WEBVTT 00:00.000 --> 00:10.520 Ladies and gentlemen, the story you are about to hear is true. 00:10.520 --> 00:21.600 The names have been changed to protect the innocent. 00:21.600 --> 00:22.600 You're a detective sergeant. 00:22.600 --> 00:25.520 You're assigned a robbery detail. 00:25.520 --> 00:29.440 You get a teletype warning you that two holdup men are heading for your city. 00:29.440 --> 00:31.560 You know they're armed and dangerous. 00:31.560 --> 00:37.400 Your job, be ready for them. 00:37.400 --> 00:47.160 Dragnet, the documented drama of an actual crime. 00:47.160 --> 00:52.400 For the next 30 minutes in cooperation with the Los Angeles Police Department, you will 00:52.400 --> 00:56.920 travel step by step on the side of the law to an actual case transcribed from official 00:56.920 --> 00:57.920 police files. 00:57.920 --> 01:03.800 From beginning to end, from crime to punishment, Dragnet is the story of your police force 01:03.800 --> 01:04.800 in action. 01:04.800 --> 01:05.800 It was Tuesday, April 5th. 01:05.800 --> 01:06.800 It was raining in Los Angeles. 01:06.800 --> 01:07.800 We were working the day watch out of robbery detail. 01:07.800 --> 01:08.800 My partner is Frank Smith. 01:08.800 --> 01:09.800 The boss of Chief Detective Fab Brown. 01:09.800 --> 01:10.800 My name is Friday. 01:10.800 --> 01:11.800 I was on my way back from R&I and it was 8.46 a.m. when I got to room 27A, squad room. 01:11.800 --> 01:12.800 Frank? 01:12.800 --> 01:13.800 Yeah, no, back here. 01:13.800 --> 01:14.800 I'm going to the office. 01:14.800 --> 01:15.800 I'm going to the office. 01:15.800 --> 01:16.800 I'm going to the office. 01:16.800 --> 01:17.800 I'm going to the office. 01:17.800 --> 01:18.800 I'm going to the office. 01:18.800 --> 01:19.800 I'm going to the office. 01:19.800 --> 01:20.800 I'm going to the office. 01:20.800 --> 01:21.800 I'm going to the office. 01:21.800 --> 01:22.800 I'm going to the office. 01:22.800 --> 01:23.800 I'm going to the office. 01:23.800 --> 01:27.960 I'm going to the office. 01:27.960 --> 01:28.960 Frank? 01:28.960 --> 01:29.960 Yeah, no, back here. 01:29.960 --> 01:30.960 How about it? 01:30.960 --> 01:31.960 Turning things? 01:31.960 --> 01:32.960 Yeah, a couple of names and not a massive description. 01:32.960 --> 01:33.960 One of them is supposed to be in. 01:33.960 --> 01:35.160 This afternoon's mail, I said they were sent on an American special. 01:35.160 --> 01:38.160 It'll be easier when we know who we're looking for, huh? 01:38.160 --> 01:39.160 Yeah, it will. 01:39.160 --> 01:40.160 Friday, Smith? 01:40.160 --> 01:41.160 Yeah, skip it. 01:41.160 --> 01:42.160 You got a minute? 01:42.160 --> 01:43.160 Right there. 01:43.160 --> 01:44.160 Good morning. 01:44.160 --> 01:45.160 Yeah. 01:45.160 --> 01:46.160 Close the door, huh? 01:46.160 --> 01:47.160 Yeah, sure, skip. 01:47.160 --> 01:48.160 Sit down. 01:48.160 --> 01:49.160 Here, come on. 01:49.160 --> 01:53.960 Sit down. 01:53.960 --> 01:56.560 Here, take a look at this. 01:56.560 --> 01:57.560 What is it? 01:57.560 --> 01:58.560 About the Merton brothers. 01:58.560 --> 01:59.560 I just talked to Leopold. 01:59.560 --> 02:00.560 Sheriff from Las Vegas? 02:00.560 --> 02:01.560 That's right. 02:01.560 --> 02:02.560 Gave me as much as he could on the Merton. 02:02.560 --> 02:03.560 Check our records. 02:03.560 --> 02:04.560 There's nothing on them here. 02:04.560 --> 02:05.560 It's unlikely. 02:05.560 --> 02:06.560 From what Leopold says, they're fresh out from the East. 02:06.560 --> 02:07.560 In Amatau? 02:07.560 --> 02:08.560 No, someplace in Georgia. 02:08.560 --> 02:09.560 They're trying to run it out. 02:09.560 --> 02:10.560 Bolton, we got to pull a couple of gas station holdups over there. 02:10.560 --> 02:11.560 Anything else? 02:11.560 --> 02:12.560 Yeah, at least they think so. 02:12.560 --> 02:13.560 Well, burning business. 02:13.560 --> 02:14.560 Yeah, I think so. 02:14.560 --> 02:22.360 Burning their records, the boys got into town a couple of months ago, no visible means, 02:22.360 --> 02:23.360 with plenty of money. 