1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:13,880 Ladies and gentlemen, the story you are about to hear is true. 2 00:00:13,880 --> 00:00:17,520 The names have been changed to protect the innocent. 3 00:00:17,520 --> 00:00:28,280 Dragnet. 4 00:00:28,280 --> 00:00:32,240 For Detective Sergeant, you're assigned a juvenile detail. 5 00:00:32,240 --> 00:00:36,840 In the past six weeks, a junior high school has been broken into three times, and extensive 6 00:00:36,840 --> 00:00:39,160 damage has been done by vandals. 7 00:00:39,160 --> 00:00:46,320 Your job, investigate. 8 00:00:46,320 --> 00:00:47,560 Was Monday, March 9th. 9 00:00:47,560 --> 00:00:48,560 Was cold in Los Angeles. 10 00:00:48,560 --> 00:00:50,680 We were working the day watch out of juvenile detail. 11 00:00:50,680 --> 00:00:51,680 My partner's Frank Smith. 12 00:00:51,680 --> 00:00:52,680 The boss is Captain Powers. 13 00:00:52,680 --> 00:00:53,680 My name's Friday. 14 00:00:53,680 --> 00:00:55,360 We're on our way out from the office. 15 00:00:55,360 --> 00:01:00,560 It was 8.32 a.m. when we got to the Hillside Junior High School, the Vice Principal's office. 16 00:01:00,560 --> 00:01:01,560 Good morning. 17 00:01:01,560 --> 00:01:02,560 May I help you? 18 00:01:02,560 --> 00:01:03,560 Yes, ma'am. 19 00:01:03,560 --> 00:01:04,560 Police officers. 20 00:01:04,560 --> 00:01:05,560 We'd like to see Miss Ridley. 21 00:01:05,560 --> 00:01:06,560 Oh, yes. 22 00:01:06,560 --> 00:01:07,560 You've been here before, haven't you? 23 00:01:07,560 --> 00:01:08,560 That's right. 24 00:01:08,560 --> 00:01:09,560 Miss Ridley's expecting you. 25 00:01:09,560 --> 00:01:10,560 You can go right in. 26 00:01:10,560 --> 00:01:11,560 Thank you very much. 27 00:01:11,560 --> 00:01:12,560 Come in. 28 00:01:12,560 --> 00:01:13,560 Good morning, officers. 29 00:01:13,560 --> 00:01:14,560 Come in, please. 30 00:01:14,560 --> 00:01:15,560 You can sit down. 31 00:01:15,560 --> 00:01:16,560 Thank you. 32 00:01:16,560 --> 00:01:19,560 You seem to be getting more than our share of trouble. 33 00:01:19,560 --> 00:01:20,560 Yes, ma'am. 34 00:01:20,560 --> 00:01:21,560 What is it this time? 35 00:01:21,560 --> 00:01:25,560 Same as before, a little more serious. 36 00:01:25,560 --> 00:01:26,560 Cafeteria? 37 00:01:26,560 --> 00:01:27,560 Yes. 38 00:01:27,560 --> 00:01:28,560 Wait until you see the place. 39 00:01:28,560 --> 00:01:29,560 Just downright vandalism. 40 00:01:29,560 --> 00:01:30,560 Food thrown all over on the walls and the floor. 41 00:01:30,560 --> 00:01:31,560 But they didn't stop there. 42 00:01:31,560 --> 00:01:32,560 What do you mean? 43 00:01:32,560 --> 00:01:33,560 The student supply store was broken into. 44 00:01:33,560 --> 00:01:34,560 In fact, that's where the entrance was made. 45 00:01:34,560 --> 00:01:35,560 Yeah. 46 00:01:35,560 --> 00:01:36,560 The girl in charge says that a number of items are missing. 47 00:01:36,560 --> 00:01:37,560 What was taken? 48 00:01:37,560 --> 00:01:41,640 I think the students used in school, notebook, pencil, fountain pen, and a 49 00:01:41,640 --> 00:01:47,080 little bit of a 50 00:01:47,080 --> 00:01:58,160 transportation book taken to those the kind of kids use on the buses and streetcars. 51 00:01:58,160 --> 00:01:59,160 That's right. 52 00:01:59,160 --> 00:02:00,720 Well, they have serial numbers, don't they? 53 00:02:00,720 --> 00:02:02,520 Yes, we keep a record of them in the office. 54 00:02:02,520 --> 00:02:04,720 They'll be able to give us a list of the numbers on the missing books. 55 00:02:04,720 --> 00:02:05,720 Oh, yes. 56 00:02:05,720 --> 00:02:06,720 All right, fine. 57 00:02:06,720 --> 00:02:07,720 What if we take a look at that store room? 58 00:02:07,720 --> 00:02:08,720 Surely. 59 00:02:08,720 --> 00:02:09,720 It's right next to the office. 60 00:02:09,720 --> 00:02:14,240 I wasn't so sure the last time, but I am now. 61 00:02:14,240 --> 00:02:15,240 What do you mean? 62 00:02:15,240 --> 00:02:19,440 I thought who's responsible for this. 63 00:02:19,440 --> 00:02:21,040 You got an idea who might have done it? 64 00:02:21,040 --> 00:02:25,760 Well, I'm pretty sure it must be a student or a former student. 65 00:02:25,760 --> 00:02:27,240 Why do you say that, Miss Ridley? 66 00:02:27,240 --> 00:02:29,360 No, there's the window they entered. 67 00:02:29,360 --> 00:02:36,440 Somebody must have known that this window opened under the store room. 68 00:02:36,440 --> 00:02:38,720 Screen's torn here and the window's broken. 69 00:02:38,720 --> 00:02:42,960 You know somebody special in mind who might have done this? 70 00:02:42,960 --> 00:02:43,960 No. 71 00:02:43,960 --> 00:02:48,240 It wouldn't be fair to cast suspicion on any boy or girl without proof. 72 00:02:48,240 --> 00:02:51,560 Well, have you had trouble with any students since we were here last? 73 00:02:51,560 --> 00:02:52,560 Yes. 74 00:02:52,560 --> 00:02:54,040 What was wrong, ma'am? 75 00:02:54,040 --> 00:02:57,560 During study periods, a group of five boys were causing minor disturbances. 76 00:02:57,560 --> 00:02:58,560 Uh-huh. 77 00:02:58,560 --> 00:02:59,840 But it's all been straightened out. 78 00:02:59,840 --> 00:03:01,640 I had a talk with the leader of the group. 79 00:03:01,640 --> 00:03:04,520 Found out he wanted to take part in school athletics. 80 00:03:04,520 --> 00:03:09,280 His parents didn't want him to, afraid he might be injured. 81 00:03:09,280 --> 00:03:11,400 So I called them in for a conference. 82 00:03:11,400 --> 00:03:14,960 We talked and they finally agreed to let the boy participate in school sports. 83 00:03:14,960 --> 00:03:15,960 Uh-huh. 84 00:03:15,960 --> 00:03:17,360 That's all there was to it. 85 00:03:17,360 --> 00:03:18,920 Haven't had any trouble since. 