The Big Story: Murder and the Frustrated Father (EP4957)

This episode of 'The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio' presents a dramatized version of a real-life murder case from Kansas City, Missouri, titled 'Murder and the Frustrated Father.' The story centers on Albert Norton, a father who kills his 19-year-old daughter, Jacqueline, after she plans to go on a date with her boyfriend, Ed Carlisle. The motive stems from Norton's deep-seated desire for a son, leading him to raise Jacqueline as a boy throughout her life—denying her feminine experiences and relationships. When she asserts her independence and love for Ed, Norton's psychological unraveling culminates in murder. The narrative unfolds through the eyes of Sam Melnick, a United Press reporter who breaks the story and helps track the fugitive father. Using sharp deduction, Melnick realizes the killer must be near home, not in a restaurant as claimed, and leads police to the Norton residence where the father attempts suicide. The episode blends suspense, psychological depth, and social commentary on gender roles and parental control. In the postscript, the host reflects on the real-life inspiration—Lula Mae Davis, killed by her father in 1949—highlighting how the dramatization takes creative liberties while preserving the tragic core. The episode also touches on nostalgia for old-time radio, with a listener sharing memories of 33 RPM records, underscoring the enduring cultural legacy of these programs.