August 9, 2025 • 30 mins
Chronicles the cases of a law enforcement officer in the American West, blending traditional Western themes with modern investigative techniques. The stories are based on real cases.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
The National Broadcasting Company presents Joel McCrae in Tales of
the Texas Rangers. Tonight Transcribe from Hollywood, another authentic reenactment
of a case from the files of the Texas Rangers.
(00:24):
Tales of the Texas Rangers, starring Joe McCrae as Ranger
Jase Pearson, Texas more than two hundred and sixty thousand.
Speaker 2 (00:31):
Square miles and fifty men will make up.
Speaker 1 (00:33):
The most famous and oldest law enforcement party in North America.
Now from the files of the Texas Rangers come these
(00:55):
stories based on fact only.
Speaker 3 (00:56):
Names, dates, and.
Speaker 4 (00:57):
Places are big dishes for obvious reasons, they, amongst themselves
not a matter of Packard.
Speaker 5 (01:08):
Ca spot Tonight break down.
Speaker 6 (01:18):
It is shortly after midnight, the beginning of Good Friday,
in the year nineteen thirty seven. Jim Wiley, Constable of Romer, Texas,
is driving the lonely outskirts of his territory. When his
headlights pick out a car park on the road shoulder.
Speaker 5 (01:32):
He breaks to a stop.
Speaker 7 (01:36):
And some trouble.
Speaker 3 (01:38):
This heat calmed down on me.
Speaker 2 (01:40):
I'm trying to get it started for half hour.
Speaker 5 (01:43):
Maybe I can get it going for you. No little
something about card. Okay, by trying, he's there.
Speaker 2 (01:48):
Go ahead.
Speaker 5 (01:59):
It looks like it at the snunt friend, you must
be out of gas, the gage says she have for
beg must be busted then joking like I did and
should have blooded the car reading gas was feeding through.
Speaker 3 (02:11):
We'd get the.
Speaker 5 (02:11):
Smell of it, and they'd better check the tank and
get a stick or something to shove in here for measuring.
Will you you.
Speaker 2 (02:19):
Better just branch out of death?
Speaker 5 (02:25):
Yeah? Excuse enough?
Speaker 3 (02:26):
Give you here?
Speaker 5 (02:29):
She happy grinds the WCTU meeting.
Speaker 2 (02:32):
Yeah, I'd leave me my stuff.
Speaker 5 (02:35):
Mm. I got a siphon the holes from the trunk.
We can rain enough out of my tank to get
you back to Roma's in all that station night. No
afraiding now, no hotel either, but I can put you
up for the night. You don't mind bunking in the jail.
What I mean jail? I'm constable.
Speaker 2 (02:52):
Oh I see, we don't worry the jails clean.
Speaker 5 (02:55):
Come on, let's go get that horse. Yeh, seem here
someplace if I can find it, I'm gonna match.
Speaker 7 (03:04):
How you better?
Speaker 5 (03:05):
I want to be here someplace, and ain't just let
a lot of junk fire up.
Speaker 8 (03:10):
I can't hold this match much longer, not another one
that was the last one to brook Well, you got
that hold of happy.
Speaker 5 (03:18):
No point getting snappy, boy. It's strange. How come you
didn't know the gas cage and your car was busting.
Speaker 2 (03:25):
I that's just happened, I kids.
Speaker 5 (03:28):
Seems to me there's a car just like yours on
my stolen car list. I hope you got proof of
ownership on you.
Speaker 8 (03:35):
I got it all right in my pocket. Point a
right squatch of bunny.
Speaker 5 (03:39):
Use your head, young Coela. Stolen cars a bad charge,
but it ain't nearly as bad as using a gun
on a peace officer. You better hand that gun over
and come with me.
Speaker 2 (03:50):
Why you here, you small town root coop? Just thinking?
Go ahead, god rich a rich port, reach forse I
can kick her face. Don't be a look.
Speaker 3 (04:04):
You can't get away with this.
Speaker 2 (04:06):
I did that far from other dumb cops. You never
should have told me, your cops. You know you never
should something coming on your face.
Speaker 8 (04:13):
Come on on.
Speaker 9 (04:14):
Your fight, get around brush, how you look at they stop?
Speaker 7 (04:18):
You're gonna get the rights with a put you off
with this?
Speaker 5 (04:21):
Hey?
Speaker 10 (04:22):
Hell?
Speaker 1 (04:23):
Hell he gross cutting the boss gone pap Yell, yell
all you want try not yell that more to go ahead.
Speaker 10 (04:35):
That's too bad, man.
Speaker 8 (04:40):
You and me gonna make a tray bullet from this
gun exchange for your car.
Speaker 2 (04:46):
That's mad at pop.
Speaker 7 (04:47):
Don'ts you like it?
Speaker 5 (04:48):
You get caught, we'll get you.
Speaker 7 (04:50):
The cop ain't born can take me?
Speaker 3 (04:53):
My mom?
Speaker 7 (04:54):
Pipe is gonna die.
Speaker 2 (04:56):
Why don't you crawl a little?
Speaker 9 (04:58):
Why don't you beg a little about change my mind?
Speaker 11 (05:02):
I said you could kill me, but you ain't scaring me.
Speaker 9 (05:08):
I'll make it easy for you, Papa, But you got
a big man that you do not give it. You
through the kidney, and that ain't nice, Papa. It takes
a couple of hours to die that way, and it hurts, Papa.
Speaker 8 (05:20):
I know.
Speaker 9 (05:20):
I watched the cop die that way once before.
Speaker 3 (05:23):
What you do? I said, for pray louder. Let me
hear you.
Speaker 5 (05:26):
You are the one I'm praying for. You must be
quick praying for me, you cop.
Speaker 2 (05:34):
Let's see who you'll pray for the next couple.
Speaker 8 (05:39):
It hurts, don't it? And it's gonna get worse. You
don't pass out till riding here, then.
Speaker 2 (05:47):
Enjoy yourself, Copper, Oh good time.
Speaker 6 (05:59):
Constable Lly's body was discovered shortly after sunrise, when highway
patrolmens spotted the stolen vehicle abandoned by the killer. The
sheriff was summoned and he called for the help of
the Texas Rangers. By noon of Good Friday, Ranger Captain
Stinson was at the scene, accompanied by Ranger Jace Pearson.