02:23.360 --> 02:28.200 Hung around the places on the Strip, gambled, drank, had themselves quite a time. 02:28.200 --> 02:29.200 Yeah? 02:29.200 --> 02:32.160 The department over there started to wonder where the money was coming from, put a couple 02:32.160 --> 02:33.160 of men on them full time. 02:33.160 --> 02:34.160 What'd they find out? 02:34.160 --> 02:35.160 Not much. 02:35.160 --> 02:36.160 Merton's party's cozy. 02:36.160 --> 02:39.160 They were finally picked up on a drunk charge, mugs and printed. 02:39.160 --> 02:41.160 Nothing to hold them on, so they were released. 02:41.160 --> 02:42.160 Yeah. 02:42.160 --> 02:44.160 Next morning, they skipped town, left clean. 02:44.160 --> 02:47.960 On the way out, they stopped long enough to kick in a couple of those gas station motels, 02:47.960 --> 02:48.960 you know, along the highway. 02:48.960 --> 02:49.960 Oh. 02:49.960 --> 02:50.960 It worked pretty good. 02:50.960 --> 02:51.960 The victims make the identification right away? 02:51.960 --> 02:52.960 Yeah. 02:52.960 --> 02:56.760 As soon as they saw the pictures, sheriff's office notified Baker. 02:56.760 --> 02:59.960 Highway Patrol there was waiting, but they must have gotten through before the word went 02:59.960 --> 03:00.960 out. 03:00.960 --> 03:04.360 We've been able to trace them through Barstow, Victorville, on through Pear Blossom, Little 03:04.360 --> 03:05.360 Rock. 03:05.360 --> 03:06.360 They worked hard all the way. 03:06.360 --> 03:07.360 What do you mean? 03:07.360 --> 03:10.360 Three service stations, two restaurants, one motel. 03:10.360 --> 03:11.360 Anything on them here in LA? 03:11.360 --> 03:12.360 Not yet. 03:12.360 --> 03:13.360 A matter of time. 03:13.360 --> 03:14.360 We've got to get them before they... 03:14.360 --> 03:15.360 Yeah. 03:15.360 --> 03:16.360 All the victims tell the same story. 03:16.360 --> 03:17.360 These two guys are off their rockers. 03:17.360 --> 03:18.360 When it stacks up, they're well armed. 03:18.360 --> 03:19.360 The car they're driving is cold and they're on the needle. 03:19.360 --> 03:20.360 Tell us where we got it. 03:20.360 --> 03:21.360 Leephold says they kept a couple of dates with known pushers in Vegas. 03:21.360 --> 03:22.360 As far as he could tell, there wasn't anything past. 03:22.360 --> 03:23.360 That doesn't mean it didn't happen. 03:23.360 --> 03:24.360 Well, that's the story. 03:24.360 --> 03:25.360 Get on it. 03:25.360 --> 03:26.360 Okay, scooper. 03:26.360 --> 03:27.360 I told you before, it's a matter of time till they try to put somebody around here in town 03:27.360 --> 03:28.360 for a couple of crazy gunmen, high on H, bad combination. 03:28.360 --> 03:29.360 Somebody's got to lose. 03:29.360 --> 03:30.360 Well, we've got to get them before they... 03:30.360 --> 03:31.360 Yeah. 03:31.360 --> 03:32.360 All the victims tell the same story. 03:32.360 --> 03:51.360 Get on it. 03:51.360 --> 04:10.360 We've got to get them before they try to put somebody around here in town for a couple 04:10.360 --> 04:19.360 of crazy gunmen, high on H, bad combination. 04:19.360 --> 04:22.360 They've got to lose. 04:22.360 --> 04:27.360 Get on it. 04:27.360 --> 04:50.360 Get on it. 04:50.360 --> 04:58.360 Get on it. 04:58.360 --> 05:06.360 Get on it. 05:06.360 --> 05:11.360 Get on it. 05:11.360 --> 05:21.360 Get on it. 05:21.360 --> 05:26.360 Get on it. 05:26.360 --> 05:31.360 Get on it. 05:31.360 --> 05:36.360 Get on it. 05:36.360 --> 05:44.360 Get on it. 05:44.360 --> 05:59.360 Get on it. 05:59.360 --> 06:07.360 here on the face if it didn't hit me as hard as it did turn it didn't that thing 06:07.360 --> 06:11.600 so did you pull them go not too good tell you the truth I was more concerned 06:11.600 --> 06:16.920 to take a care of my husband and paying attention to them a hoodlum I don't know 06:16.920 --> 06:19.840 where men like it come from there's something wrong with the way they were 06:19.840 --> 06:24.120 