86 00:03:18,920 --> 00:03:20,520 How about the other boys? 87 00:03:20,520 --> 00:03:21,880 They weren't really bad. 88 00:03:21,880 --> 00:03:24,120 Without a leader, they just settled down. 89 00:03:24,120 --> 00:03:25,840 I'm sure it wasn't any of them. 90 00:03:25,840 --> 00:03:26,840 Uh-huh. 91 00:03:26,840 --> 00:03:30,800 What if you could tell us if anything has been moved in here? 92 00:03:30,800 --> 00:03:31,800 No. 93 00:03:31,800 --> 00:03:33,120 This is just the way we found it. 94 00:03:33,120 --> 00:03:34,120 Uh-huh. 95 00:03:34,120 --> 00:03:36,400 I wonder why they didn't mess this room up, too. 96 00:03:36,400 --> 00:03:38,800 I don't know. 97 00:03:38,800 --> 00:03:43,880 I've been teaching for 20 years and I'm pretty sure of one thing. 98 00:03:43,880 --> 00:03:44,880 What's that, ma'am? 99 00:03:44,880 --> 00:03:49,800 Children do wrong, but not because they want to be tough or brave. 100 00:03:49,800 --> 00:03:51,680 Usually because they're afraid of something. 101 00:03:51,680 --> 00:03:52,680 Uh-huh. 102 00:03:52,680 --> 00:03:54,840 Most of them are pretty frightened kids. 103 00:03:54,840 --> 00:03:55,840 They need help. 104 00:03:55,840 --> 00:03:56,840 Well, we'll buy that. 105 00:03:56,840 --> 00:04:00,680 The problem is, what happens to them if they don't get it? 106 00:04:00,680 --> 00:04:03,400 I'm afraid you know the answer to that one better than I do. 107 00:04:03,400 --> 00:04:04,400 They'll still be around. 108 00:04:04,400 --> 00:04:05,400 Yes? 109 00:04:05,400 --> 00:04:17,320 They'll still be frightened adults. 110 00:04:17,320 --> 00:04:21,040 In the cafeteria, we found conditions about the same as we had after the previous acts 111 00:04:21,040 --> 00:04:23,040 of vandalism at the school. 112 00:04:23,040 --> 00:04:26,880 The refrigerator had been ransacked, cartons of milk along with containers of ice cream 113 00:04:26,880 --> 00:04:31,240 and frozen foods had been smacked against the walls and the floor. 114 00:04:31,240 --> 00:04:35,760 The tables had been overturned and the chairs had been thrown around and broken. 115 00:04:35,760 --> 00:04:38,200 The floor was covered with glass. 116 00:04:38,200 --> 00:04:41,360 Frank put in a call to latent prints and they sent a crew out to go over the storeroom and 117 00:04:41,360 --> 00:04:43,360 the cafeteria. 118 00:04:43,360 --> 00:04:47,360 Miss Ridley told us that she had already notified school security. 119 00:04:47,360 --> 00:04:50,880 Before we left, she furnished us with a complete list of stolen articles and the serial numbers 120 00:04:50,880 --> 00:04:53,800 for the missing student transportation books. 121 00:04:53,800 --> 00:04:55,760 We returned to Georgia Street and met with Captain Powers. 122 00:04:55,760 --> 00:04:57,120 You're pretty sure it's jubilant? 123 00:04:57,120 --> 00:05:00,560 Yeah, the kind of stuff it was taken and the damage done, sure points that way. 124 00:05:00,560 --> 00:05:01,760 Any help from Miss Ridley? 125 00:05:01,760 --> 00:05:04,000 Yeah, but she couldn't give us any names. 126 00:05:04,000 --> 00:05:05,000 No teacher-pupil problem. 127 00:05:05,000 --> 00:05:08,440 Yeah, she mentioned a minor case, but said it had been cleared up. 128 00:05:08,440 --> 00:05:11,800 This is the third time in six weeks for the school, isn't it? 129 00:05:11,800 --> 00:05:12,800 Yeah. 130 00:05:12,800 --> 00:05:14,520 Kids don't usually travel very far for these deals. 131 00:05:14,520 --> 00:05:16,320 There's a good chance it's some of them from the school. 132 00:05:16,320 --> 00:05:19,760 Well, now the way it looks, if they try to peddle this stuff to the other kids, we might 133 00:05:19,760 --> 00:05:20,760 be able to get a lead on them. 134 00:05:20,760 --> 00:05:22,760 There's a hitch to that, though. 135 00:05:22,760 --> 00:05:23,760 What do you mean? 136 00:05:23,760 --> 00:05:26,320 Well, Miss Ridley said that she was going to make an announcement to the student body. 137 00:05:26,320 --> 00:05:27,320 Yeah. 138 00:05:27,320 --> 00:05:30,800 She said she'd be on the lookout for the stolen artichokes. 139 00:05:30,800 --> 00:05:32,080 Kids that took the stuff are in school. 140 00:05:32,080 --> 00:05:33,400 They might lay low for a while. 141 00:05:33,400 --> 00:05:34,400 That's it. 142 00:05:34,400 --> 00:05:35,400 How much was taken? 143 00:05:35,400 --> 00:05:37,200 About $500 for the school supplies. 144 00:05:37,200 --> 00:05:38,600 Pretty good haul. 145 00:05:38,600 --> 00:05:39,600 Yeah. 146 00:05:39,600 --> 00:05:40,960 What do you want to do about it? 147 00:05:40,960 --> 00:05:44,080 Well, if it's all right with you, Frank, and I'd like to put a stake out on the school. 148 00:05:44,080 --> 00:05:45,400 All right, when? 149 00:05:45,400 --> 00:05:47,920 We know the janitors work into the early morning hours on Fridays. 150 00:05:47,920 --> 00:05:48,920 Yeah. 151 00:05:48,920 --> 00:05:51,600 So it figures the school must be broken into sometime on Saturday or Sunday. 152 00:05:51,600 --> 00:05:53,120 All right, when do you want to start? 153 00:05:53,120 --> 00:05:54,120 This coming weekend. 154 00:05:54,120 --> 00:05:57,000 Okay, I'll arrange a clearance for you with school security. 155 00:05:57,000 --> 00:05:58,800 Any more help you need, let me know. 156 00:05:58,800 --> 00:05:59,800 Well, we're dead. 157 00:05:59,800 --> 00:06:00,800 It must have something against the cafeteria. 158 00:06:00,800 --> 00:06:02,280 The place was a real mess. 159 00:06:02,280 --> 00:06:03,280 Yeah. 160 00:06:03,280 --> 00:06:04,280 Bad enough the first couple of times. 161 00:06:04,280 --> 00:06:06,280 Didn't leave anything in the freezer this trip. 162 00:06:06,280 --> 00:06:07,520 Sure doesn't make much sense. 163 00:06:07,520 --> 00:06:08,520 I don't know. 164 00:06:08,520 --> 00:06:09,520 Maybe it does. 165 00:06:09,520 --> 00:06:10,520 What? 166 00:06:10,520 --> 00:06:11,520 Each time they hit the cafeteria, right? 167 00:06:11,520 --> 00:06:12,520 Yeah, that's right. 168 00:06:12,520 --> 00:06:13,520 And they didn't tear up the store room? 169 00:06:13,520 --> 00:06:15,520 Well, threw a few pencil boxes around. 