action. 418 00:14:14,880 --> 00:14:18,880 Friends, the name Fatima has always stood for quality. 419 00:14:18,880 --> 00:14:20,880 Fatimas are distinctive, 420 00:14:20,880 --> 00:14:23,880 with a truly different flavor and aroma. 421 00:14:23,880 --> 00:14:25,880 And in king-size Fatima, 422 00:14:25,880 --> 00:14:27,880 you get an extra mild and soothing smoke, 423 00:14:27,880 --> 00:14:38,900 plus the extra strong flavor of the 424 00:14:38,900 --> 00:14:40,900 fatima. 425 00:14:40,900 --> 00:14:44,900 Yes, there's a good reason why Fatima continues to grow in favor 426 00:14:44,900 --> 00:14:46,900 among king-size cigarette smokers everywhere. 427 00:14:46,900 --> 00:14:49,900 In Fatima, the difference is quality. 428 00:14:49,900 --> 00:14:51,900 Quality of tobaccos, 429 00:14:51,900 --> 00:14:53,900 the finest Turkish and domestic varieties, 430 00:14:53,900 --> 00:14:55,900 extra mild and superbly blended, 431 00:14:55,900 --> 00:14:57,900 to give you a much different, 432 00:14:57,900 --> 00:14:59,900 much better flavor and aroma. 433 00:14:59,900 --> 00:15:01,900 Quality of manufacture, 434 00:15:01,900 --> 00:15:03,900 smooth, round, perfect cigarettes, 435 00:15:03,900 --> 00:15:05,900 rolled in the finest paper, 436 00:15:05,900 --> 00:15:08,900 money can buy. 437 00:15:08,900 --> 00:15:10,900 Quality, even to the appearance of the bright, 438 00:15:10,900 --> 00:15:12,900 sunny yellow pack, 439 00:15:12,900 --> 00:15:15,900 carefully wrapped and sealed to bring you Fatima's 440 00:15:15,900 --> 00:15:18,900 rich, fresh, extra mild flavor. 441 00:15:18,900 --> 00:15:21,900 So next time, insist on Fatima quality. 442 00:15:21,900 --> 00:15:23,900 Look for the bright, sunny yellow pack. 443 00:15:23,900 --> 00:15:25,900 Smoke Fatima, 444 00:15:25,900 --> 00:15:28,900 the extra mild and soothing king-size cigarette, 445 00:15:28,900 --> 00:15:39,900 with the added protection of Fatima quality. 446 00:15:39,900 --> 00:15:41,900 The finding of the poison in the stomach of Alfred Prater 447 00:15:41,900 --> 00:15:44,900 had definitely ruled out natural or accidental death. 448 00:15:44,900 --> 00:15:46,900 There was still the possibility, however, 449 00:15:46,900 --> 00:15:48,900 that he'd taken his own life. 450 00:15:48,900 --> 00:15:50,900 The story given us by the sun made this unlikely, 451 00:15:50,900 --> 00:15:53,900 but still was in the realm of possibility. 452 00:15:53,900 --> 00:15:57,900 1.15 p.m., Frank and I arrived at the Prater residence. 453 00:15:57,900 --> 00:15:59,900 Yes? 454 00:15:59,900 --> 00:16:01,900 Oh, you're the officers who were here last night. 455 00:16:01,900 --> 00:16:02,900 Won't you come in? 456 00:16:02,900 --> 00:16:04,900 Thank you, ma'am. 457 00:16:04,900 --> 00:16:06,900 Something more that you wanted to know? 458 00:16:06,900 --> 00:16:08,900 I think I told you everything last night. 459 00:16:08,900 --> 00:16:09,900 Well, something's come up, ma'am, 460 00:16:09,900 --> 00:16:10,900 and it kind of changes things a little. 461 00:16:10,900 --> 00:16:11,900 What's that? 462 00:16:11,900 --> 00:16:12,900 Originally, ma'am, we thought your husband's death 463 00:16:12,900 --> 00:16:14,900 was natural or accidental. 464 00:16:14,900 --> 00:16:15,900 You mean now you don't think so? 465 00:16:15,900 --> 00:16:17,900 No, ma'am, he died of poison. 466 00:16:17,900 --> 00:16:18,900 No, it can't be. 467 00:16:18,900 --> 00:16:19,900 There's a mistake somewhere. 468 00:16:19,900 --> 00:16:20,900 I'm afraid not, ma'am. 469 00:16:20,900 --> 00:16:21,900 I wonder if we could sit down 470 00:16:21,900 --> 00:16:22,900 and a few questions we're going to have to ask him. 471 00:16:22,900 --> 00:16:24,900 Yes, of course, this is quite a shock, officers. 472 00:16:24,900 --> 00:16:25,900 I don't know what to think. 