brought up truth come out will probably be their parents or to be in jail not 06:24.120 --> 06:35.760 the boys at all might be right not the boys fault settle for 425 p.m. we 06:35.760 --> 06:38.920 received a communication the FBI telling us that the Merton brothers are wanted 06:38.920 --> 06:42.960 by the state of Alabama for escape a complete record on the two men was also 06:42.960 --> 06:47.000 sent they've been arrested a total of 26 times for everything from petty theft to 06:47.000 --> 06:50.720 kidnapping according to the kickback they'd escaped from a road gang while 06:50.720 --> 06:54.800 serving a sentence to possession of narcotics we contacted the authorities in 06:54.800 --> 06:57.680 Alabama and asked them to forward all available information on the suspect 06:57.680 --> 07:00.840 after talking with Captain Donahoe Frank and I went over the first three 07:00.840 --> 07:04.880 stations we kept more we asked him to supply a list of places the two brothers 07:04.880 --> 07:09.080 might turn for a narcotic contact he gave us a list of several places in town 07:09.080 --> 07:15.360 and the names of men we could talk to 8 16 p.m. we started to check them out yeah 07:15.360 --> 07:19.760 what would they you think that the hey was around why you looking for him want 07:19.760 --> 07:23.160 to talk to him what about what we wanted you to know we'd ask for you when we 07:23.160 --> 07:28.040 you guys come that's right no where's Patsy I don't know come on we got word 07:28.040 --> 07:30.140 that he hasn't been more than three blocks away from here in the past four 07:30.140 --> 07:35.940 years now where is he I told you I don't know you're not being smart Mr. Hey 07:35.940 --> 07:40.960 back room they long yeah far as I know what you do nothing different playing 07:40.960 --> 07:57.720 a solitaire yeah you want some you have to hear what that's right 07:57.880 --> 08:05.240 sit down I know you I don't think so you're in the wrong room police office we 08:05.240 --> 08:10.960 got some questions for you I don't guarantee the answer at the start go you 08:10.960 --> 08:15.320 heard from the Martin brothers who Grady and Ethan Martin no name you don't know 08:15.320 --> 08:23.360 mm-hmm red queen on the black king like a term over that's the baby I'm looking 08:23.360 --> 08:28.120 for first time today yeah first win too bad didn't pay for the deck I don't make 08:28.120 --> 08:31.440 killing all right now come on hey what do you know about the Martin I told you 08:31.440 --> 08:35.600 nothing now I come to me what other guys in town they're gonna need a the way we 08:35.600 --> 08:39.600 got it you can steer them to it old friends again all right get your coat 08:39.600 --> 08:44.360 why let's take a ride for what we can't talk here let's go downtown what's a nice 08:44.360 --> 08:48.600 place there's nothing wrong with right here all right then what do you know 08:48.600 --> 08:53.160 what's in it for me why information like that ought to be worth some you know we 08:53.160 --> 08:56.240 can't do anything for you come on let's go how long you think you're gonna be 08:56.240 --> 09:01.600 able to hold long enough how you make that well I'll tell you we'll take you 09:01.600 --> 09:05.240 downtown process you pass the word you copped out told us about a half a dozen 09:05.240 --> 09:08.600 people in town thing like that gets around you're gonna be in trouble you'll 09:08.600 --> 09:12.160 come back with what we want to know well that's kind of crummy it almost built the 09:12.160 --> 09:20.040 blackmail you called it we didn't you really do that we would all right 09:20.040 --> 09:26.440 crushed out all the roads what do you want to know about the murders you know 09:26.440 --> 09:31.120 I met him yeah where place down the street last night what is it a bar hotel 09:31.120 --> 09:34.600 hotel there now no we just use the room to me know where they are now what they 09:34.600 --> 09:38.360 want you called it H you do them any good no I told you