Speaker 3 (06:18):
While he didn't die, is a jase? Look at that? Yeah,
tried to crawl out to the road on a blood trail.
Speaker 12 (06:25):
Must have been in agony every inch of the way.
Speaker 3 (06:28):
Do you have any family?
Speaker 12 (06:29):
An invalid wife, two daughters, and three grandchildren. A man
who did this might just as well have shot them too.
They'll feel the same pain. While he did only longer.
Speaker 3 (06:40):
With an alert out for Wiley's car, we might get
a break. Killer may have been spotted in it somewhere
along the line. I doubt it.
Speaker 12 (06:47):
He prepaly got where he wanted to go and ditched
it before sun up. Medical examiner figured while he's been
dead since about three am, must have been shot a
couple of hours before.
Speaker 3 (06:56):
That gives the killer a good start, all right, Ken, Yeah,
get back to the rule. We've got one thing going
for us.
Speaker 12 (07:03):
Though men were after him, they have lifted some prints
on the car he abandoned when he took Wiley's lab
men flew in before we got here.
Speaker 3 (07:10):
They ought to be coming through with a report soon.
Speaker 12 (07:12):
When Steve Clark is in town waiting for it, he'll
bring it out. I want you and Steve to stay
on this case until it's cracked.
Speaker 3 (07:18):
It's one eyed enjoy cracking. Only lead we've got is
that the abandoned car was headed west. Well that's something.
At least you and Steve can start off in that direction. Hey,
here's Steve now. Oh yeah, Harry, Steve, you get the
lab report.
Speaker 7 (07:36):
Yeah, cap'n, it'll rally your teeth.
Speaker 5 (07:38):
Hey, kill has been identified by fingerprints left from the
car he ditched. Wiley was killed by rex Lang, rex
l rex Lang, Yeah.
Speaker 7 (07:46):
No doubt about it.
Speaker 5 (07:48):
The Prince were as clear as a bell as a
copy of Lang's record attached to the report.
Speaker 3 (07:51):
I don't have to see that, I know it by heart.
I wonder how long he's been in Texas.
Speaker 12 (07:56):
See, they might have been here for a year or more.
Last report on him was he killed a policeman in
Great Falls, Montana. Before that, he pulled jobs in Nebraska, Wyoming,
an iorn He's blazed quite a trail, Yes, and I
want that trail to end in Texas. It's the first
time he's paid us a visit.
Speaker 3 (08:13):
I want it to be the last.
Speaker 7 (08:14):
He's not easy to catch.
Speaker 5 (08:16):
According to that report, he's been jailed only one side
of Hostate reformatory when he was sixteen, as about eight
years ago.
Speaker 12 (08:22):
Yeah, and in that eight years he's killed six people,
four of them peace officers. The first one was the
guard at the reformatory. Lang butchered him when he escaped.
Look at his record. Look at it sent to the
reformatory for beating.
Speaker 3 (08:35):
His young brother half to death with a stool pooker.
Is that Lang's picture flipped on the report? Yeah, Mudshaw
taken at the reformatory.
Speaker 7 (08:42):
Now that'll help us.
Speaker 3 (08:43):
I don't know Steve a big bone, sixteen year old kid,
and we're looking for a twenty four year old man
who could have filled out plenty by now be hard
to recognize.
Speaker 5 (08:51):
Well, there ought to be some description, since there ought
to be, but there aren't.
Speaker 12 (08:56):
All the witnesses he's left are dead ones. Is this
the complete report? Yeah, that's it, Captain. Oh, except this
probably doesn't mean anything.
Speaker 5 (09:04):
The sheriff picked up this empty match book and was
just lying in back of where Wiley's car was parked
here on the shoulder. Lab checked it for Prince, but
they couldn't put anything off of it.
Speaker 12 (09:12):
We all might have been thrown from any passing car.
Speaker 3 (09:14):
Yeah, I guess, so let me see it advertising on
the cover. Grand Bowling Alley in Pintado.
Speaker 12 (09:21):
Pintato is about seventy miles west jas and that's the
way the car was hitted. He couldn't pick up matches
before he got.
Speaker 3 (09:28):
There, unless he'd been in Pintato before and was headed
back there again when he tripped over Wiley. Yeah, that's possible.
Our trail leads west anyhow, don't do any harm to
check around Pintado when we get there.
Speaker 12 (09:38):
You're toring a double horse trailer, Dace, so you and
Steve might as well ride together.
Speaker 7 (09:42):
So it's me.
Speaker 5 (09:42):
I'll love my.
Speaker 7 (09:43):
Horse and put him in with chocol.
Speaker 3 (09:45):
There's something about Rex slang. It might pay to remember.
Speaker 12 (09:48):
He was a ladies man back where he came from,
Poker till Idaho.
Speaker 10 (09:51):
All right, boy bag was fourteen.
Speaker 3 (09:55):
Yeah, even then.
Speaker 12 (09:56):
It was our high school girl who smuggled in the
knife he used to kill the reformer to a god,
and there's been indications that he had a woman look
out with him on burglaries where his prints have been found.
Speaker 3 (10:06):
I'll get my trailer of him for you, Steve.
Speaker 2 (10:07):
Thanks Jays.
Speaker 3 (10:11):
Company for you, Jackie, No you Sday and boy are
you climbing?
Speaker 10 (10:15):
Boy? Come ont.
Speaker 3 (10:18):
Okay, Ja, I guess we're ready to row. You'll have
Pharmi's cabin, Jaz, Steve, what's the matter cabin?
Speaker 12 (10:29):
You both know Lang's record a killer with a crazy
hate for all peace officers. So understand that what I'm
going to say now is not in order. If you
corner him, you'll have a mad dog on your hands.
But I'd like to have him taken alive.
Speaker 7 (10:44):
That may not be easy, cap'n.
Speaker 12 (10:45):
I know, but Rex Slang has become an idol to
young punks and reform school tufts all over the country. Now,
if we can put him on trial, convict him in
the court of law, and had him executed by the state,
it'll show those kids that society is strong enough. Have
to stamp him out like a flea. There's nothing glamorous
about dying in an electric chair. But if you have
(11:06):
to finish him in a fight, he'll still be an idol,
You'll say. Rex Slang was so tough we couldn't take him.