473 00:16:25,900 --> 00:16:27,900 Yes, ma'am. 474 00:16:27,900 --> 00:16:28,900 Could you tell us what you had for dinner last night, 475 00:16:28,900 --> 00:16:29,900 what your husband ate? 476 00:16:29,900 --> 00:16:31,900 He ate the same things all of us did, nothing different. 477 00:16:31,900 --> 00:16:32,900 What was that, ma'am? 478 00:16:32,900 --> 00:16:34,900 Green salad, macaroni and cheese, bread and butter, 479 00:16:34,900 --> 00:16:35,900 and a pudding for dessert. 480 00:16:35,900 --> 00:16:37,900 You all ate the same food, is that right? 481 00:16:37,900 --> 00:16:38,900 Yes, what are you trying to say? 482 00:16:38,900 --> 00:16:39,900 Do you think that I poisoned Alfred? 483 00:16:39,900 --> 00:16:41,900 We're not trying to say anything, Mrs. Prater. 484 00:16:41,900 --> 00:16:42,900 Your husband died of poison. 485 00:16:42,900 --> 00:16:43,900 We're trying to find out why. 486 00:16:43,900 --> 00:16:44,900 Just a minute. 487 00:16:44,900 --> 00:16:45,900 Mother? 488 00:16:45,900 --> 00:16:47,900 Mother, can you come out here a minute? 489 00:16:47,900 --> 00:16:49,900 Most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. 490 00:16:49,900 --> 00:16:51,900 Your husband having anything to drink for this dinner, ma'am? 491 00:16:51,900 --> 00:16:53,900 Of course, water, then coffee after dinner. 492 00:16:53,900 --> 00:16:55,900 He always has a couple of cups of coffee after dinner. 493 00:16:55,900 --> 00:16:57,900 All he had for this dinner was water, is that right? 494 00:16:57,900 --> 00:16:58,900 Yes, just water. 495 00:16:58,900 --> 00:16:59,900 Did he ever drink anything else for this dinner? 496 00:16:59,900 --> 00:17:01,900 Milk, tea, maybe a glass of beer? 497 00:17:01,900 --> 00:17:02,900 Milk, once in a while. 498 00:17:02,900 --> 00:17:04,900 Last night we only had enough for Ray, though. 499 00:17:04,900 --> 00:17:05,900 Just one glass. 500 00:17:05,900 --> 00:17:06,900 That's for beer, Mother. 501 00:17:06,900 --> 00:17:07,900 Ray's such a fuss. 502 00:17:07,900 --> 00:17:08,900 I don't think Alfred would want to go through it. 503 00:17:08,900 --> 00:17:09,900 I don't know if he wanted beer. 504 00:17:09,900 --> 00:17:10,900 He drank it at the bar down the street. 505 00:17:10,900 --> 00:17:12,900 Are you sure, though, that last night your husband 506 00:17:12,900 --> 00:17:14,900 only drank water with his meal, is that right? 507 00:17:14,900 --> 00:17:15,900 Yes, I told you, just water. 508 00:17:15,900 --> 00:17:17,900 Why all this harping on milk? 509 00:17:17,900 --> 00:17:18,900 What are you trying to say? 510 00:17:18,900 --> 00:17:19,900 What are you getting at? 511 00:17:19,900 --> 00:17:21,900 Mother, are you coming out? 512 00:17:21,900 --> 00:17:23,900 What's all the ruckus about? 513 00:17:23,900 --> 00:17:25,900 Can I even take a nap and pee? 514 00:17:25,900 --> 00:17:27,900 These officers just told me that Alfred's death 515 00:17:27,900 --> 00:17:28,900 wasn't accidental, Mother. 516 00:17:28,900 --> 00:17:30,900 Not accidental? Nonsense. 517 00:17:30,900 --> 00:17:31,900 The doctor said it was an accident. 518 00:17:31,900 --> 00:17:32,900 What more do you need? 519 00:17:32,900 --> 00:17:34,900 Got drunk and fell down, broke his head. 520 00:17:34,900 --> 00:17:35,900 Of course it was an accident. 521 00:17:35,900 --> 00:17:36,900 I'm afraid not, Ms. Atkins. 522 00:17:36,900 --> 00:17:37,900 Your son-in-law was poisoned. 523 00:17:37,900 --> 00:17:38,900 Poisoned? How? 524 00:17:38,900 --> 00:17:40,900 That's what we're trying to find out. 525 00:17:40,900 --> 00:17:42,900 I seem to think that maybe I did it, Mother. 526 00:17:42,900 --> 00:17:43,900 You? 527 00:17:43,900 --> 00:17:44,900 Why, that's ridiculous. 528 00:17:44,900 --> 00:17:45,900 Why would she do it? 529 00:17:45,900 --> 00:17:47,900 Well, it was quite a bit of insurance, for one thing. 530 00:17:47,900 --> 00:17:49,900 You've been nosing around, haven't you? 531 00:17:49,900 --> 00:17:51,900 So there was a little insurance. What does that prove? 