the truth and I'm 09:38.360 --> 09:41.400 pushing anymore why they come to you heard I could turn them on what'd you 09:41.400 --> 09:45.360 tell them I couldn't help him I told him I try and line something up stall you 09:45.360 --> 09:48.640 know I I don't want any part of that action you know I could have a piece of 09:48.640 --> 09:51.800 it they have to be no why well these guys are too far out they must be 09:51.800 --> 09:55.160 shooting seven eight caps a day just most of the time cooking them out of 09:55.160 --> 10:00.400 their skull you got anything that'll help box them in I know hey maybe the broad 10:00.400 --> 10:03.960 what do you mean well they're dragging abroad with a big one let's be six to 10:03.960 --> 10:07.360 when I start you know her I've seen her around where you start from drinks 10:07.360 --> 10:11.160 downtown got too rough for some of the managers they tied the candle he's been 10:11.160 --> 10:13.840 floating for a couple of months ties into some guy who paid the bill soon as 10:13.840 --> 10:17.440 he wises up she drops and goes on the power you got a man dress oh I can't name 10:17.440 --> 10:22.880 it some flea bag on fifth I think yeah I don't know she might chip me with it not 10:22.880 --> 10:27.240 steady enough mm-hmm she's smart you know how he looks you do a real good one 10:27.240 --> 10:30.840 of the holiest women I ever met yeah looks like she should be wearing a 10:30.840 --> 10:34.160 bridal where can we get in touch with it well it's hard to say since he's running 10:34.160 --> 10:38.960 with the Merton's yeah you might try the tenor hearts why then to dive on six he 10:38.960 --> 10:41.400 has to show for the place when they kicked her out you were freelance she 10:41.400 --> 10:45.800 still hangs around I think well how'd you leave it with a murder huh they're 10:45.800 --> 10:50.000 gonna contact you I know they might want me to call you if they do yeah we'd 10:50.000 --> 10:57.080 appreciate that okay you got a card here thanks I'll give you a ring all right 10:57.080 --> 11:04.680 anyway we'll hear from you right yeah there you are you see what you should 11:04.680 --> 11:08.920 have banked the game I lost no you didn't huh you won 11:12.000 --> 11:15.200 we returned to the office and ran the name and description of the woman through 11:15.200 --> 11:18.400 the record section we came up with a package listing arrest the violation of 11:18.400 --> 11:21.960 section 647 5 of the penal code and 42 20 LAMC 11:21.960 --> 11:26.360 listening drinks he served two terms in the county jail and at the present time 11:26.360 --> 11:30.160 was not on parole we got her address and drove out to see her 11:30.160 --> 11:33.400 landlady at the apartment house told us she was out and wasn't expected back at 11:33.400 --> 11:37.760 any certain time Frank and I drove down to the tenor heart a small bar on 6th 11:37.760 --> 11:44.400 Street we found the woman sitting on one of the front stools hi honey like to buy 11:44.400 --> 11:49.080 a drink your name James some letter names don't mean anything here just 11:49.080 --> 11:54.920 friends so it really counts and how about it that's your name you guys that's 11:54.920 --> 11:58.920 right you asked me for ain't done nothing we're not rousing you want to 11:58.920 --> 12:04.080 talk to you about what let's get outside be easier talk there I got a choice not 12:04.080 --> 12:20.240 much Henry yeah David's to I'll be right back go right out here we can talk in the 12:20.240 --> 12:26.200 car go ahead get her 12:26.200 --> 12:35.360 okay what's the base you work here do you mean this place that's right ah once 12:35.360 --> 12:39.440 no I come in have a couple of drinks that's it what do you live I've been 12:39.440 --> 12:43.680 around top you're right out here to pass the time of day when you have a couple 12:43.680 --> 12:49.560 of questions not the power for that uniform you're gonna send a suit out to 12:49.560 --> 12:53.440 ask about a traffic accident what do you do