We had to kill him.
Speaker 3 (11:14):
I understand, Kevin, So do I now? Remember it's not
in order. I want both of you back alive too.
Speaker 7 (11:21):
That's all.
Speaker 3 (11:22):
Come on, Steve, let's go. We headed west, looking for
a dangerous kid grown into a dangerous man with a
face we might recognize too late. By midnight, we checked
the highway as far as Pintado. In the morning we
started to comb the town, still drawing a blank.
Speaker 7 (11:43):
That, guys, the Bowling Alley was much help.
Speaker 5 (11:45):
Jase didn't seem to recognize an old picture Rex Lang.
And Lang may have changed a lot in eight years,
but if he made the alley's a hangout, the owner
should have well, you know, Jace thought the face was
a little familiar. Maybe yes, maybe No, Lang was blonde
and smooth skinned as a kid. Here might have darkened
plenty since then, face and frame filled out and he
shaves now A beard line changes a face. Yeah, he
(12:08):
might have just passed through here and picked up those matches.
So maybe they were just thrown out of a passing car.
Speaker 3 (12:13):
I know, we can't waste too much time on the lead.
That may be blind. Now, how about some breakfast. There's
a Mexican place across the street, Lobo, that's for me.
Speaker 5 (12:22):
I'm so hungry I'll even eat Enchilada's for breakfast. Call
its cross Easter Sunday, Tomord Jays. I wish I could
be home with the wife and kids. I even forgot
to owe the flowers. Why are the captain? You'll have
some sense of the house for you. Yeah, didn't even
think of that.
Speaker 7 (12:41):
Let's take the boot, Jase. I'm tired of no college.
Speaker 6 (12:44):
Why can't I go with you?
Speaker 5 (12:45):
Senors?
Speaker 10 (12:46):
It is a manu.
Speaker 12 (12:47):
I have everything, fruit, juice, couple of scrambled eggs, zasy
with bacon, coffee and toast.
Speaker 10 (12:55):
When is there? How would be with?
Speaker 4 (12:57):
You?
Speaker 5 (12:57):
Want a moment?
Speaker 10 (12:58):
You bet here?
Speaker 7 (12:59):
I am stuffing. I don't even know what I want?
Speaker 2 (13:01):
Say?
Speaker 5 (13:01):
Why don't you wait on the lady while I'm thinking
it over?
Speaker 10 (13:03):
Of course, on your take your time.
Speaker 3 (13:06):
I thought you were hungry enough to eat Enchilada's for breakfast.
Speaker 5 (13:09):
Yeah, yeah, the man double cross me. He gave me
a choice.
Speaker 10 (13:12):
I just wanna contain a car to.
Speaker 5 (13:14):
Go a little Jason, you leave you Wannny Bright no
creamy sugar.
Speaker 7 (13:18):
Yeah, I guess I just double your order. Jason. Now
what's the move when we leave here?
Speaker 3 (13:23):
I haven't figured it yet.
Speaker 5 (13:24):
You want a sun?
Speaker 3 (13:25):
You bet?
Speaker 5 (13:26):
Hut leave?
Speaker 7 (13:28):
You know, Jason? Maybe we should go back. Wait a minute, see.
Speaker 10 (13:33):
Very since kay dress intend to be you bet?
Speaker 7 (13:37):
Sit night? Steve?
Speaker 2 (13:39):
Oh ma'am, just a minute?
Speaker 13 (13:42):
You speaking to me, ranger?
Speaker 3 (13:43):
Yes, ma'am. I happened to look out of the booth
and saw you. Don't I know you.
Speaker 5 (13:48):
From some place I don't think so, thank you?
Speaker 3 (13:50):
Sure look familiar? You live here in Pintato? You bet
us to mention the last time I was through here
about two years ago.
Speaker 2 (13:58):
I am a stay grange. I only been here six weeks.
Speaker 3 (14:00):
Oh well, where'd you come from before?
Speaker 8 (14:03):
That?
Speaker 2 (14:04):
Ford Worth?
Speaker 3 (14:05):
That's your hometown?
Speaker 5 (14:06):
You bet?
Speaker 3 (14:09):
That's one on me. You sure did look familiar. Excuse me, please?
Speaker 2 (14:13):
You bet.
Speaker 10 (14:17):
You've had the rooms in your etha know.
Speaker 3 (14:19):
Maybe grab your hat? Steve, Why what was that all about?
Something hit me when she was talking? Notice how she
kept saying, you bet?
Speaker 4 (14:26):
Yeah?
Speaker 7 (14:27):
What about it?
Speaker 3 (14:27):
That reformatory report about Lang the part about his habits?
You bet?
Speaker 5 (14:32):
Was his favorite expression on that Wait a minute, Jace.
Lang may have changed, but I doubt if he's turned
into a.
Speaker 3 (14:37):
Girl, you know. But she picked up that expression someplace, Steve,
from somebody who uses it regularly, and it could be Lang.
Speaker 5 (14:44):
Well, it's as good a lead as that match book, Jayce.
It's worth following.
Speaker 3 (14:47):
I think so too. Come on, let's see where she's
taken that coffee.
Speaker 4 (15:02):
You are listening to Tales of the Texas Rangers, starring
Joel McCrae as Ranger Jase Pearson. We continue now with
tonight's case breakdown, an authentic story from the files of
the Texas Rangers.
Speaker 3 (15:23):
We followed the girl, hoping she was taking the coffee
to Rex Lang. The hope exploded less than two blocks
from Lobo's Cafe when she turned into the doorway of
a jewelry store not far from where my car was parked.
Speaker 5 (15:35):
Doesn't look like the sort of place we'd find Lang in, Jason.
Speaker 7 (15:37):
And she went into the back of the store.
Speaker 3 (15:39):
Look through that corner of the window.
Speaker 5 (15:41):
Yeah, now there's the container of coffee on that bench
right beside the watch with them, and she must have
brought it in for him. Yes, he's the balls looks
that way and he can't be Lang. He must be
sixty or more. Jase, get back a little. What is
it she came out of the back, she's behind the
couner and she's working there. Then let's not take any
chances on being spotted. Drift back this way a little. Yeah,
(16:02):
it's good enough. She'd have to come out to see us. Now,
got to keep a tag on her. She's Lang's girl,
she'll lead us to him. But even if she is
his girl, no telling. I'll off me Caesar. He's hot
and must be hiding out someplace. I could burn up
a week or two and then find out we're sending
out dogs at the wrong tree.