532 00:17:51,900 --> 00:17:52,900 It was more than a little, ma'am. 533 00:17:52,900 --> 00:17:53,900 $25,000 worth. 534 00:17:53,900 --> 00:17:55,900 Double indemnity clause makes it $50,000. 535 00:17:55,900 --> 00:17:57,900 That brings up another thing, Ms. Prater. 536 00:17:57,900 --> 00:17:58,900 Yes? 537 00:17:58,900 --> 00:17:59,900 The insurance company says that you called them 538 00:17:59,900 --> 00:18:01,900 and wanted to raise the amount of the policy. 539 00:18:01,900 --> 00:18:02,900 Is that right? 540 00:18:02,900 --> 00:18:04,900 Well, yes, I did call them, but Alfred told me to. 541 00:18:04,900 --> 00:18:06,900 Said he wanted to provide more for me and Ray. 542 00:18:06,900 --> 00:18:08,900 Anyone hear your husband say that he wanted more insurance? 543 00:18:08,900 --> 00:18:10,900 No, we're not in the habit of discussing our private business 544 00:18:10,900 --> 00:18:11,900 around other people. 545 00:18:11,900 --> 00:18:13,900 Other people learn to keep their noses where they belong. 546 00:18:13,900 --> 00:18:15,900 The world would be a better place. 547 00:18:15,900 --> 00:18:16,900 Ms. Atkins, I'm sorry. 548 00:18:16,900 --> 00:18:17,900 I'm sorry. 549 00:18:17,900 --> 00:18:19,900 I'm sorry, but I don't think we can be a better place. 550 00:18:19,900 --> 00:18:21,900 Ms. Atkins, I wonder if you could tell us 551 00:18:21,900 --> 00:18:23,900 what you had for dinner last night. 552 00:18:23,900 --> 00:18:24,900 Well, that is the limit. 553 00:18:24,900 --> 00:18:25,900 I just told you what we had. 554 00:18:25,900 --> 00:18:26,900 Isn't that enough? 555 00:18:26,900 --> 00:18:28,900 Come in here and you ask a lot of questions. 556 00:18:28,900 --> 00:18:29,900 Poor Alfred's not even buried 557 00:18:29,900 --> 00:18:31,900 and you come in here and upset him. 558 00:18:31,900 --> 00:18:32,900 We're awfully sorry, Mrs. Prater, 559 00:18:32,900 --> 00:18:34,900 but we have to find out that's what we're paid for. 560 00:18:34,900 --> 00:18:35,900 It's all right, Ellen. 561 00:18:35,900 --> 00:18:36,900 We've got nothing to hide. 562 00:18:36,900 --> 00:18:37,900 Answer their questions, 563 00:18:37,900 --> 00:18:39,900 and then maybe they'll leave us alone. 564 00:18:39,900 --> 00:18:41,900 But I told them that we don't know anything about it. 565 00:18:41,900 --> 00:18:42,900 I told them. 566 00:18:42,900 --> 00:18:44,900 All right, honey, now calm down. 567 00:18:44,900 --> 00:18:48,900 Now, dinner last night, what you wanted to know about? 568 00:18:48,900 --> 00:18:49,900 Yes, ma'am, just what you had to eat. 569 00:18:49,900 --> 00:18:51,900 Macaroni and cheese, little salad, 570 00:18:51,900 --> 00:18:52,900 and some pudding Ellen made. 571 00:18:52,900 --> 00:18:53,900 Nothing else? 572 00:18:53,900 --> 00:18:54,900 Bread and butter. 573 00:18:54,900 --> 00:18:55,900 How about something to drink? 574 00:18:55,900 --> 00:18:57,900 Water, good, clean water. 575 00:18:57,900 --> 00:18:58,900 Ray drink water too? 576 00:18:58,900 --> 00:18:59,900 No, he had milk. 577 00:18:59,900 --> 00:19:00,900 Mr. Prater drink milk? 578 00:19:00,900 --> 00:19:01,900 I told you. 579 00:19:01,900 --> 00:19:02,900 We'd like for your mother to tell us too, ma'am, 580 00:19:02,900 --> 00:19:04,900 just to keep the record straight. 581 00:19:04,900 --> 00:19:06,900 I think he might have had some milk to drink. 582 00:19:06,900 --> 00:19:07,900 I don't remember, special. 583 00:19:07,900 --> 00:19:08,900 No, he didn't, mother. 584 00:19:08,900 --> 00:19:10,900 Remember when I poured the milk for Ray? 585 00:19:10,900 --> 00:19:11,900 I said there wasn't enough for anyone else. 586 00:19:11,900 --> 00:19:13,900 Just one glass for Ray, that's all there was. 587 00:19:13,900 --> 00:19:14,900 Don't you remember? 