with your time then move around 12:53.440 --> 13:01.840 lay it out for me what when first the week huh okay slept late Monday got up 13:01.840 --> 13:07.920 about 1 30 a bad night Sunday woke up with a real head tagged the bar on the 13:07.920 --> 13:13.200 corner a couple of Bloody Mary's went home changed my clothes and met a friend 13:13.200 --> 13:19.120 you want to give us his name ain't going any farther not for much Nick Pfeiffer 13:19.120 --> 13:25.160 okay what happened I was out with him until maybe 2 30 that's in the morning 13:25.160 --> 13:32.640 yeah came home went to bed slept until about 11 32 mm-hmm got a call from a 13:32.640 --> 13:37.520 couple of friends who just got into town get their name same deal same deal a 13:37.520 --> 13:41.480 couple of brothers they met a girlfriend of mine in Las Vegas he gave him my 13:41.480 --> 13:47.860 number how about the names Ethan and Grady Merton okay met them a couple of 13:47.860 --> 13:52.840 drinks and go out to the beach for lunch came back to town at dinner takes us up 13:52.840 --> 13:57.020 to last night you see them today no you couldn't call me 13:57.020 --> 14:01.040 second well said they had some kind of business deal take care of this evening 14:01.040 --> 14:06.160 after that they were gonna pick me up well here about an hour that's the 14:06.160 --> 14:11.760 reason for the muscle the Martin brother might be a game going on on their side I 14:11.760 --> 14:16.600 want that clear they pulled a boo-boo they did it themselves no help from me 14:16.600 --> 14:22.680 as I'm concerned they both got soft spot what do you mean miss calls soft they 14:22.680 --> 14:25.880 say what this business was they had to take care of no mention something about 14:25.880 --> 14:29.800 somebody oh one of money something like that so they were gonna collect didn't 14:29.800 --> 14:34.320 say where though not to me they were rigged last night though 14:34.320 --> 14:38.960 didn't leave a lot of doubt all those guns going out to collect they weren't 14:38.960 --> 15:00.720 gonna do it nice 15:00.720 --> 15:04.320 we called the office and told them what happened another team of men were sent 15:04.320 --> 15:07.560 out to help us cover the place Frank and I took up our positions in the back of 15:07.560 --> 15:15.680 the barn we waited 1 15 a.m. 130 145 what do you think John I don't know I did not 15:15.680 --> 15:18.080 show up 15:18.800 --> 15:23.760 hey John got an idea this morning yeah well I was saving I always have trouble 15:23.760 --> 15:27.480 you know try all the things they tell you let the ladder stay on two and a half 15:27.480 --> 15:31.080 minutes hot water all the things you're supposed to do I've tried them off I 15:31.080 --> 15:37.000 came up with the answer you did it yep what is it this time new kind of 15:37.000 --> 15:43.800 razor razor yeah I got thinking about saying gave me the idea how does that 15:43.800 --> 15:49.840 work say is my wife I know that she's shaving now you don't understand she's 15:49.840 --> 15:54.560 not shaving well no oh you last night she gave herself one of those home 15:54.560 --> 15:58.560 permanents and I got the idea from that for the new razor yeah they got those 15:58.560 --> 16:02.080 permanent things for different kinds of hair like hair that's hard to curl 16:02.080 --> 16:07.640 medium easy to curl easy you know how does I know what's coming here hmm well 16:07.640 --> 16:11.640 somebody invented a razor for tough beard medium beard like there's you do 16:11.640 --> 16:18.280 all right you're gonna invent it are you know I'm not gonna you know I am with 16:18.280 --> 16:22.520 those things it's got the idea though I'd you like to buy one if they had him 16:22.520 --> 16:29.040 tough beard find one right away first day every answer 16:29.040 --> 16:34.960 here comes I look like Lady Martin just came in there yeah my brother is might be 16:34.960 --> 16:39.200 outside wait a minute while we move 16:40.200 --> 16:49.280 and let it all the way let's