Speaker 3 (16:18):
You won't waste any time, not if we can get
some information about her. I'm gonna get to a phone.
You stay right here on this block, though, walk the
corner with him.
Speaker 5 (16:26):
Yeah, Jase, if she was Lang's girl, why should she
be working If.
Speaker 3 (16:29):
She was working in the laundry, that's a question I
couldn't answer. But I can think of a good reason
why she might be working in a jewelry store Casetif
for Lang to knock it over, it's been done before.
I'm gonna have headquarters checked back on some jobs Langs
pulled before. See what you can find out along the
street here. She's a mighty pretty girl, so it's a
safe bet she's been noticed by other store keepers along here.
(16:51):
Maybe one of 'em knows their name and where she lives.
Speaker 7 (16:53):
Says.
Speaker 5 (16:54):
We don't want to tip our hand by asking too
many questions, and don't make them sound like official questions.
Make them sound like you're just another man, man who's
seen a pretty girl. Okay, okay, but you ever mentioned
this to my wife?
Speaker 7 (17:04):
And you and me are got tang.
Speaker 3 (17:05):
He get going. I'll make my call and meet you
with the car later. I called my headquarters and gave
Captain Stinton a description of the girl we were tagging
and a list of information I wanted. Was less than
two hours later when he called me back.
Speaker 10 (17:23):
It looks like you may have hit something with that girl. Jeez.
I made a few phone calls and got answers that fit.
Speaker 3 (17:29):
What are they?
Speaker 10 (17:30):
Fingerprint records from.
Speaker 14 (17:31):
Out of state shoe that Lang's burglaries in the past
included a jewelry's store, a check cash and agency in
a private home where the owner was in the habit
of keeping plenty of cash in.
Speaker 3 (17:40):
The seat girl fit into those cases. Yes, a girl.
Speaker 14 (17:44):
Answer in the description you gave worked in all three places.
Speaker 10 (17:47):
The only thing that varies in description is the color
of her hair.
Speaker 14 (17:51):
In each case she quitted job a few months before
the actual burglary.
Speaker 3 (17:55):
That's the modus operandi I've been looking for, heyl.
Speaker 10 (17:57):
If it was the same girl in each case, all
much changed the name.
Speaker 3 (18:01):
That's as easy as dyeing her hair. It all fits.
Speaker 10 (18:04):
If you're right, Jesse, you're getting mighty close to Lane.
Speaker 3 (18:06):
That's where we want to be. Thanks, capt'n. You'll hear
from me, Jeeves.
Speaker 10 (18:10):
Maybe i'd been to send you a couple.
Speaker 3 (18:11):
Of more men, I'd only give Lang a couple of
more targets.
Speaker 7 (18:15):
By cap'n, the.
Speaker 3 (18:24):
Girl was shaping up like the extra joker in a
poker game. By the time I got back to Steve
Clarkey had a rundown on her. The name she was
using in Pintato was Jojo Deering. That night, the stores
were opened late for the last minute Easter shoppers, but
finally the lights went out. And followed the girl to
her home and staked out to wait. Five minutes later,
she came out again.
Speaker 7 (18:45):
Hey, j look she's changed her clothes.
Speaker 3 (18:47):
Yeah, wearing jeans and a jacket. Now, yeah, but why
I don't know she's moving for a car. I'll let
her stay about a block ahead. They want to tag
her too close with his horse trailer behind us.
Speaker 7 (18:58):
Now she's pulling out. Now, so are we, Steve. I
got a feeling we're moving in for the finish fly way.
Speaker 3 (19:09):
She's dressed not the way she dressed for a date
in town, but it is the way she dressed to
go to Lang If he was hold up in some
off trail spot.
Speaker 5 (19:17):
Works during the week, goes off to meet him on
Saturday nights. Yeh, Jason adds, we'll know soon enough.
Speaker 3 (19:22):
She's turning for the highway out of town.
Speaker 7 (19:34):
Looks like a long trip chase.
Speaker 3 (19:36):
Hey, where is she took a turn off up ahead
and reaching the back and get a Tommy gun.
Speaker 7 (19:41):
The captain said he wanted Lang alive.
Speaker 3 (19:43):
Remember, I know we have to stop that car later.
She picks Lang up. I want to make sure we
can put it out of commission.
Speaker 7 (19:49):
Okay, we're crying off house.
Speaker 3 (19:52):
I'm sorry, Steve. Sharp turn off there, grab a look
at the map.
Speaker 5 (19:56):
Where does this road lead? I don't need the map.
This is State sixty one. Nothing down here for more
than one hundred miles except for a few rundown Mexican settlements.
Speaker 3 (20:04):
I'm gonna cut off my headlights.
Speaker 7 (20:06):
This road gets kind of rough, Jase.
Speaker 3 (20:07):
Can't help it. I can follow her tailight without her
knowing we're behind her.
Speaker 7 (20:11):
Yeah, you're right.
Speaker 5 (20:13):
At anything comes through here, she'd scan a minute, but
she'll rode a lot easier if we weren't dragging that
horse trailer.
Speaker 3 (20:18):
And I got a feeling we may need it. I
don't need for her changing her clothes like she did.
If she's gonna stay in the car, any place in
here where she could pick up a horse?
Speaker 5 (20:27):
Yeah, about ten more miles ranch own by an old
Mexican woman. All she's got is a couple of horses.
And you think of any place near.
Speaker 3 (20:34):
There where Lang might be hiding out.
Speaker 5 (20:37):
Yeah, yeah, about three or four miles back in the hills.
Speaker 7 (20:40):
Used to be a mine. There a couple of them,
in fact.
Speaker 5 (20:42):
That they're abandoned, Jase, isn't there a road to the mines, No,
nothing but a rough borough trail. It's a tough country
to get into.
Speaker 3 (20:48):
If Lang's there, it's gonna be tough country for him
to get out of. Just before we reached the old
Mexican ranch, we let the girl's car pull out of
sight and we parked for ten minutes, then drove to
the ranch. Her car was there all right, almost hidden
in a clump of brush behind the barn, and there
(21:09):
was a fresh horse trail leading into the hills. We
unloaded our horses and followed it.