588 00:19:14,900 --> 00:19:16,900 No, I don't, but if you say it was that way, 589 00:19:16,900 --> 00:19:17,900 then I guess it was. 590 00:19:17,900 --> 00:19:19,900 You've got no reason to lie. 591 00:19:19,900 --> 00:19:20,900 Ever occurred to you officers 592 00:19:20,900 --> 00:19:22,900 that maybe Alfred took the poison himself? 593 00:19:22,900 --> 00:19:23,900 Ever think of that? 594 00:19:23,900 --> 00:19:24,900 How's that, ma'am? 595 00:19:24,900 --> 00:19:26,900 Well, didn't you tell him, Ellen, 596 00:19:26,900 --> 00:19:27,900 about how he used to moan around the house 597 00:19:27,900 --> 00:19:29,900 saying he couldn't stand it anymore? 598 00:19:29,900 --> 00:19:30,900 Now, what's this, ma'am? 599 00:19:30,900 --> 00:19:32,900 Your husband ever talk about taking his own life? 600 00:19:32,900 --> 00:19:33,900 Yes, I didn't want to bring it up, 601 00:19:33,900 --> 00:19:34,900 but now I suppose I'll have to. 602 00:19:34,900 --> 00:19:35,900 Yes. 603 00:19:35,900 --> 00:19:36,900 Alfred was pretty depressed. 604 00:19:36,900 --> 00:19:38,900 He felt that he wasn't getting it in place in his job. 605 00:19:38,900 --> 00:19:41,900 He felt that at his age, he should be farther along. 606 00:19:41,900 --> 00:19:44,900 At times, he'd get real low, say he wasn't going any place. 607 00:19:44,900 --> 00:19:46,900 I did my best to make him feel better. 608 00:19:46,900 --> 00:19:47,900 I guess it didn't do any good. 609 00:19:47,900 --> 00:19:49,900 Well, did he ever say he was thinking of taking his own life? 610 00:19:49,900 --> 00:19:50,900 Yes, several times. 611 00:19:50,900 --> 00:19:51,900 I laughed him out of it, 612 00:19:51,900 --> 00:19:53,900 and things would go on quiet for a while, 613 00:19:53,900 --> 00:19:55,900 and then something would happen that would set him off again. 614 00:19:55,900 --> 00:19:58,900 Well, how is it that you didn't tell us about this before, ma'am? 615 00:19:58,900 --> 00:19:59,900 Well, I didn't think it would prove anything. 616 00:19:59,900 --> 00:20:01,900 No reason to drag skeletons out of the closet. 617 00:20:01,900 --> 00:20:02,900 You satisfied now? 618 00:20:02,900 --> 00:20:03,900 You happy? 619 00:20:03,900 --> 00:20:06,900 Now you know about Alfred, maybe he'll leave us alone. 620 00:20:06,900 --> 00:20:07,900 Is your son here, ma'am? 621 00:20:07,900 --> 00:20:09,900 Yes, he's out in the yard playing. 622 00:20:09,900 --> 00:20:11,900 I'll call him if you have to talk to him. 623 00:20:11,900 --> 00:20:12,900 I'd like to very much, ma'am. 624 00:20:12,900 --> 00:20:13,900 All right, I'll get him. 625 00:20:13,900 --> 00:20:14,900 Before you go, Miss Freider. 626 00:20:14,900 --> 00:20:15,900 Yes? 627 00:20:15,900 --> 00:20:17,900 Do you keep any poison around the house? 628 00:20:17,900 --> 00:20:19,900 Of course not. I'd be afraid that Ray might find it. 629 00:20:19,900 --> 00:20:22,900 Nothing at all? Nothing for rats, gophers, anything like that? 630 00:20:22,900 --> 00:20:24,900 No, never been bothered with rats and mice. 631 00:20:24,900 --> 00:20:27,900 There aren't any gophers around. No, Sergeant, there's no poison in the house. 632 00:20:27,900 --> 00:20:29,900 Well, you wouldn't mind if we looked around, would you? 633 00:20:29,900 --> 00:20:31,900 Maybe your husband bought some and he didn't tell you about it. 634 00:20:31,900 --> 00:20:33,900 No, go ahead and look. I know you won't find anything. 635 00:20:33,900 --> 00:20:36,900 Alfred and I had talked about keeping anything around that Ray might get into. 636 00:20:36,900 --> 00:20:39,900 I don't recall ever having bought any poison. I'm pretty sure Alfred didn't. 637 00:20:39,900 --> 00:20:41,900 Well, we'll take a look later, ma'am. It's all right. 638 00:20:41,900 --> 00:20:42,900 Now, if we could just talk to your son? 639 00:20:42,900 --> 00:20:44,900 I'll get him. 640 00:20:46,900 --> 00:20:49,900 Ray? Ray, come in here. 641 00:20:49,900 --> 00:20:51,900 No, right now. 642 00:20:52,900 --> 00:20:56,900 You'll be right in, Mr. Freider. I hope you won't say anything to upset him. 643 00:20:57,900 --> 00:20:59,900 Yeah, Mom? What do you want? 644 00:20:59,900 --> 00:21:02,900 These men here would like to talk to you, son. They're policemen. 