go take it outside right 16:51.480 --> 16:55.920 all right Martin hold it up he's leaving Joe come on calm down take it easy 16:55.920 --> 17:03.920 police officer take it easy all right come on get up come on get over there by 17:03.920 --> 17:07.120 the wall dance still 17:10.000 --> 17:15.040 Joe Luger so I put your hands down the back when you shoved me around for cop 17:15.040 --> 17:18.760 you're gonna be sorry about what your brother you'll find it you got a fat 17:18.760 --> 17:24.800 mouth mr. Now where is he I won't let you go on daddy man that's right you turn 17:24.800 --> 17:29.320 them on and you talk to me guys like you always cause me trouble now I get cheap 17:29.320 --> 17:32.280 bum I don't know what even season you're gonna be sorry when he hears about this 17:32.280 --> 17:36.760 I'm fair way to get you you can't dig far enough to get away you'll find you 17:36.760 --> 17:40.040 and pay your back that's enough now let's go you tell her you're gonna collect 17:40.040 --> 17:45.000 interest on it she'll be sorry not alone I feel have company 17:47.360 --> 17:50.920 the other team of men remained at the bar in the event the other suspect 17:50.920 --> 17:55.040 returned we took rating Martin to the city hall for questioning empty your 17:55.040 --> 17:58.640 pocket come on empty them out 17:59.040 --> 18:08.840 well change please can't get you spend my let me see your arms bring on come on 18:08.840 --> 18:13.600 let me see your arm what for there's two ways to do this you take your choice 18:15.360 --> 18:19.480 all right when you have your last pop you got a prove it that won't be hard all 18:19.480 --> 18:23.040 we got to do is drop you on an iso selling will be screaming for sure you 18:23.040 --> 18:25.960 get all the money you can on that I'll book it myself let me see the wallet 18:25.960 --> 18:29.480 nothing wrong with your reach 18:32.000 --> 18:36.440 mr. Pink slip on your car yeah what Nevada that's what it says yeah 18:36.440 --> 18:44.360 what was he for nothing like carrying then up what happens now you hit me turn 18:44.360 --> 18:51.880 around forgot that mention Martin huh he here what's it for 18:51.880 --> 18:57.080 I'm a sub Henryk's Arms Hotel that we've been saying I'm not gonna say anymore 18:57.080 --> 19:00.360 you want me to talk it's got to be with the lawyer I know my rights you can't 19:00.360 --> 19:04.960 make me say no huh we got all we need 19:09.240 --> 19:13.120 we had Grady Martin taken to the main jail and held the answer charges of 19:13.120 --> 19:18.240 violation of section 211 PC 3 26 a.m. Frank and I left the office and drove 19:18.240 --> 19:21.840 out to the Hendrix Island with a large private home in the Crenshaw area that 19:21.840 --> 19:25.520 had been converted into a hotel Frank covered the back entrance to the 19:25.520 --> 19:46.360 building and I walked up the step you know it's 330 hope you've got a good 19:46.360 --> 19:49.760 reason coming around here this time of night police officer coming ready to do 19:49.760 --> 19:54.480 him five feet what more police business listen this is a clean place there's no 19:54.480 --> 19:57.600 problem that's the way I wanted this we all want it yeah sure now who's in room 19:57.600 --> 20:02.640 five three couple guys what are the names I don't know some white where is the 20:02.640 --> 20:06.640 room to them only seen you a couple of times all right does one of them look 20:06.640 --> 20:11.600 like this picture come in here way get some light huh 20:13.160 --> 20:22.920 now let's take a look oh this is how we hear that's right hmm well here yes 20:22.920 --> 20:27.640 that's one of them yeah you know well I wouldn't have any way of knowing that 20:27.640 --> 20:31.760 tenants come and go as they please see long as they don't let the water run 20:31.760 --> 20:35.480 don't have no loud parties we don't bother where is the room is the third 20:35.480 --> 20:40.440 floor rear okay this hall go to the back door yeah you got to go through the 