Speaker 5 (21:15):
Only about another half mile to the mines.
Speaker 7 (21:17):
Jash. She's hitting right for them, all right.
Speaker 3 (21:19):
Something about this that bothers me, Steve.
Speaker 10 (21:21):
What's that?
Speaker 5 (21:22):
She's stuck to the borough trail all the way?
Speaker 3 (21:23):
It's just what I don't like, the only approach. And
Lang wouldn't be at the end of a clear trail
unless he had some way up garden. It you mean
he might have an ambush? Take out along here. A
man who hasn't been caught or even described in eight
years doesn't leave his guard down.
Speaker 5 (21:36):
I don't know. He can't stay awake twenty four hours
a day.
Speaker 3 (21:39):
I reckon not Hey, wait a minute, hold, ooh ooh, charkyo,
see something, Chase. Yeah, it's brush at the side of
the path's been trampled, not long ago either. Just bobbing
back into its natural position. Horse was waiting in there,
and now we got two sets of tracks on the path.
Speaker 5 (22:00):
Well, that means he expected the girl waited here.
Speaker 10 (22:02):
To meet her.
Speaker 3 (22:02):
Looks that way. Better get down, lead your horse.
Speaker 5 (22:05):
Right, Come on, boy, come on, Chucky. Why did he
come down to meet her? He didn't have to show
her the way. They're still sticking to the path.
Speaker 3 (22:15):
I don't know. In one way, I wish the moon
was a little fuller, and in another way I'm glad
it isn't hold it.
Speaker 2 (22:23):
Huh oh, And.
Speaker 5 (22:26):
They left the trail. Here brush is disturbed again. The
tracks turn in there. Come on, this is funny, Jason.
We're found on their movement. So the brush and were
just making a little half circle right back to the
burrow trail.
Speaker 7 (22:45):
And look here, we'll right back on the path.
Speaker 5 (22:48):
You suppose he made that little half circle just to
leave a blank spot in the tracks, blank spot of
less than twenty yards isn't likely.
Speaker 7 (22:55):
Must they had some reason. Let's leave the.
Speaker 3 (22:57):
Horses for a second. Let's go back along the path
and find out why he cut away from it. Move
slow and keep your eyes peeled.
Speaker 7 (23:05):
Nothing that seems out of line.
Speaker 11 (23:06):
You need to stop.
Speaker 3 (23:09):
Look at this branch overhanging the path.
Speaker 5 (23:11):
Just a branch. Why, hey, Jase can barely see it.
A piece of string running from the end of the branch.
That tree on the opposite side of the path.
Speaker 7 (23:18):
Don't touch it.
Speaker 3 (23:19):
Let's see where it leads.
Speaker 5 (23:25):
Hm. Look at that Yeah, saw it off? Shot gun
strapped to the trees. That string is tight around the trigger.
Speaker 3 (23:32):
Gun probably has enough scatter shot and slugs in it
to kill an elephant. No wondering matter to stir around this, Jase.
Look at the way that gun is sighted.
Speaker 5 (23:41):
Anybody on a horse who moved that branch get a
charge right through the middle. Anybody on foot who moved
it'd probably get.
Speaker 7 (23:46):
It right through the head.
Speaker 5 (23:47):
And you were right, Jase, he wasn't planning on taking
any chances a rat. Anybody could be killed by this thing,
a ranch or some kid riding through.
Speaker 3 (23:56):
You don't think that'll make any difference to Lang, do
you what?
Speaker 7 (23:59):
A death trap?
Speaker 3 (24:00):
A death trap that's gonna backfire on him. This is
the thing we used to take him.
Speaker 7 (24:04):
Steve.
Speaker 3 (24:04):
When this goes off, you'll come run and to see
what he's got and have another gun. You'll still fight.
You won't get a chance if we work it right.
I'm gonna pull the trigger on this thing and then
let out a scream. Plant myself out there in the
borough path. You stay here in the brush, then what
Just be patient, don't move no matter how long it
takes for him to get here. You've come plenty slow,
trying to make sure that whatever he hits alone. And
(24:26):
when he finds me lying out there, fire your gun
and startle him, but keep your fire high.
Speaker 5 (24:31):
Jasey might pump a slug into you while you're flat
on your back.
Speaker 3 (24:34):
On if we time it right, But don't fire until
he's close enough for me to jump him. Better, get
the horses and time off down the trail aways.
Speaker 5 (24:41):
You'll have time, say, Jays, how about a charge to
see who stakes shot on the path?
Speaker 7 (24:45):
Why should you take the chance?
Speaker 10 (24:46):
Why not me?
Speaker 3 (24:47):
Because you forgot to wire the captain about that Easter
plan for your wife and kids. Get going after the
horses and then get back here. Good luck, Jason, Good
luck to both of us. Steve. I planted myself in
(25:09):
the path and waited.
Speaker 7 (25:11):
I could feel myself.
Speaker 15 (25:12):
Breaking into a sweat as cold as the ground, even
if he thought I was dead. A crazy, hate ridden
killer like Lang might waste one more bullet. A half
hour past an hour and then we heard him coming
slowly like a cat.
Speaker 10 (25:31):
What way, set? I can't help it, Rex, I'm scared.
Speaker 2 (25:35):
Why like a top of the Times back and shut.
Speaker 8 (25:40):
Right in me?
Speaker 5 (25:41):
Here wasn't it?
Speaker 10 (25:42):
Can't you see anything yet?
Speaker 3 (25:43):
You better?
Speaker 10 (25:45):
God?
Speaker 2 (25:45):
I see something. Look at that the moon on him.
Speaker 13 (25:49):
It's a ranger. Recks a ranger. I'll speak the one
you told me about it. You were so smart, said
it didn't mean anything. You stupid getting followed here?
Speaker 10 (26:01):
Please they don't hit me again?
Speaker 2 (26:03):
Please you bet, honey.
Speaker 10 (26:07):
We have a slip again.
Speaker 2 (26:08):
I'll make you an honorary cop.
Speaker 8 (26:10):
Come on, I'll show you what you get. I demonstrate
on him. I wish he was alive to feel when
I'm gonna show.
Speaker 2 (26:19):
You re don't make me look please, and I look
at it.