170 00:06:15,520 --> 00:06:16,520 That's about all. 171 00:06:16,520 --> 00:06:17,800 Yes, but every time food has been destroyed. 172 00:06:17,800 --> 00:06:18,800 That's right. 173 00:06:18,800 --> 00:06:20,480 Well, we got a reason for doing it. 174 00:06:20,480 --> 00:06:21,480 Yeah? 175 00:06:21,480 --> 00:06:24,760 Somebody that can't resist the urge to eat all the time doesn't like being overweight. 176 00:06:24,760 --> 00:06:28,400 So without knowing why they do it, they destroy food. 177 00:06:28,400 --> 00:06:29,520 It could be a part of it, anyway. 178 00:06:29,520 --> 00:06:31,520 It's only a theory, but it might hold water. 179 00:06:31,520 --> 00:06:36,440 Yeah, that's true, but we don't know if it's a gang or after, or just one person. 180 00:06:36,440 --> 00:06:38,800 Another thing, they've broken in three times. 181 00:06:38,800 --> 00:06:40,160 Might have been by different kids. 182 00:06:40,160 --> 00:06:41,160 Good questions, all of them. 183 00:06:41,160 --> 00:06:42,160 Yeah. 184 00:06:42,160 --> 00:06:43,160 That's why you get paid. 185 00:06:43,160 --> 00:06:44,160 To get the answers. 186 00:06:44,160 --> 00:07:02,400 We kept in contact with Ms. Ridley during the rest of the week, but as far as she knew, 187 00:07:02,400 --> 00:07:04,640 none of the stolen articles showed up. 188 00:07:04,640 --> 00:07:08,040 Captain Powers talked with the school security section of the Board of Education, and Frank 189 00:07:08,040 --> 00:07:10,760 and I staked out in the school on Saturday and Sunday. 190 00:07:10,760 --> 00:07:13,080 There was no disturbance. 191 00:07:13,080 --> 00:07:14,960 We went back the following weekend. 192 00:07:14,960 --> 00:07:16,640 Saturday passed without trouble. 193 00:07:16,640 --> 00:07:17,640 Sunday, 7.34 p.m. 194 00:07:17,640 --> 00:07:20,640 We were sitting in the vice principal's office. 195 00:07:20,640 --> 00:07:21,640 Frank. 196 00:07:21,640 --> 00:07:22,640 Yeah? 197 00:07:22,640 --> 00:07:23,640 Come on. 198 00:07:23,640 --> 00:07:24,640 Frank. 199 00:07:24,640 --> 00:07:25,640 All right, son. 200 00:07:25,640 --> 00:07:26,640 Come on. 201 00:07:26,640 --> 00:07:27,640 Party's over. 202 00:07:27,640 --> 00:07:28,640 What? 203 00:07:28,640 --> 00:07:29,640 Come on. 204 00:07:29,640 --> 00:07:30,640 Grab him, Frank. 205 00:07:30,640 --> 00:07:31,640 Let me go. 206 00:07:31,640 --> 00:07:32,640 Let me go. 207 00:07:32,640 --> 00:07:33,640 Take it easy, boy. 208 00:07:33,640 --> 00:07:34,640 Now, take it easy. 209 00:07:34,640 --> 00:07:35,640 This isn't going to help. 210 00:07:35,640 --> 00:07:36,640 Just hold still. 211 00:07:36,640 --> 00:07:37,640 What's your name? 212 00:07:37,640 --> 00:07:38,640 Jerry. 213 00:07:38,640 --> 00:07:39,640 What's your last name? 214 00:07:39,640 --> 00:07:40,640 Beth. 215 00:07:40,640 --> 00:07:41,640 Jerry. 216 00:07:41,640 --> 00:07:43,240 What's your last name? 217 00:07:43,240 --> 00:07:44,240 Beck. 218 00:07:44,240 --> 00:07:45,240 You've done this before? 219 00:07:45,240 --> 00:07:46,240 Come on, son. 220 00:07:46,240 --> 00:07:47,240 Answer me. 221 00:07:47,240 --> 00:07:48,240 All right, let's go. 222 00:07:48,240 --> 00:07:49,240 You going to put me in jail? 223 00:07:49,240 --> 00:07:50,240 We'll see. 224 00:07:50,240 --> 00:07:51,240 I'm not afraid of you cops. 225 00:07:51,240 --> 00:07:52,240 There's no reason you should be. 226 00:07:52,240 --> 00:07:53,240 Why'd you throw all this food around? 227 00:07:53,240 --> 00:07:54,240 I don't know. 228 00:07:54,240 --> 00:07:55,240 You haven't got a reason? 229 00:07:55,240 --> 00:07:56,240 No. 230 00:07:56,240 --> 00:07:57,240 I sure went to a lot of trouble to catch me. 231 00:07:57,240 --> 00:07:58,240 Not too much, son. 232 00:07:58,240 --> 00:07:59,240 Huh? 233 00:07:59,240 --> 00:08:00,240 You made it easy. 234 00:08:00,240 --> 00:08:18,000 Before leaving the school, Frank called school security and notified them of the broken window 235 00:08:18,000 --> 00:08:20,520 and the damage done by Jerry Beckel. 236 00:08:20,520 --> 00:08:23,820 We drove back to Georgia Street to question the subject further. 237 00:08:23,820 --> 00:08:26,080 On the way down, he refused to say anything. 238 00:08:26,080 --> 00:08:29,640 The office he told us he lived at 1206 Walnut Street. 239 00:08:29,640 --> 00:08:33,280 He said he was going to check Central Juvenile Index at 842 p.m. 240 00:08:33,280 --> 00:08:34,280 That's all. 241 00:08:34,280 --> 00:08:35,280 Not going to tell you anymore. 242 00:08:35,280 --> 00:08:36,280 Now let's get one thing straight, son. 243 00:08:36,280 --> 00:08:37,280 You're in trouble. 244 00:08:37,280 --> 00:08:39,080 We'd like to help you, but you've got to play ball with us. 245 00:08:39,080 --> 00:08:41,040 We'll level with you, but you've got to play it the same way. 246 00:08:41,040 --> 00:08:42,040 Do you understand? 247 00:08:42,040 --> 00:08:43,040 Yeah. 248 00:08:43,040 --> 00:08:44,040 All right. 249 00:08:44,040 --> 00:08:46,320 Now we can't do anything for you unless you want us to. 250 00:08:46,320 --> 00:08:49,000 Unless we know why you do these things, it'll be pretty hard for you to find a way out. 251 00:08:49,000 --> 00:08:50,000 Is that clear? 252 00:08:50,000 --> 00:08:51,000 I guess so. 253 00:08:51,000 --> 00:08:53,800 Well, the only way we can find out is if you tell us the truth. 254 00:08:53,800 --> 00:08:54,800 So? 255 00:08:54,800 --> 00:08:55,800 Yeah. 256 00:08:55,800 --> 00:08:56,800 My boy has no previous record. 257 00:08:56,800 --> 00:08:57,800 All right, how about it? 258 00:08:57,800 --> 00:09:00,800 You ready to answer our questions now, son? 259 00:09:00,800 --> 00:09:01,800 Sure. 260 00:09:01,800 --> 00:09:03,840 But it won't do any good. 261 00:09:03,840 --> 00:09:04,840 Why do you say that? 262 00:09:04,840 --> 00:09:06,840 You can't change my looks, can you? 263 00:09:06,840 --> 00:09:07,840 Well, why? 264 00:09:07,840 --> 00:09:08,840 There's no reason to do that. 265 00:09:08,840 --> 00:09:09,840 You look healthy to me. 266 00:09:09,840 --> 00:09:10,840 Sure, I'm healthy. 