20:40.440 --> 20:46.120 kitchen say can you tell me what this is all about they better if we didn't gonna 20:46.120 --> 20:49.840 be in shoot I don't think so well if there's I can give you a hand I got a 20:49.840 --> 20:53.800 pro game the really used to hunt dogs I'm dead you know that won't be necessary 20:53.800 --> 21:04.720 I think yeah don't know you any back there yes sir right through there it 21:04.720 --> 21:09.240 looks like a closet with you another door and you can go on up you have a key to 21:09.240 --> 21:18.160 the room yeah yeah why would you go with you might be better if you stayed here 21:18.160 --> 21:24.080 yeah yeah well I'll get my gun guard the front door he won't get out I'll guard 21:24.080 --> 21:26.200 it 21:26.200 --> 21:45.680 this is down this way yeah easy no no 21:45.680 --> 21:54.640 no funding yeah look. 21:58.400 --> 22:02.540 Thank you behind a belt. 22:06.280 --> 22:10.340 I put it on the card wake I thought you got it just. 22:10.340 --> 22:11.340 Come on up. 22:12.340 --> 22:13.340 Now, how'd you get to me? How'd you do it? 22:13.340 --> 22:14.340 We did. 22:14.340 --> 22:16.340 I should have killed you all the time in the world and I didn't do it. 22:16.340 --> 22:17.340 I should have killed you. 22:17.340 --> 22:18.340 Yeah, you should have. 22:18.340 --> 22:19.340 Perfect shot and I couldn't do it. No reason at all. 22:19.340 --> 22:20.340 It wouldn't have cost me any more. 22:20.340 --> 22:21.340 Would that so? 22:21.340 --> 22:23.340 Yeah, sure. They never executed anybody in this state for killing a cop. 22:23.340 --> 22:24.340 It wouldn't have cost me any more. 22:24.340 --> 22:26.340 We've got a bigger bill and you can pay now. 22:26.340 --> 22:27.340 Come on. 22:34.340 --> 22:36.340 The story you have just heard is true. 22:36.340 --> 22:38.340 The names were changed to protect the innocent. 22:38.340 --> 22:43.340 On August 18th, trial was held in Department 98, Superior Court of the State of California, 22:43.340 --> 22:45.340 in and for the County of Los Angeles. 22:45.340 --> 22:47.340 In a moment, the results of that trial... 22:55.340 --> 23:00.340 Ethan Gifford Merton and Grady James Merton were tried and convicted of robbery in the first degree, 23:00.340 --> 23:03.340 five counts, and received sentence as prescribed by law. 23:03.340 --> 23:07.340 Robbery in the first degree is punishable by imprisonment in the state penitentiary 23:07.340 --> 23:09.340 for a period of from five years to life. 23:10.340 --> 23:14.340 Because of the viciousness of their crimes, their sentences were set to run consecutively. 23:15.340 --> 23:19.340 A hold was placed on them by the state of Alabama in the event they are paroled. 23:19.340 --> 23:24.340 You have just heard Dragnet, a series of authentic cases from official files. 23:24.340 --> 23:29.340 Technical advice comes from the Office of Chief of Police, W.H. Parker, Los Angeles Police Department. 23:29.340 --> 23:34.340 Technical advisors, Captain Jack Donahoe, Sergeant Marty Wynn, Sergeant Fance Brasher. 23:34.340 --> 23:40.340 Heard tonight were Ben Alexander, Herb Ellis, Virginia Gregg, Vickie and the others. 23:40.340 --> 23:24.080 The 23:24.080 --> 23:30.080 You have just heard Dragnet, a series of authentic cases from official files. 23:30.080 --> 23:35.080 Technical advice comes from the Office of Chief of Police, W.H. Parker, Los Angeles Police Department. 23:35.080 --> 23:40.080 Technical advisors, Captain Jack Donahoe, Sergeant Marty Wynn, Sergeant Fance Brasher. 23:40.080 --> 23:47.080 Heard tonight were Ben Alexander, Herb Ellis, Virginia Gregg, Vick Rodman, Bert Hollins. 23:47.080 --> 23:55.080 Script by John Robinson, music by Walter Schumann, Hal Gitney speaking. 23:55.080 --> 24:01.080 Watch an entirely different Dragnet case history each week on your local NBC television station. 24:01.080 --> 24:04.080 Please check your newspapers for the day and time. 24:04.080 --> 24:18.080 Chesterfield has brought you Dragnet transcribed from Los Angeles.