645 00:21:02,900 --> 00:21:05,900 What do they want to talk to me about? I haven't done anything. 646 00:21:05,900 --> 00:21:07,900 We know that, Ray. Just have a couple of questions for you. 647 00:21:07,900 --> 00:21:10,900 This is Mr. Freider and Mr. Smith, my son Ray. 648 00:21:10,900 --> 00:21:12,900 Hi. Pleased to meet you. 649 00:21:12,900 --> 00:21:15,900 You bet. I wonder if you could tell us what you had for dinner last night, Ray? 650 00:21:15,900 --> 00:21:16,900 Dinner? 651 00:21:16,900 --> 00:21:17,900 Yes, son. 652 00:21:17,900 --> 00:21:20,900 Well, Mom fixed macaroni and cheese. We had that. 653 00:21:20,900 --> 00:21:21,900 Anything else, son? 654 00:21:21,900 --> 00:21:23,900 A salad. I didn't like it. 655 00:21:23,900 --> 00:21:25,900 Then we had some pudding for dessert. 656 00:21:25,900 --> 00:21:27,900 What did you have to drink, Ray? 657 00:21:27,900 --> 00:21:28,900 Milk. 658 00:21:28,900 --> 00:21:30,900 What did your father have? Ray? 659 00:21:30,900 --> 00:21:33,900 I don't remember too well. You better ask Mom. She'll tell you. 660 00:21:33,900 --> 00:21:36,900 I told you, Mr. Freider, only Ray had milk. His father drank water. 661 00:21:36,900 --> 00:21:38,900 Ray? 662 00:21:38,900 --> 00:21:42,900 That's right, Mr. Freider. Dad drank water. Nothing else. 663 00:21:46,900 --> 00:21:50,900 It was apparent that Mrs. Prater didn't know Ray had talked to us the night before, 664 00:21:50,900 --> 00:21:53,900 and we were reluctant to involve the boy any more than was necessary. 665 00:21:53,900 --> 00:21:58,900 We searched the house and the garage, but we found nothing that could have been used to poison the husband. 666 00:21:58,900 --> 00:22:02,900 We obtained samples of Ellen Prater's and Mrs. Atkins' handwriting. 667 00:22:02,900 --> 00:22:05,900 We canvassed the drug stores in the immediate area. 668 00:22:05,900 --> 00:22:10,900 None of the druggists we talked to could remember selling poison to a woman answering either description. 669 00:22:10,900 --> 00:22:17,900 We contacted the office, and Sergeants Gill and Senus and Danny Galindo were dispatched to the neighborhood where the Praters had lived previously. 670 00:22:17,900 --> 00:22:21,900 They were to canvass the drug stores and at the same time talk to the neighbors. 671 00:22:21,900 --> 00:22:26,900 In talking to the people in the area around the house, we found that the Praters were the subject of constant gossip. 672 00:22:26,900 --> 00:22:30,900 We heard tales of violent arguments between the victim and his wife. 673 00:22:30,900 --> 00:22:34,900 Several of the quarrels had resulted in the neighbors calling the police to quiet them. 674 00:22:34,900 --> 00:22:38,900 Around the neighborhood, we found out that Mrs. Prater had a violent temper 675 00:22:38,900 --> 00:22:41,900 and had had several arguments with her husband in the corner bar. 676 00:22:41,900 --> 00:22:44,900 According to the bartender, she accused him of running around. 677 00:22:44,900 --> 00:22:47,900 He went on to tell us that as far as he knew, nothing was further from the truth, 678 00:22:47,900 --> 00:22:54,900 that Alfred Prater loved his home and his son, and that he took to drinking as an excuse to get away from his wife's nagging. 679 00:22:54,900 --> 00:22:57,900 Five twenty p.m. Frank and I checked into the office. 680 00:22:57,900 --> 00:22:59,900 Rough day? 681 00:22:59,900 --> 00:23:00,900 Yeah, a lot of leg work. 682 00:23:00,900 --> 00:23:03,900 Not that so much, just hoping Senus and Galindo did better than us. 683 00:23:03,900 --> 00:23:07,900 Well, we didn't do too bad. We pretty much proved what you said about the happy home life wasn't true. 684 00:23:07,900 --> 00:23:08,900 I suppose. 