267 00:09:10,840 --> 00:09:11,840 Fat and ugly, too. 268 00:09:11,840 --> 00:09:14,840 That's why I had the trouble with Miss Ridley. 269 00:09:14,840 --> 00:09:17,840 Well, I suppose you'd tell us about it. 270 00:09:17,840 --> 00:09:19,840 She kicked me out of school. 271 00:09:19,840 --> 00:09:20,840 Why? 272 00:09:20,840 --> 00:09:21,840 Fighting. 273 00:09:21,840 --> 00:09:22,840 Who were you fighting with? 274 00:09:22,840 --> 00:09:23,840 Different guys. 275 00:09:23,840 --> 00:09:24,840 Why'd you fight? 276 00:09:24,840 --> 00:09:25,840 Called me names. 277 00:09:25,840 --> 00:09:27,840 Well, I'd go ahead. 278 00:09:27,840 --> 00:09:28,840 It's my fault. 279 00:09:28,840 --> 00:09:30,840 I can't help how I look. 280 00:09:30,840 --> 00:09:32,840 You sure that's why you had the fights? 281 00:09:32,840 --> 00:09:33,840 It wouldn't let me alone. 282 00:09:33,840 --> 00:09:35,840 Suppose you think I'm real good looking, huh? 283 00:09:35,840 --> 00:09:37,840 Son, I told you we'd level with you. 284 00:09:37,840 --> 00:09:38,840 You're not an ugly kid. 285 00:09:38,840 --> 00:09:40,840 Now, it seems to me you're imagining a lot. 286 00:09:40,840 --> 00:09:41,840 Sure. 287 00:09:41,840 --> 00:09:44,840 I suppose they call me Lard Barrel and Witch Man, 288 00:09:44,840 --> 00:09:46,840 because they imagine it, too. 289 00:09:46,840 --> 00:09:48,840 Maybe they got another reason. 290 00:09:48,840 --> 00:09:49,840 Like what? 291 00:09:49,840 --> 00:09:50,840 To needle you. 292 00:09:50,840 --> 00:09:51,840 If you didn't let them know it bothered you, 293 00:09:51,840 --> 00:09:53,840 they probably wouldn't have kept it up. 294 00:09:53,840 --> 00:09:54,840 They called you names to get you into fights. 295 00:09:54,840 --> 00:09:55,840 Don't you think that's it? 296 00:09:55,840 --> 00:09:56,840 That's what you say. 297 00:09:56,840 --> 00:09:58,840 Well, that's what we believe. 298 00:09:58,840 --> 00:10:00,840 She didn't have to kick me out of school. 299 00:10:00,840 --> 00:10:01,840 How many fights you have, Jack? 300 00:10:01,840 --> 00:10:02,840 I don't know. 301 00:10:02,840 --> 00:10:03,840 Well, you must have some idea. 302 00:10:03,840 --> 00:10:04,840 Quite a few. 303 00:10:04,840 --> 00:10:06,840 Miss Ridley talked to you? 304 00:10:06,840 --> 00:10:07,840 Yeah. 305 00:10:07,840 --> 00:10:09,840 She gave you more than one chance, didn't she? 306 00:10:09,840 --> 00:10:10,840 Yeah. 307 00:10:10,840 --> 00:10:11,840 The kids kept asking me. 308 00:10:11,840 --> 00:10:13,840 Wouldn't let me alone. 309 00:10:13,840 --> 00:10:15,840 You don't like Miss Ridley, do you? 310 00:10:15,840 --> 00:10:16,840 Why should I? 311 00:10:16,840 --> 00:10:17,840 Is that why you broke into the school? 312 00:10:17,840 --> 00:10:18,840 Maybe. 313 00:10:18,840 --> 00:10:19,840 How many times you go in? 314 00:10:19,840 --> 00:10:20,840 Three. 315 00:10:20,840 --> 00:10:22,840 Did you steal the things from the star room? 316 00:10:22,840 --> 00:10:23,840 Yeah. 317 00:10:23,840 --> 00:10:24,840 Where are they? 318 00:10:24,840 --> 00:10:26,840 You live with your father and mother? 319 00:10:26,840 --> 00:10:27,840 Yeah. 320 00:10:27,840 --> 00:10:29,840 Any brothers or sisters? 321 00:10:29,840 --> 00:10:31,840 Two brothers, three sisters. 322 00:10:31,840 --> 00:10:32,840 Well, now when you had the trouble at school, 323 00:10:32,840 --> 00:10:34,840 did Miss Ridley talk to your parents? 324 00:10:34,840 --> 00:10:35,840 No. 325 00:10:35,840 --> 00:10:36,840 She didn't get in touch with them at all, huh? 326 00:10:36,840 --> 00:10:39,840 Sure, she tried, but they didn't go in to see her. 327 00:10:39,840 --> 00:10:41,840 Is there any reason why they didn't? 328 00:10:41,840 --> 00:10:43,840 Oh, it just didn't go, I'd say. 329 00:10:43,840 --> 00:10:44,840 Well, I guess we'd better go out 330 00:10:44,840 --> 00:10:46,840 and have a talk with them this time. 331 00:10:46,840 --> 00:10:47,840 Why? 332 00:10:47,840 --> 00:10:49,840 Well, I'll have to know about this trouble that you're in. 333 00:10:49,840 --> 00:10:50,840 Maybe if we talk to them, 334 00:10:50,840 --> 00:10:51,840 we can sort of work this problem out together, 335 00:10:51,840 --> 00:10:52,840 don't you think? 336 00:10:52,840 --> 00:10:53,840 That won't do any good. 337 00:10:53,840 --> 00:10:54,840 Why not, son? 338 00:10:54,840 --> 00:10:56,840 I think I'm fat and ugly. 339 00:11:09,840 --> 00:11:10,840 Jerry Becker went on to say 340 00:11:10,840 --> 00:11:12,840 that he was now attending the Jansen School, 341 00:11:12,840 --> 00:11:14,840 one of two maintained in the city for juveniles 342 00:11:14,840 --> 00:11:16,840 who have difficulty making adjustments 343 00:11:16,840 --> 00:11:18,840 in normal school life. 344 00:11:18,840 --> 00:11:20,840 He also told us that on all three occasions 345 00:11:20,840 --> 00:11:23,840 he had been alone when he broke into the Hillside School. 346 00:11:23,840 --> 00:11:25,840 We drove out to his home. 347 00:11:25,840 --> 00:11:28,840 It was a small frame house, badly in need of repair. 348 00:11:28,840 --> 00:11:30,840 We met his father, Henry Becker. 349 00:11:30,840 --> 00:11:32,840 We told him the reason for our visit. 350 00:11:32,840 --> 00:11:34,840 So you just can't stay out of trouble. 351 00:11:34,840 --> 00:11:36,840 First it's fighting and you get kicked out of school. 352 00:11:36,840 --> 00:11:37,840 Now this mess. 353 00:11:37,840 --> 00:11:38,840 What's the matter with you anyhow? 354 00:11:38,840 --> 00:11:39,840 I don't know, Dad. 355 00:11:39,840 --> 00:11:40,840 Excuse me, Mr. Becker, 356 00:11:40,840 --> 00:11:42,840 but this kind of talk is going to get us anywhere. 