Death by Adoption: Tales of the Texas Rangers (March 18, 1951)

“Death by Adoption” is an episode of Tales of the Texas Rangers, the old-time radio show, first broadcast March 18, 1951. Listen free on Stupid Potato.

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What happens

Harry Cashman, owner of a used car lot in Central City, Texas, is found dead in his office after his wife becomes concerned when he fails to return home. Ranger Jason Pearson arrives to investigate what appears to be a robbery-murder, finding clues including mysterious yellow chalk on the carpet and no clear motive for the killing.

Central City, Texas in September 1937, primarily at Harry Cashman's used car lot and his home.

Characters: Ranger Jason Pearson, Harry Cashman, Stryker, Hazel Cashman, Chief Dan Simmons

Listen for: The sinister conversation between Cashman and Stryker that sets up the central conflict, and Ranger Pearson's methodical investigation techniques as he begins piecing together the crime.

Written from the episode itself; it never gives away the ending. Every recording is remastered for the stream: cleaned of rumble, hiss and mains hum (and the old TV whine where we found it), then levelled in two passes to steady broadcast loudness, so one show is never quieter than the next.