The Big Will

Originally Aired: June 7, 1953

Dragnet #207, "The Big Will," Sergeant Joe Friday and Officer Frank Smith respond to a shooting call on a rainy Sunday night in Los Angeles. When they arrive at 1981 East Borendo, they find Charles Stahl, a 55-year-old bachelor, lying unconscious on his kitchen floor with a gunshot wound to the chest. Paul West, Stahl's longtime neighbor and friend of forty years, has been trying desperately to stop the bleeding after hearing what he thought was the sound of trash cans but was actually the gunshot. As Friday and Smith work to gather information, the critically wounded Stahl briefly regains consciousness, but his dying words are cryptic and unhelpful—he only pleads not to be shot again.

With the victim dead within minutes of their arrival and no clear suspect, Friday and Smith begin their methodical investigation. The crime lab finds a .32 caliber revolver under the kitchen stove with one spent cartridge, but gun records turn up nothing. With no fingerprints, no footprints, and only tire tracks in the alley behind the house to go on, the detectives face a challenging case with virtually no leads on who murdered Charles Stahl or why.

Friday - The Dragnet Podcast is your ultimate destination for reliving the thrilling world of the classic Dragnet radio show. Step back into the gritty streets of Los Angeles with Sergeant Joe Friday as he brings justice to life through captivating, true-to-form storytelling. This unparalleled collection features beautifully remastered audio, accurate transcriptions, and detailed episode descriptions to give listeners the most authentic Dragnet experience.

Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to old-time radio dramas, this podcast delivers the definitive version of Dragnet, preserving its iconic legacy for generations to come. Experience crime-solving at its finest with meticulous attention to detail, including cast insights for every episode.