357 00:11:42,840 --> 00:11:44,840 Your son has a definite problem and he needs help. 358 00:11:44,840 --> 00:11:45,840 Sure, he's got a problem. 359 00:11:45,840 --> 00:11:47,840 He's no good, never has been, never will be. 360 00:11:47,840 --> 00:11:48,840 You want to take the boy outside? 361 00:11:48,840 --> 00:11:49,840 Sure. 362 00:11:49,840 --> 00:11:51,840 Come on, son. 363 00:11:51,840 --> 00:11:53,840 I suppose you're going to give me the answers. 364 00:11:53,840 --> 00:11:55,840 You sound like you think it's my fault he got into this trouble. 365 00:11:55,840 --> 00:11:57,840 You might have helped keep him out of it. 366 00:11:57,840 --> 00:11:59,840 Sure, just follow him around all day and night, 367 00:11:59,840 --> 00:12:01,840 slap his wrist when he steps out of line. 368 00:12:01,840 --> 00:12:03,840 You were asked to go over to his school when he had trouble before. 369 00:12:03,840 --> 00:12:04,840 Why didn't you go? 370 00:12:04,840 --> 00:12:05,840 I didn't have the time. 371 00:12:05,840 --> 00:12:07,840 I got to worry about five other kids. 372 00:12:07,840 --> 00:12:08,840 They got to eat. 373 00:12:08,840 --> 00:12:09,840 Can't be taking time away from work 374 00:12:09,840 --> 00:12:11,840 just because one of them can't keep his nose clean. 375 00:12:11,840 --> 00:12:12,840 What about your wife? 376 00:12:12,840 --> 00:12:13,840 What do you mean? 377 00:12:13,840 --> 00:12:15,840 Couldn't she have gone over to the school? 378 00:12:15,840 --> 00:12:16,840 Why don't you ask her? 379 00:12:16,840 --> 00:12:17,840 Is she here now? 380 00:12:17,840 --> 00:12:18,840 No. 381 00:12:18,840 --> 00:12:20,840 Gone out, probably at a movie. 382 00:12:20,840 --> 00:12:23,840 She has to have some fun, so she leaves me with the kids. 383 00:12:23,840 --> 00:12:27,840 Is there any reason why she couldn't go and talk with Miss Ridley about your son, Jerry? 384 00:12:27,840 --> 00:12:29,840 Yeah, she figured it was his own problem. 385 00:12:29,840 --> 00:12:31,840 He has to learn to fight his own battles. 386 00:12:31,840 --> 00:12:33,840 Well, that's fine when you know what you're fighting. 387 00:12:33,840 --> 00:12:34,840 Your boy doesn't. 388 00:12:34,840 --> 00:12:35,840 It's nothing to matter with him. 389 00:12:35,840 --> 00:12:36,840 That's where you're wrong. 390 00:12:36,840 --> 00:12:38,840 Your son has an inferiority complex about his looks. 391 00:12:38,840 --> 00:12:39,840 Oh, big deal. 392 00:12:39,840 --> 00:12:41,840 That's one of the things that's wrong with him. 393 00:12:41,840 --> 00:12:44,840 You're trying to tell me he gets into trouble because of the way he feels about his looks? 394 00:12:44,840 --> 00:12:46,840 It's possible that's a good part of it. 395 00:12:46,840 --> 00:12:47,840 You're going to have to go to jail? 396 00:12:47,840 --> 00:12:49,840 I'm afraid he will. 397 00:12:49,840 --> 00:12:51,840 Don't you put kids on probation sometimes? 398 00:12:51,840 --> 00:12:53,840 Let the parents look after them? 399 00:12:53,840 --> 00:12:55,840 Yeah, when they have parents. 400 00:12:55,840 --> 00:12:57,840 Couldn't you do that for Jerry? 401 00:12:57,840 --> 00:13:01,840 If you could show the authorities that you'd be responsible for them, it might work out. 402 00:13:01,840 --> 00:13:02,840 I could do that. 403 00:13:02,840 --> 00:13:04,840 There's something more you've got to do. 404 00:13:04,840 --> 00:13:17,840 Find time to talk to him. 405 00:13:17,840 --> 00:13:21,840 We took the subject along with the recovered stolen property back to Georgia Street. 406 00:13:21,840 --> 00:13:27,840 The next day, Miss Ridley came down and identified the articles as those taken from the school's storeroom. 407 00:13:27,840 --> 00:13:31,840 She said that Jerry Beckal had been in numerous fights before he was dismissed from school. 408 00:13:31,840 --> 00:13:35,840 During her investigation of the disorder, she found that Beckal had provoked several of the fights. 409 00:13:35,840 --> 00:13:41,840 She went on to say that the subject had been a below average student, showing little interest in academic work. 410 00:13:41,840 --> 00:13:44,840 A petition was filed on Beckal's behalf with a juvenile court. 411 00:13:44,840 --> 00:13:48,840 The petition was sustained and he was placed on probation with the Los Angeles County Probation Department 412 00:13:48,840 --> 00:13:51,840 and allowed to remain in the custody of his parents. 413 00:13:51,840 --> 00:13:54,840 March 31st, 8.06 a.m. 414 00:13:54,840 --> 00:13:56,840 I just picked up the reports for yesterday. You want to check them over? 415 00:13:56,840 --> 00:14:00,840 Yeah, all right. Thanks. 416 00:14:00,840 --> 00:14:02,840 I saw the skipper on the way in. 417 00:14:02,840 --> 00:14:03,840 Yeah? 418 00:14:03,840 --> 00:14:05,840 You remember that Austin boy? 419 00:14:05,840 --> 00:14:06,840 Car thief, wasn't he? 420 00:14:06,840 --> 00:14:10,840 Yeah. Violated his probation. Picked up again last night. 421 00:14:10,840 --> 00:14:14,840 Too bad. 422 00:14:14,840 --> 00:14:18,840 What was that kid's name on the hillside school? He ain't that heavy set boy. 423 00:14:18,840 --> 00:14:20,840 Hmm. One who thought he was so ugly? 424 00:14:20,840 --> 00:14:21,840 Yeah, that's the one. 425 00:14:21,840 --> 00:14:22,840 Beckal or something, wasn't he? 426 00:14:22,840 --> 00:14:23,840 Yeah. 427 00:14:23,840 --> 00:14:24,840 What about him? 428 00:14:24,840 --> 00:14:28,840 Look here, the description on this report fits him. Listen to this. 429 00:14:28,840 --> 00:14:32,840 In some states the subject said to her, what are you smiling for, because I'm so ugly? 430 00:14:32,840 --> 00:14:34,840 It might be. What's the charge? 431 00:14:34,840 --> 00:14:36,840 Pretty bad this time. 432 00:14:36,840 --> 00:14:37,840 Yeah? 433 00:14:37,840 --> 00:14:39,840 Attempted robbery and shooting. 434 00:14:39,840 --> 00:14:59,840 Music. 