Speaker 8 (26:27):
The imagine when a bullet could do that? Pretty face off?
Speaker 10 (26:35):
I got him seem.
Speaker 2 (26:39):
Like a like gun wrecks drop it.
Speaker 11 (26:41):
I said, I'm on my head, all right, here's your
chance to try.
Speaker 3 (27:00):
You want to get up? Try again?
Speaker 2 (27:01):
Rex?
Speaker 3 (27:02):
Or is that enough?
Speaker 7 (27:03):
No?
Speaker 5 (27:05):
I come tell a company together, Jason.
Speaker 3 (27:09):
Yeah, it'd be a shame to split such a lovely couple.
Speaker 5 (27:13):
I guess this isn't the kind of brace that you
were after, Jojo, but it'll have to do, all right, Rex,
hold out your wrist.
Speaker 7 (27:19):
Yeah, that does it, Jason.
Speaker 3 (27:21):
Yeah, Well, let's get started. It's just midnight. After we
get them in a fast drive and I'll get you
home by morning and give you a chance to pick
up that Easter plant.
Speaker 5 (27:32):
Not only that, I'll be on time to go to
church with the kids. You going borrow a couple of
words from Rex.
Speaker 3 (27:39):
You bet.
Speaker 6 (27:54):
Ryot has an accessory. In the many crimes committed by
Rex Lang, Jojo Derring was convicted sentenced to a fifty
year term in the women's prison at Gory. Lang tried
for the murder of Constable Wiley, slabbered and pleaded for mercy,
but the jury gave no heed to his pleas as
the prosecution brought his vicious record to light. Found guilty
(28:16):
of murder in the first degree, Lang was sent to
Huntsville Penitentiary, where on the morning of November fourth, nineteen
thirty eight.
Speaker 3 (28:25):
He died in the electric chair.
Speaker 4 (28:30):
Next week, Joel McCray, in another authentic reenactment of the
case from the File of Blood Texas Rangers. Joel McCray
(28:54):
is currently seen starring in the Universal International Technicolor production Frenchie.
The cast included Tony Barrett, Bill Johnstone, Byron Kine, Herbellus,
and Betty lou Gerson. This story was transcribed and adapted
by Joel Murcott, and the program was produced and directed
by Stacy Keith.
Speaker 3 (29:13):
Hel get me speaking.
Speaker 16 (29:29):
Three chimes mean good Times on NBC. There's fun, excitement
and prizes. Next on NBC as Accordion, playing MC, Phil
Baker gathers contestants around the microphone to see if they
know the answer to America's favorite question.
Speaker 7 (29:43):
What question is that?
Speaker 5 (29:44):
Why?
Speaker 3 (29:45):
The sixty four dollars question?
Speaker 16 (29:46):
Of course, You're invited every Sunday for laughs with Phil
Baker and the sixty four dollars Question.
Speaker 3 (29:54):
Tomorrow.
Speaker 16 (29:55):
Enjoy the telephone Hour Now, it's the sixty four dollars
Question on NBC.
Speaker 3 (30:00):
Yes,
The National Broadcasting Company presents Joel McCrae in Tales of
the Texas Rangers. Tonight Transcribe from Hollywood, another authentic reenactment
of a case from the files of the Texas Rangers.
(00:24):
Tales of the Texas Rangers, starring Joe McCrae as Ranger
Jase Pearson, Texas more than two hundred and sixty thousand.
Speaker 2 (00:31):
Square miles and fifty men will make up.
Speaker 1 (00:33):
The most famous and oldest law enforcement party in North America.
Now from the files of the Texas Rangers come these
(00:55):
stories based on fact only.
Speaker 3 (00:56):
Names, dates, and.
Speaker 4 (00:57):
Places are big dishes for obvious reasons, they, amongst themselves
not a matter of Packard.
Speaker 5 (01:08):
Ca spot Tonight break down.
Speaker 6 (01:18):
It is shortly after midnight, the beginning of Good Friday,
in the year nineteen thirty seven. Jim Wiley, Constable of Romer, Texas,
is driving the lonely outskirts of his territory. When his
headlights pick out a car park on the road shoulder.
Speaker 5 (01:32):
He breaks to a stop.
Speaker 7 (01:36):
And some trouble.
Speaker 3 (01:38):
This heat calmed down on me.
Speaker 2 (01:40):
I'm trying to get it started for half hour.
Speaker 5 (01:43):
Maybe I can get it going for you. No little
something about card. Okay, by trying, he's there.
Speaker 2 (01:48):
Go ahead.
Speaker 5 (01:59):
It looks like it at the snunt friend, you must
be out of gas, the gage says she have for
beg must be busted then joking like I did and
should have blooded the car reading gas was feeding through.
Speaker 3 (02:11):
We'd get the.
Speaker 5 (02:11):
Smell of it, and they'd better check the tank and
get a stick or something to shove in here for measuring.
Will you you.
Speaker 2 (02:19):
Better just branch out of death?
Speaker 5 (02:25):
Yeah? Excuse enough?
Speaker 3 (02:26):
Give you here?
Speaker 5 (02:29):
She happy grinds the WCTU meeting.
Speaker 2 (02:32):
Yeah, I'd leave me my stuff.
Speaker 5 (02:35):
Mm. I got a siphon the holes from the trunk.
We can rain enough out of my tank to get
you back to Roma's in all that station night. No
afraiding now, no hotel either, but I can put you
up for the night. You don't mind bunking in the jail.
What I mean jail? I'm constable.
Speaker 2 (02:52):
Oh I see, we don't worry the jails clean.
Speaker 5 (02:55):
Come on, let's go get that horse. Yeh, seem here
someplace if I can find it, I'm gonna match.
Speaker 7 (03:04):
How you better?
Speaker 5 (03:05):
I want to be here someplace, and ain't just let
a lot of junk fire up.
Speaker 8 (03:10):
I can't hold this match much longer, not another one
that was the last one to brook Well, you got
that hold of happy.
Speaker 5 (03:18):
No point getting snappy, boy. It's strange. How come you
didn't know the gas cage and your car was busting.
Speaker 2 (03:25):
I that's just happened, I kids.
Speaker 5 (03:28):
Seems to me there's a car just like yours on
my stolen car list. I hope you got proof of
ownership on you.