685 00:23:08,900 --> 00:23:11,900 Without being able to show they were in possession of the poison, we aren't going to be able to prove much. 686 00:23:11,900 --> 00:23:12,900 I got it, Joe. 687 00:23:12,900 --> 00:23:16,900 Uh, homicide, Smith. Yeah, Gil. 688 00:23:16,900 --> 00:23:19,900 Mm-hmm. How about that? 689 00:23:19,900 --> 00:23:21,900 Yeah, ask him to, huh? 690 00:23:21,900 --> 00:23:22,900 Okay. 691 00:23:22,900 --> 00:23:24,900 Said what? 692 00:23:24,900 --> 00:23:25,900 Yeah, I got it. 693 00:23:25,900 --> 00:23:27,900 Right. See you then. 694 00:23:27,900 --> 00:23:28,900 And Senus? 695 00:23:28,900 --> 00:23:30,900 Yeah, they found the place she bought the poison. 696 00:23:30,900 --> 00:23:35,900 Druggist out there remembered her from the description, checked the book, used the name Eileen Peters. Funny thing, though. 697 00:23:35,900 --> 00:23:36,900 Yeah. 698 00:23:36,900 --> 00:23:39,900 When the Druggist asked her the address, she gave him the real one. You know, the house they lived in previously? 699 00:23:39,900 --> 00:23:40,900 Did she say what she wanted the poison for? 700 00:23:40,900 --> 00:23:43,900 Yeah, Gil said the book read, to destroy pests. 701 00:23:46,900 --> 00:23:50,900 On the way out to pick up Mrs. Prater, Frank and I outlined the plan for identification. 702 00:23:50,900 --> 00:23:57,900 In the event the Druggist was unable to give a positive identification, we thought it better if the suspect didn't know she was being observed. 703 00:23:57,900 --> 00:24:00,900 This would forestall any embarrassment to the Druggist. 704 00:24:00,900 --> 00:24:03,900 We arrived at the Prater home and took the suspect into custody. 705 00:24:03,900 --> 00:24:09,900 She said that she couldn't understand why we were arresting her, but that she'd be more than happy to go with us to get the thing straightened out. 706 00:24:09,900 --> 00:24:10,900 Six forty p.m. 707 00:24:10,900 --> 00:24:13,900 Frank and I talked with Mrs. Prater in the interrogation room. 708 00:24:13,900 --> 00:24:16,900 Alfred and I got along perfectly, never a misunderstanding. 709 00:24:16,900 --> 00:24:18,900 Well, your neighbors don't bear that out, Mrs. Prater. 710 00:24:18,900 --> 00:24:19,900 What? 711 00:24:19,900 --> 00:24:22,900 You two used to fight all the time, had to call the police a couple of times. 712 00:24:22,900 --> 00:24:24,900 They're busybodies, Mr. Friday, busybodies. 713 00:24:24,900 --> 00:24:26,900 They were jealous because Alfred and I were so happy. 714 00:24:26,900 --> 00:24:29,900 Once in a while we had a little fuss, but nothing worth mentioning. 715 00:24:29,900 --> 00:24:31,900 How about the police being called, ma'am? 716 00:24:31,900 --> 00:24:35,900 Well, they might have come by when we were playing the radio a little loud, having a party, something like that, but never an argument. 717 00:24:35,900 --> 00:24:38,900 You said your husband didn't drink any milk the night he died, is that right? 718 00:24:38,900 --> 00:24:39,900 That's right, I did. 719 00:24:39,900 --> 00:24:41,900 Your boy Ray seems to disagree with that. 720 00:24:41,900 --> 00:24:45,900 He said that his father did drink some milk, commented on the fact that it tasted bitter. 721 00:24:45,900 --> 00:24:48,900 The little sneak, he's lying, of course, you know that. 722 00:24:48,900 --> 00:24:50,900 Wait a minute, you talked to him. 723 00:24:50,900 --> 00:24:52,900 You said that his father drank water, like I said. 724 00:24:52,900 --> 00:24:54,900 What are you trying to do, cause trouble between me and my son? 725 00:24:54,900 --> 00:24:55,900 No, ma'am. 726 00:24:55,900 --> 00:24:56,900 I should hope not. 727 00:24:56,900 --> 00:24:59,900 Poor little kid, father dead, and you're trying to say that I did it, that I killed Ray's father. 728 00:24:59,900 --> 00:25:01,900 You ought to be ashamed of yourself. 729 00:25:01,900 --> 00:25:02,900 Frank. 