435 00:14:59,840 --> 00:15:02,840 The robbery and shooting had occurred the previous night about 7.30 p.m. 436 00:15:02,840 --> 00:15:08,840 We checked with the Georgia Street Receiving Hospital and we found the victim, Linda Cotterly, had been treated for a minor flesh wound in the leg. 437 00:15:08,840 --> 00:15:11,840 She'd been shot with a.22 caliber pistol. 438 00:15:11,840 --> 00:15:15,840 The hospital report showed that she'd been released and allowed to return home. 439 00:15:15,840 --> 00:15:19,840 We contacted the officers working the case and checked the reports that had been filed. 440 00:15:19,840 --> 00:15:21,840 We asked if we could talk to the victim. 441 00:15:21,840 --> 00:15:25,840 Frank and I drove out to the address and we were admitted by her sister. 442 00:15:25,840 --> 00:15:27,840 Linda Cotterly was lying on a couch in the front room. 443 00:15:27,840 --> 00:15:30,840 We identified ourselves and asked her if she'd mind going over the story for us. 444 00:15:30,840 --> 00:15:32,840 I told the other officers all about it. 445 00:15:32,840 --> 00:15:36,840 Yes, we understand that. We saw their report, but we appreciate your telling us just what happened. 446 00:15:36,840 --> 00:15:38,840 Well, I guess I won't do no harm. 447 00:15:38,840 --> 00:15:41,840 I suppose if more of you know about it, you'll have a better chance to catch the little stinker. 448 00:15:41,840 --> 00:15:42,840 That's right, ma'am. 449 00:15:42,840 --> 00:15:44,840 I shouldn't have said that. 450 00:15:44,840 --> 00:15:45,840 Ma'am? 451 00:15:45,840 --> 00:15:47,840 Little stinker. He was a big stinker. 452 00:15:47,840 --> 00:15:48,840 Oh, yeah. 453 00:15:48,840 --> 00:15:50,840 Could have killed me. Gives me cold chills thinking about it. 454 00:15:50,840 --> 00:15:51,840 We don't understand. 455 00:15:51,840 --> 00:15:53,840 I wonder if you'd do something for me. 456 00:15:53,840 --> 00:15:54,840 Yes, ma'am. What's that? 457 00:15:54,840 --> 00:15:57,840 There's an afghan on the sewing machine in the dining room. Would you get it for me? 458 00:15:57,840 --> 00:15:58,840 Sure. 459 00:15:58,840 --> 00:15:59,840 Thank you. 460 00:15:59,840 --> 00:16:01,840 Why don't you tell us the story? 461 00:16:01,840 --> 00:16:02,840 Sure. 462 00:16:02,840 --> 00:16:05,840 Well, you know I was shot in the leg right here? 463 00:16:05,840 --> 00:16:06,840 Yes, we know. 464 00:16:06,840 --> 00:16:09,840 At first I thought it was just some kid playing a joke. 465 00:16:09,840 --> 00:16:10,840 Here you are, ma'am. 466 00:16:10,840 --> 00:16:15,840 Oh, thank you, Mr. Smith. Would you just drape it over me? Gently now. 467 00:16:15,840 --> 00:16:16,840 All right. 468 00:16:16,840 --> 00:16:18,840 That's fine. Thank you. 469 00:16:18,840 --> 00:16:19,840 Yes, ma'am. 470 00:16:19,840 --> 00:16:21,840 Now, you said you thought it was a joke when this boy tried to hold you up. 471 00:16:21,840 --> 00:16:24,840 Yeah, he was so young looking. Couldn't have been born 15 or 16. 472 00:16:24,840 --> 00:16:25,840 Yeah. 473 00:16:25,840 --> 00:16:30,840 He was sort of chubby. Didn't look mean at all. I guess I should have been scared, but I wasn't. I just smiled. 474 00:16:30,840 --> 00:16:32,840 Did he say anything when he approached you? 475 00:16:32,840 --> 00:16:33,840 About it being a holdup for me? 476 00:16:33,840 --> 00:16:34,840 That's right. 477 00:16:34,840 --> 00:16:36,840 No, came up to me. He had a gun in his hand. 478 00:16:36,840 --> 00:16:37,840 That's when you smiled. 479 00:16:37,840 --> 00:16:38,840 That's right. 480 00:16:38,840 --> 00:16:39,840 Then what happened? 481 00:16:39,840 --> 00:16:41,840 He got a real mad look on his face. Made him look tough. 482 00:16:41,840 --> 00:16:42,840 Is that when he spoke to you? 483 00:16:42,840 --> 00:16:43,840 How'd you know? 484 00:16:43,840 --> 00:16:44,840 Once in the report. 485 00:16:44,840 --> 00:16:49,840 That's right. I'd forgotten. Well, then I guess I can skip the part about what he said. 486 00:16:49,840 --> 00:16:51,840 We'd like to hear his exact words if you can remember him. 487 00:16:51,840 --> 00:16:54,840 He said, what are you smiling for? Because I'm so ugly? 488 00:16:54,840 --> 00:16:56,840 Mm-hmm. Did you get a good look at him? 489 00:16:56,840 --> 00:16:58,840 Yes and no. 490 00:16:58,840 --> 00:16:59,840 How do you mean that? 491 00:16:59,840 --> 00:17:03,840 Well, I did see him, but I don't remember his face too well. I know he was young. 492 00:17:03,840 --> 00:17:06,840 Not too good looking, but it's hard to say just what he did look like. 493 00:17:06,840 --> 00:17:08,840 You think you'd know him if you ever saw him again? 494 00:17:08,840 --> 00:17:12,840 Oh my. It's pretty dark. I'm not sure. 495 00:17:12,840 --> 00:17:14,840 All right. What happened after he spoke to you? 496 00:17:14,840 --> 00:17:17,840 I said no, meaning I didn't think he was ugly. 497 00:17:17,840 --> 00:17:20,840 And they told me to give him my purse. That's when it happened. 498 00:17:20,840 --> 00:17:21,840 What was that, then? 499 00:17:21,840 --> 00:17:24,840 Well, I got scared. I knew he wasn't fool, and I screamed and started running. 500 00:17:24,840 --> 00:17:26,840 Then I heard the noise, gunfire. 501 00:17:26,840 --> 00:17:27,840 Go ahead. 502 00:17:27,840 --> 00:17:30,840 Then I felt a sting on my leg when the bullet hit me. 503 00:17:30,840 --> 00:17:36,840 Kept on running, went past a vacant lot. Kept screaming, and then I saw a man across the street open his front door and looked out. 504 00:17:36,840 --> 00:17:40,840 I ran up to him, told him I'd been shot, and he called the police. 505 00:17:40,840 --> 00:17:43,840 When you said this person was chubby, did you mean he was fat? 506 00:17:43,840 --> 00:17:47,840 Well, he was kind of big around the middle. His face was sort of round like. 507 00:17:47,840 --> 00:17:48,840 How about his hair? Was it dark? 508 00:17:48,840 --> 00:17:49,840 Yeah. 509 00:17:49,840 --> 00:17:51,840 Did you notice if it was straight or wavy? 510 00:17:51,840 --> 00:17:54,840 No. Tell me, you got an idea who this kid was? 511 00:17:54,840 --> 00:17:56,840 Well, we're not sure. 512 00:17:56,840 --> 00:17:57,840 Well, then, one thing. 