Speaker 8 (03:35):
I got it all right in my pocket. Point a
right squatch of bunny.
Speaker 5 (03:39):
Use your head, young Coela. Stolen cars a bad charge,
but it ain't nearly as bad as using a gun
on a peace officer. You better hand that gun over
and come with me.
Speaker 2 (03:50):
Why you here, you small town root coop? Just thinking?
Go ahead, god rich a rich port, reach forse I
can kick her face. Don't be a look.
Speaker 3 (04:04):
You can't get away with this.
Speaker 2 (04:06):
I did that far from other dumb cops. You never
should have told me, your cops. You know you never
should something coming on your face.
Speaker 8 (04:13):
Come on on.
Speaker 9 (04:14):
Your fight, get around brush, how you look at they stop?
Speaker 7 (04:18):
You're gonna get the rights with a put you off
with this?
Speaker 5 (04:21):
Hey?
Speaker 10 (04:22):
Hell?
Speaker 1 (04:23):
Hell he gross cutting the boss gone pap Yell, yell
all you want try not yell that more to go ahead.
Speaker 10 (04:35):
That's too bad, man.
Speaker 8 (04:40):
You and me gonna make a tray bullet from this
gun exchange for your car.
Speaker 2 (04:46):
That's mad at pop.
Speaker 7 (04:47):
Don'ts you like it?
Speaker 5 (04:48):
You get caught, we'll get you.
Speaker 7 (04:50):
The cop ain't born can take me?
Speaker 3 (04:53):
My mom?
Speaker 7 (04:54):
Pipe is gonna die.
Speaker 2 (04:56):
Why don't you crawl a little?
Speaker 9 (04:58):
Why don't you beg a little about change my mind?
Speaker 11 (05:02):
I said you could kill me, but you ain't scaring me.
Speaker 9 (05:08):
I'll make it easy for you, Papa, But you got
a big man that you do not give it. You
through the kidney, and that ain't nice, Papa. It takes
a couple of hours to die that way, and it hurts, Papa.
Speaker 8 (05:20):
I know.
Speaker 9 (05:20):
I watched the cop die that way once before.
Speaker 3 (05:23):
What you do? I said, for pray louder. Let me
hear you.
Speaker 5 (05:26):
You are the one I'm praying for. You must be
quick praying for me, you cop.
Speaker 2 (05:34):
Let's see who you'll pray for the next couple.
Speaker 8 (05:39):
It hurts, don't it? And it's gonna get worse. You
don't pass out till riding here, then.
Speaker 2 (05:47):
Enjoy yourself, Copper, Oh good time.
Speaker 6 (05:59):
Constable Lly's body was discovered shortly after sunrise, when highway
patrolmens spotted the stolen vehicle abandoned by the killer. The
sheriff was summoned and he called for the help of
the Texas Rangers. By noon of Good Friday, Ranger Captain
Stinson was at the scene, accompanied by Ranger Jace Pearson.
Speaker 3 (06:18):
While he didn't die, is a jase? Look at that? Yeah,
tried to crawl out to the road on a blood trail.
Speaker 12 (06:25):
Must have been in agony every inch of the way.
Speaker 3 (06:28):
Do you have any family?
Speaker 12 (06:29):
An invalid wife, two daughters, and three grandchildren. A man
who did this might just as well have shot them too.
They'll feel the same pain. While he did only longer.
Speaker 3 (06:40):
With an alert out for Wiley's car, we might get
a break. Killer may have been spotted in it somewhere
along the line. I doubt it.
Speaker 12 (06:47):
He prepaly got where he wanted to go and ditched
it before sun up. Medical examiner figured while he's been
dead since about three am, must have been shot a
couple of hours before.
Speaker 3 (06:56):
That gives the killer a good start, all right, Ken, Yeah,
get back to the rule. We've got one thing going
for us.
Speaker 12 (07:03):
Though men were after him, they have lifted some prints
on the car he abandoned when he took Wiley's lab
men flew in before we got here.
Speaker 3 (07:10):
They ought to be coming through with a report soon.
Speaker 12 (07:12):
When Steve Clark is in town waiting for it, he'll
bring it out. I want you and Steve to stay
on this case until it's cracked.
Speaker 3 (07:18):
It's one eyed enjoy cracking. Only lead we've got is
that the abandoned car was headed west. Well that's something.
At least you and Steve can start off in that direction. Hey,
here's Steve now. Oh yeah, Harry, Steve, you get the
lab report.
Speaker 7 (07:36):
Yeah, cap'n, it'll rally your teeth.
Speaker 5 (07:38):
Hey, kill has been identified by fingerprints left from the
car he ditched. Wiley was killed by rex Lang, rex
l rex Lang, Yeah.
Speaker 7 (07:46):
No doubt about it.
Speaker 5 (07:48):
The Prince were as clear as a bell as a
copy of Lang's record attached to the report.
Speaker 3 (07:51):
I don't have to see that, I know it by heart.
I wonder how long he's been in Texas.
Speaker 12 (07:56):
See, they might have been here for a year or more.
Last report on him was he killed a policeman in
Great Falls, Montana. Before that, he pulled jobs in Nebraska, Wyoming,
an iorn He's blazed quite a trail, Yes, and I
want that trail to end in Texas. It's the first
time he's paid us a visit.
Speaker 3 (08:13):
I want it to be the last.
Speaker 7 (08:14):
He's not easy to catch.
Speaker 5 (08:16):
According to that report, he's been jailed only one side
of Hostate reformatory when he was sixteen, as about eight
years ago.
Speaker 12 (08:22):
Yeah, and in that eight years he's killed six people,
four of them peace officers. The first one was the
guard at the reformatory. Lang butchered him when he escaped.
Look at his record. Look at it sent to the
reformatory for beating.
Speaker 3 (08:35):
His young brother half to death with a stool pooker.
Is that Lang's picture flipped on the report? Yeah, Mudshaw
taken at the reformatory.
Speaker 7 (08:42):
Now that'll help us.
Speaker 3 (08:43):
I don't know Steve a big bone, sixteen year old kid,
and we're looking for a twenty four year old man
who could have filled out plenty by now be hard
to recognize.
Speaker 5 (08:51):
Well, there ought to be some description, since there ought
to be, but there aren't.