730 00:25:02,900 --> 00:25:03,900 Yeah, Joe. 731 00:25:03,900 --> 00:25:04,900 It's a little warm in here. 732 00:25:04,900 --> 00:25:05,900 You want to open the door for a minute? 733 00:25:05,900 --> 00:25:06,900 Yeah, sure. 734 00:25:06,900 --> 00:25:07,900 Thank you. 735 00:25:07,900 --> 00:25:09,900 That's better. 736 00:25:09,900 --> 00:25:11,900 It's not too cold on you as a Mrs. Prater. 737 00:25:11,900 --> 00:25:12,900 No. 738 00:25:12,900 --> 00:25:14,900 Mrs. Prater, did you ever buy any poison for any purpose? 739 00:25:14,900 --> 00:25:17,900 You asked me that before, I told you no then, the answer's the same now. 740 00:25:17,900 --> 00:25:19,900 You sure that you never bought any poison of any type? 741 00:25:19,900 --> 00:25:21,900 Absolutely. 742 00:25:21,900 --> 00:25:24,900 You ever do any business with a Mr. McClain in your old neighborhood? 743 00:25:24,900 --> 00:25:25,900 McClain? 744 00:25:25,900 --> 00:25:26,900 Don't we call him names? 745 00:25:26,900 --> 00:25:27,900 He's a drugger. 746 00:25:27,900 --> 00:25:31,900 No, no, I always bought from Mr. Swenson, a little drug store in the corner near the house. 747 00:25:31,900 --> 00:25:33,900 Excuse me, ma'am, will you please, I want to check something down the hall. 748 00:25:33,900 --> 00:25:35,900 Yeah, all right, fine. 749 00:25:35,900 --> 00:25:38,900 Listen, maybe you haven't got anything else to do, but I have. 750 00:25:38,900 --> 00:25:40,900 If you'll get this foolishness over with, I'd like to go home. 751 00:25:40,900 --> 00:25:41,900 We're almost finished, Mrs. Prater. 752 00:25:41,900 --> 00:25:42,900 Just a couple more things. 753 00:25:42,900 --> 00:25:45,900 Well, get him over with. 754 00:25:45,900 --> 00:25:46,900 Same one, Joe. 755 00:25:46,900 --> 00:25:47,900 He's positive. 756 00:25:47,900 --> 00:25:48,900 Mrs. Prater? 757 00:25:48,900 --> 00:25:49,900 Yes? 758 00:25:49,900 --> 00:25:52,900 Maybe if we lay this thing out for you, it'd be a little better. 759 00:25:52,900 --> 00:25:53,900 Anything to get it over with. 760 00:25:53,900 --> 00:25:55,900 I want to go home, I've got to get dinner for Ray and Mother. 761 00:25:55,900 --> 00:25:56,900 All right. 762 00:25:56,900 --> 00:25:58,900 In the first place, you told us that you and your husband were happy. 763 00:25:58,900 --> 00:26:00,900 The neighbors tell us that you fought all the time. 764 00:26:00,900 --> 00:26:03,900 The bartender says you used to come in and raise the roof with your husband. 765 00:26:03,900 --> 00:26:05,900 You claim he was going out with other women. 766 00:26:05,900 --> 00:26:08,900 So the part about you and your husband being happy is a lie, isn't it? 767 00:26:08,900 --> 00:26:09,900 I don't know what you're talking about. 768 00:26:09,900 --> 00:26:12,900 Well, you said your husband didn't drink any milk for dinner the night he died. 769 00:26:12,900 --> 00:26:13,900 Your son says he did. 770 00:26:13,900 --> 00:26:14,900 What's all this about milk anyway? 771 00:26:14,900 --> 00:26:16,900 What's that got to do with it? 772 00:26:16,900 --> 00:26:19,900 According to what your son said, it looks like that's what your husband got the poison in, doesn't it? 773 00:26:19,900 --> 00:26:20,900 Where would I get poison? 774 00:26:20,900 --> 00:26:21,900 I didn't buy any. 775 00:26:21,900 --> 00:26:22,900 I told you that. 776 00:26:22,900 --> 00:26:24,900 You searched the house in the garage, you didn't find any. 777 00:26:24,900 --> 00:26:25,900 We've got the man to solve it to you, Mrs. Prater. 778 00:26:25,900 --> 00:26:27,900 He just gave a positive identification. 779 00:26:27,900 --> 00:26:32,900 And Don Meyer, our handwriting man, checked the samples of your handwriting with a signature in the druggist buy book. 780 00:26:32,900 --> 00:26:33,900 They're the same. 781 00:26:33,900 --> 00:26:35,900 He might have wanted to collect on that insurance policy. 782 00:26:35,900 --> 00:26:38,900 Any way you look at him, Mrs. Prater, the facts point out that you killed your husband. 