513 00:17:57,840 --> 00:17:58,840 What's that? 514 00:17:58,840 --> 00:18:01,840 That kid should be taught a lesson. Only one thing to do with them when they're that rotten. 515 00:18:01,840 --> 00:18:03,840 Flatten them around a little and just forget about them. 516 00:18:03,840 --> 00:18:04,840 Well, that's the trouble here. 517 00:18:04,840 --> 00:18:05,840 Hmm? 518 00:18:05,840 --> 00:18:07,840 That's what they did to this boy. 519 00:18:14,840 --> 00:18:21,840 Frank and I went back to the office and checked the records on the petition, and we found that the subject's father, Henry Beckel, was employed at a lumber yard. 520 00:18:21,840 --> 00:18:24,840 We drove down to the place and found him stacking lumber in the back lot. 521 00:18:24,840 --> 00:18:26,840 What's on your mind this time? 522 00:18:26,840 --> 00:18:28,840 How's Jerry been getting along? 523 00:18:28,840 --> 00:18:29,840 All right, I guess. 524 00:18:29,840 --> 00:18:30,840 Attending school regularly? 525 00:18:30,840 --> 00:18:33,840 As far as I know, haven't had any bad reports. 526 00:18:33,840 --> 00:18:34,840 What's he been doing nights? 527 00:18:34,840 --> 00:18:38,840 He stays in the house. Goes out once in a while, never too late. Why? 528 00:18:38,840 --> 00:18:39,840 Where was he Monday night? 529 00:18:39,840 --> 00:18:40,840 Home. 530 00:18:40,840 --> 00:18:41,840 All night? 531 00:18:41,840 --> 00:18:42,840 Yeah. 532 00:18:42,840 --> 00:18:43,840 How about Tuesday? 533 00:18:43,840 --> 00:18:46,840 After supper, he went out for a while, came in early. Why? 534 00:18:46,840 --> 00:18:48,840 How's your son been acting lately? 535 00:18:48,840 --> 00:18:49,840 What do you mean? 536 00:18:49,840 --> 00:18:50,840 Has he had any trouble at school? 537 00:18:50,840 --> 00:18:53,840 I told you, I haven't had any bad reports from him. 538 00:18:53,840 --> 00:18:54,840 How about at home? 539 00:18:54,840 --> 00:18:56,840 No trouble, we're trying to help him. 540 00:18:56,840 --> 00:18:59,840 Well, as far as you know, he's been in pretty good spirits, is that right? 541 00:18:59,840 --> 00:19:02,840 Look, you know he's no ball of fire, but he seems to be happy enough. 542 00:19:02,840 --> 00:19:03,840 Uh-huh. 543 00:19:03,840 --> 00:19:04,840 What is all this anyway? 544 00:19:04,840 --> 00:19:06,840 We're just checking something out. 545 00:19:06,840 --> 00:19:09,840 Well, the way you ask questions, it sounds like you think Jerry's in trouble again. 546 00:19:09,840 --> 00:19:10,840 No, we didn't say that. 547 00:19:10,840 --> 00:19:13,840 Well, you don't have to. I know what you're getting at, and I don't like it. 548 00:19:13,840 --> 00:19:14,840 No reason to get upset. 549 00:19:14,840 --> 00:19:18,840 They're right. How would you feel? Jerry's been released to my custody. 550 00:19:18,840 --> 00:19:21,840 You're as much as telling me I haven't been doing the right thing. 551 00:19:21,840 --> 00:19:24,840 Well, if you're sure of that in your own mind, you don't have anything to worry about, do you? 552 00:19:24,840 --> 00:19:27,840 Well, I've done what I can, but I can't watch him all the time. 553 00:19:27,840 --> 00:19:29,840 What's he supposed to have done this time? 554 00:19:29,840 --> 00:19:30,840 We're not sure he's done anything. 555 00:19:30,840 --> 00:19:33,840 He wouldn't be nosing around if he didn't have some reason. 556 00:19:33,840 --> 00:19:34,840 Just something we gotta check. 557 00:19:34,840 --> 00:19:38,840 All right. But if he got off on the wrong foot again, don't try to pin any tails on me. 558 00:19:38,840 --> 00:19:42,840 I've been doing the right thing, but I don't mind telling you, I've never been too sure he would straighten out. 559 00:19:42,840 --> 00:19:43,840 Is that right? 560 00:19:43,840 --> 00:19:45,840 Yeah. But I'm doing what I can for him. 561 00:19:45,840 --> 00:19:46,840 Yeah? 562 00:19:46,840 --> 00:19:50,840 I feed him, I put clothes on his back, I put a roof over his head. What more can I give him? 563 00:19:50,840 --> 00:19:52,840 You own a gun, Mr. Beckel? 564 00:19:52,840 --> 00:19:53,840 What? 565 00:19:53,840 --> 00:19:54,840 I said you own a gun. 566 00:19:54,840 --> 00:19:55,840 Yeah, why? 567 00:19:55,840 --> 00:19:56,840 What kind? 568 00:19:56,840 --> 00:19:57,840 22 pistol. 569 00:20:07,840 --> 00:20:10,840 We drove over to the Jansen school and we talked to the principal. 570 00:20:10,840 --> 00:20:14,840 We explained our business and he told us that Jerry Beckel hadn't been in school all day. 571 00:20:14,840 --> 00:20:17,840 We drove out to the boy's home and we met his mother. 572 00:20:17,840 --> 00:20:20,840 She said he wasn't there, but he'd probably be home about five o'clock. 573 00:20:20,840 --> 00:20:23,840 We went back to the car and waited. 574 00:20:23,840 --> 00:20:26,840 At 4.30 p.m. Henry Beckel returned from work. 575 00:20:26,840 --> 00:20:29,840 He drove into the yard and we met him at the back door. 576 00:20:29,840 --> 00:20:31,840 So you're here again. 577 00:20:31,840 --> 00:20:33,840 That's right. Let's go in the house, Beckel. 578 00:20:33,840 --> 00:20:35,840 If you want it. 579 00:20:36,840 --> 00:20:37,840 Go ahead. 580 00:20:41,840 --> 00:20:43,840 You want to tell me what this is all about now? 581 00:20:43,840 --> 00:20:45,840 We'd like to talk to Jerry first. 582 00:20:45,840 --> 00:20:47,840 If you want to see him, why didn't you go over to his school? 583 00:20:47,840 --> 00:20:49,840 We did. He wasn't there today. 584 00:20:49,840 --> 00:20:51,840 The kids are up to their old tricks again. 585 00:20:51,840 --> 00:20:52,840 Oh, they found you. 586 00:20:52,840 --> 00:20:53,840 This is my wife. 587 00:20:53,840 --> 00:20:54,840 We met. What's the trouble? 