# The Big Story: Divorce and Death Can Lead to Murder (EP4962)

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-great-detectives-of-old-time-radio-daily-mystery-dramas-162279/the-big-story-divorce-and-death-can-lead-to-murder-ep4962
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-great-detectives-of-old-time-radio-daily-mystery-dramas-162279/the-big-story-divorce-and-death-can-lead-to-murder-ep4962.md
Podcast: [The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio| Daily Mystery Dramas](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-great-detectives-of-old-time-radio-daily-mystery-dramas-162279)
Published: 2026-04-28T06:20:35+00:00
Episode link: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-big-story-divorce-and-death-can-lead-to-murder-ep4962--71697277
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/pdcn.co/e/pdrl.fm/997ffb/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/71697277/gd4962.mp3
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Duration seconds: 1919

## Resource

A crime reporter investigates the murder of a wealthy real estate developer found dead in a Cadillac near the Nevada border. The investigation uncovers a web of intimidation, hidden identities, and a killer watching the reporter's every move.

## Highlights
- Main idea: Reporter Frank McCullough uses his investigative instincts to solve a high-stakes murder case involving a prominent developer
- Tension: The investigator faces direct threats and surveillance from an unidentified killer who knows his family's location
- Failure mode: Relying on a single witness who is too terrified of lethal retaliation to provide actionable information
- Practical takeaway: Criminal investigations often hinge on tracing physical evidence like discarded license plates to uncover a suspect's true identity
- Historical context: The episode's title references Reno's mid-century reputation as a hub for gambling and easy divorce

## Topics

Old Time Radio, Crime Drama, Murder Mystery, Investigative Journalism, 1950s Radio, Noir, True Crime Reenactment

## Chapters
- 1:00 — Introduction: Host Adam Graham introduces the Golden Age radio series and the upcoming episode of The Big Story.
- 3:20 — The Crime Scene: A wealthy real estate developer is found shot to death in his car near the California-Nevada border.
- 7:50 — The Reporter's Theory: Frank McCullough refuses to let the case go, believing someone in town must have witnessed the crime.
- 10:10 — A Dangerous Warning: The investigation hits a wall when a mysterious figure threatens the reporter's life and family.
- 14:50 — The Hotel Lead: McCullough attempts to extract information from a witness at a hotel bar who is paralyzed by fear.
- 19:20 — The Cold Killer: The reporter describes the chilling, calculated nature of the suspect and the danger of knowing too much.
- 21:30 — Tracing the Plates: Evidence from a discarded Texas license plate leads to the identification of Martin Stevens, a career criminal.

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## Transcript

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