783 00:26:38,900 --> 00:26:41,900 Now why not admit it? 784 00:26:41,900 --> 00:26:43,900 I didn't want to kill him. 785 00:26:43,900 --> 00:26:45,900 I only wanted to make him sick. 786 00:26:45,900 --> 00:26:46,900 Just sick, that's all. 787 00:26:46,900 --> 00:26:48,900 Stop drinking, stay home a little bit. 788 00:26:48,900 --> 00:26:49,900 I didn't want to kill him. 789 00:26:49,900 --> 00:26:51,900 I didn't mean it. 790 00:26:51,900 --> 00:26:52,900 I didn't want the money. 791 00:26:52,900 --> 00:26:54,900 I just wanted him home with me. 792 00:26:54,900 --> 00:26:55,900 Yes, ma'am. 793 00:26:55,900 --> 00:26:56,900 Frank, you want to call the stenographer? 794 00:26:56,900 --> 00:26:57,900 Yeah, Joe. 795 00:27:03,900 --> 00:27:05,900 You can understand a canch, Mr. Friday? 796 00:27:05,900 --> 00:27:06,900 Ma'am? 797 00:27:06,900 --> 00:27:07,900 You can understand it? 798 00:27:07,900 --> 00:27:08,900 I thought he was running around. 799 00:27:08,900 --> 00:27:10,900 I wanted him home with me and Ray and Mother. 800 00:27:10,900 --> 00:27:12,900 A nice little home for Ray. 801 00:27:12,900 --> 00:27:13,900 That's all I wanted. 802 00:27:13,900 --> 00:27:14,900 Is that wrong? 803 00:27:14,900 --> 00:27:15,900 Something nice for Ray. 804 00:27:15,900 --> 00:27:16,900 Is that wrong? 805 00:27:16,900 --> 00:27:17,900 Well, I don't know. 806 00:27:17,900 --> 00:27:18,900 What? 807 00:27:18,900 --> 00:27:20,900 What's he got now? 808 00:27:27,900 --> 00:27:29,900 The story you have just heard was true. 809 00:27:29,900 --> 00:27:32,900 The names were changed to protect the innocent. 810 00:27:32,900 --> 00:27:38,900 On January 13th, trial was held in Superior Court, Department 87, City and County of Los Angeles, State of California. 811 00:27:38,900 --> 00:27:40,900 In a moment, the results of that trial. 812 00:27:40,900 --> 00:27:42,900 And now here is our star, Jack Webb. 813 00:27:42,900 --> 00:27:44,900 Thank you, George Fenomen. 814 00:27:44,900 --> 00:27:48,900 Friends, you know best of anyone what you're looking for in a king-size cigarette. 815 00:27:48,900 --> 00:27:49,900 So here's all I ask you to do. 816 00:27:49,900 --> 00:27:52,900 Try Fatima's and then make up your own mind. 817 00:27:52,900 --> 00:27:57,900 If you're looking for an extra mild and soothing smoke and a really different flavor and aroma, 818 00:27:57,900 --> 00:27:59,900 then Fatima is the king-size cigarette for you. 819 00:27:59,900 --> 00:28:02,900 Ask for Fatima in the bright, sunny yellow pack. 820 00:28:02,900 --> 00:28:04,900 King-size Fatima. 821 00:28:04,900 --> 00:28:14,900 The difference is quality. 822 00:28:14,900 --> 00:28:18,900 Ellen Adelaide Prater was tried and found guilty of murder in the first degree. 823 00:28:18,900 --> 00:28:23,900 She was sentenced to life imprisonment and is now serving her term in the state penitentiary for women. 824 00:28:23,900 --> 00:28:30,900 Further investigation proved that the mother-in-law, Mrs. Ruth Atkins, was unaware of the intention of her daughter to kill her husband. 825 00:28:30,900 --> 00:28:42,900 She was not connected in any way with the death of Alfred Prater. 826 00:28:42,900 --> 00:28:46,900 You have just heard Dragnet, a series of authentic cases from official files. 827 00:28:46,900 --> 00:28:51,900 Technical advice comes from the Office of Chief of Police, W.H. Parker, Los Angeles Police Department. 828 00:28:51,900 --> 00:28:56,900 Technical advisors, Captain Jack Donahoe, Sergeant Marty Wynn, Sergeant Vance Brasher. 829 00:28:56,900 --> 00:29:00,900 Heard tonight were Herb Ellis, June Whitley, Sammy Og, Virginia Gregg. 830 00:29:00,900 --> 00:29:07,900 Script by John Robinson. Music by Walter Schuman. Hal Gibney speaking. 831 00:29:07,900 --> 00:29:19,900 King-size Fatima has brought you Dragnet, transcribed from Los Angeles. 832 00:29:19,900 --> 00:29:31,900 This is NBC, the national broadcasting company.