588 00:20:54,840 --> 00:20:56,840 Jerry again. He wasn't in school today. 589 00:20:56,840 --> 00:20:57,840 That all? 590 00:20:57,840 --> 00:21:00,840 We should get out of the kitchen so I can pick supper. 591 00:21:00,840 --> 00:21:01,840 Yeah. 592 00:21:01,840 --> 00:21:03,840 You guys want to come on into the other room? 593 00:21:03,840 --> 00:21:04,840 All right. 594 00:21:06,840 --> 00:21:09,840 While we're waiting for your son, I wonder if you'd get that gun for us. 595 00:21:09,840 --> 00:21:10,840 Why should we? 596 00:21:10,840 --> 00:21:12,840 You've got no choice, fellow. 597 00:21:12,840 --> 00:21:13,840 In the closet. 598 00:21:13,840 --> 00:21:15,840 You said that before. Now where is it? 599 00:21:15,840 --> 00:21:16,840 Over there. 600 00:21:19,840 --> 00:21:20,840 Where? 601 00:21:20,840 --> 00:21:22,840 In that box. A small flat one. 602 00:21:22,840 --> 00:21:23,840 This one here? 603 00:21:23,840 --> 00:21:24,840 Yeah. 604 00:21:30,840 --> 00:21:32,840 When's the last time you fired this? 605 00:21:32,840 --> 00:21:34,840 I don't know. It's been quite a while. 606 00:21:36,840 --> 00:21:38,840 What do you think? 607 00:21:39,840 --> 00:21:41,840 Smells like it was fired recently. 608 00:21:41,840 --> 00:21:43,840 What time does Jerry usually get home? 609 00:21:43,840 --> 00:21:45,840 We eat at 5.30. He'll be here by then. 610 00:21:45,840 --> 00:21:46,840 Uh-huh. 611 00:21:46,840 --> 00:21:48,840 You don't have to worry about him not showing up. 612 00:21:48,840 --> 00:21:51,840 He might skip school, but that fat lazy slob won't miss a meal. 613 00:21:51,840 --> 00:21:54,840 He eats twice as much as the other kids. No wonder he looks like he does. 614 00:21:54,840 --> 00:21:55,840 Hi, Mom. 615 00:21:55,840 --> 00:21:56,840 Let's go. 616 00:21:56,840 --> 00:21:57,840 Right. 617 00:21:59,840 --> 00:22:00,840 Hi, son. 618 00:22:00,840 --> 00:22:01,840 Hi. What do you want? 619 00:22:01,840 --> 00:22:03,840 Fred, we're going to have to take you with us. 620 00:22:03,840 --> 00:22:04,840 Can he eat first? 621 00:22:04,840 --> 00:22:06,840 It won't hurt him any, dummy. Some of you will look at him. 622 00:22:06,840 --> 00:22:08,840 Looks like a fat toad. 623 00:22:08,840 --> 00:22:09,840 Well, why don't you say so? 624 00:22:09,840 --> 00:22:11,840 All right. Doesn't make any difference. You'd like to be rid of me anyway. 625 00:22:11,840 --> 00:22:12,840 Take it easy, son. 626 00:22:12,840 --> 00:22:14,840 You all want to hear it? Okay, I'll tell you. 627 00:22:14,840 --> 00:22:16,840 I shot her. 628 00:22:26,840 --> 00:22:29,840 We took Jerry Beckle down to Georgia Street for further questioning. 629 00:22:29,840 --> 00:22:33,840 After the outbreak at his home, he quieted down and refused to say anything more. 630 00:22:33,840 --> 00:22:36,840 We talked to him for an hour and he finally admitted the whole story. 631 00:22:36,840 --> 00:22:38,840 All right, son. Why'd you take the gun? 632 00:22:38,840 --> 00:22:40,840 To get some money, I guess. 633 00:22:40,840 --> 00:22:42,840 Now, was that the only way you could get it? 634 00:22:42,840 --> 00:22:43,840 I don't know. 635 00:22:43,840 --> 00:22:44,840 You could have gotten a job. 636 00:22:44,840 --> 00:22:45,840 I tried to. 637 00:22:45,840 --> 00:22:46,840 Yeah? 638 00:22:46,840 --> 00:22:47,840 Nobody wanted me. 639 00:22:47,840 --> 00:22:49,840 Well, how many people did you ask for work? 640 00:22:50,840 --> 00:22:52,840 Just one place. 641 00:22:52,840 --> 00:22:53,840 And then you gave up? 642 00:22:53,840 --> 00:22:56,840 That was enough. I knew I wouldn't get a job. 643 00:22:56,840 --> 00:22:58,840 Did they tell you they wouldn't give you work? 644 00:23:01,840 --> 00:23:04,840 I didn't have to. I knew just the way they looked at me. 645 00:23:05,840 --> 00:23:07,840 Did you ever ask your father for money? 646 00:23:07,840 --> 00:23:10,840 Yeah. He gave me and he just read me off. 647 00:23:10,840 --> 00:23:11,840 What'd he say to you? 648 00:23:11,840 --> 00:23:17,840 What he always does, I'm fat, lazy, not good for anything but put my feet under the table and eat. 649 00:23:17,840 --> 00:23:19,840 So you decided to get out and rob somebody, huh? 650 00:23:19,840 --> 00:23:20,840 Yeah. 651 00:23:20,840 --> 00:23:22,840 Why'd you shoot at the woman? 652 00:23:22,840 --> 00:23:23,840 I'm not sure. 653 00:23:23,840 --> 00:23:25,840 But she didn't do you any harm, did she? 654 00:23:25,840 --> 00:23:29,840 No. She made me mad, laughed at me, just like all the rest. 655 00:23:29,840 --> 00:23:30,840 She did, huh? 656 00:23:30,840 --> 00:23:32,840 Sure. Because I'm fat. 657 00:23:32,840 --> 00:23:34,840 Did she say that? 658 00:23:34,840 --> 00:23:37,840 No. I could tell what she was thinking. 659 00:23:37,840 --> 00:23:38,840 You could, huh? 660 00:23:38,840 --> 00:23:41,840 People shouldn't laugh at somebody just because they're fat. 661 00:23:41,840 --> 00:23:42,840 Yeah. 662 00:23:42,840 --> 00:23:43,840 They got no right to do that. 663 00:23:43,840 --> 00:23:45,840 Maybe. But how much did you have? 664 00:23:45,840 --> 00:23:46,840 Huh? 665 00:23:46,840 --> 00:23:47,840 When you shot her. 666 00:23:55,840 --> 00:23:57,840 The story you have just heard is true. 667 00:23:57,840 --> 00:24:00,840 The names were changed to protect the innocent. 668 00:24:00,840 --> 00:24:07,840 On July 14th, trial was held in Department 98, Superior Court of the State of California, in and for the County of Los Angeles. 669 00:24:15,840 --> 00:24:22,840 Jerome Howard Beckel was remanded to the juvenile authorities and placed in the foster home where he was assured of 24-hour supervision. 670 00:24:22,840 --> 00:24:28,840 One of the conditions of his probation was that he received psychiatric aid by a doctor appointed by the court. 671 00:24:28,840 --> 00:24:36,840 Dragnet, the story of your police force in action is a presentation of the United States Armed Forces Radio Service.