Speaker 12 (08:56):
All the witnesses he's left are dead ones. Is this
the complete report? Yeah, that's it, Captain. Oh, except this
probably doesn't mean anything.
Speaker 5 (09:04):
The sheriff picked up this empty match book and was
just lying in back of where Wiley's car was parked
here on the shoulder. Lab checked it for Prince, but
they couldn't put anything off of it.
Speaker 12 (09:12):
We all might have been thrown from any passing car.
Speaker 3 (09:14):
Yeah, I guess, so let me see it advertising on
the cover. Grand Bowling Alley in Pintado.
Speaker 12 (09:21):
Pintato is about seventy miles west jas and that's the
way the car was hitted. He couldn't pick up matches
before he got.
Speaker 3 (09:28):
There, unless he'd been in Pintato before and was headed
back there again when he tripped over Wiley. Yeah, that's possible.
Our trail leads west anyhow, don't do any harm to
check around Pintado when we get there.
Speaker 12 (09:38):
You're toring a double horse trailer, Dace, so you and
Steve might as well ride together.
Speaker 7 (09:42):
So it's me.
Speaker 5 (09:42):
I'll love my.
Speaker 7 (09:43):
Horse and put him in with chocol.
Speaker 3 (09:45):
There's something about Rex slang. It might pay to remember.
Speaker 12 (09:48):
He was a ladies man back where he came from,
Poker till Idaho.
Speaker 10 (09:51):
All right, boy bag was fourteen.
Speaker 3 (09:55):
Yeah, even then.
Speaker 12 (09:56):
It was our high school girl who smuggled in the
knife he used to kill the reformer to a god,
and there's been indications that he had a woman look
out with him on burglaries where his prints have been found.
Speaker 3 (10:06):
I'll get my trailer of him for you, Steve.
Speaker 2 (10:07):
Thanks Jays.
Speaker 3 (10:11):
Company for you, Jackie, No you Sday and boy are
you climbing?
Speaker 10 (10:15):
Boy? Come ont.
Speaker 3 (10:18):
Okay, Ja, I guess we're ready to row. You'll have
Pharmi's cabin, Jaz, Steve, what's the matter cabin?
Speaker 12 (10:29):
You both know Lang's record a killer with a crazy
hate for all peace officers. So understand that what I'm
going to say now is not in order. If you
corner him, you'll have a mad dog on your hands.
But I'd like to have him taken alive.
Speaker 7 (10:44):
That may not be easy, cap'n.
Speaker 12 (10:45):
I know, but Rex Slang has become an idol to
young punks and reform school tufts all over the country. Now,
if we can put him on trial, convict him in
the court of law, and had him executed by the state,
it'll show those kids that society is strong enough. Have
to stamp him out like a flea. There's nothing glamorous
about dying in an electric chair. But if you have
(11:06):
to finish him in a fight, he'll still be an idol,
You'll say. Rex Slang was so tough we couldn't take him.
We had to kill him.
Speaker 3 (11:14):
I understand, Kevin, So do I now? Remember it's not
in order. I want both of you back alive too.
Speaker 7 (11:21):
That's all.
Speaker 3 (11:22):
Come on, Steve, let's go. We headed west, looking for
a dangerous kid grown into a dangerous man with a
face we might recognize too late. By midnight, we checked
the highway as far as Pintado. In the morning we
started to comb the town, still drawing a blank.
Speaker 7 (11:43):
That, guys, the Bowling Alley was much help.
Speaker 5 (11:45):
Jase didn't seem to recognize an old picture Rex Lang.
And Lang may have changed a lot in eight years,
but if he made the alley's a hangout, the owner
should have well, you know, Jace thought the face was
a little familiar. Maybe yes, maybe No, Lang was blonde
and smooth skinned as a kid. Here might have darkened
plenty since then, face and frame filled out and he
shaves now A beard line changes a face. Yeah, he
(12:08):
might have just passed through here and picked up those matches.
So maybe they were just thrown out of a passing car.
Speaker 3 (12:13):
I know, we can't waste too much time on the lead.
That may be blind. Now, how about some breakfast. There's
a Mexican place across the street, Lobo, that's for me.
Speaker 5 (12:22):
I'm so hungry I'll even eat Enchilada's for breakfast. Call
its cross Easter Sunday, Tomord Jays. I wish I could
be home with the wife and kids. I even forgot
to owe the flowers. Why are the captain? You'll have
some sense of the house for you. Yeah, didn't even
think of that.
Speaker 7 (12:41):
Let's take the boot, Jase. I'm tired of no college.
Speaker 6 (12:44):
Why can't I go with you?
Speaker 5 (12:45):
Senors?
Speaker 10 (12:46):
It is a manu.
Speaker 12 (12:47):
I have everything, fruit, juice, couple of scrambled eggs, zasy
with bacon, coffee and toast.
Speaker 10 (12:55):
When is there? How would be with?
Speaker 4 (12:57):
You?
Speaker 5 (12:57):
Want a moment?
Speaker 10 (12:58):
You bet here?
Speaker 7 (12:59):
I am stuffing. I don't even know what I want?
Speaker 2 (13:01):
Say?
Speaker 5 (13:01):
Why don't you wait on the lady while I'm thinking
it over?
Speaker 10 (13:03):
Of course, on your take your time.
Speaker 3 (13:06):
I thought you were hungry enough to eat Enchilada's for breakfast.
Speaker 5 (13:09):
Yeah, yeah, the man double cross me. He gave me
a choice.
Speaker 10 (13:12):
I just wanna contain a car to.
Speaker 5 (13:14):
Go a little Jason, you leave you Wannny Bright no
creamy sugar.
Speaker 7 (13:18):
Yeah, I guess I just double your order. Jason. Now
what's the move when we leave here?
Speaker 3 (13:23):
I haven't figured it yet.
Speaker 5 (13:24):
You want a sun?
Speaker 3 (13:25):
You bet?
Speaker 5 (13:26):
Hut leave?
Speaker 7 (13:28):
You know, Jason? Maybe we should go back. Wait a minute, see.
Speaker 10 (13:33):
Very since kay dress intend to be you bet?
Speaker 7 (13:37):
Sit night? Steve?
Speaker 2 (13:39):
Oh ma'am, just a minute?
Speaker 13 (13:42):
You speaking to me, ranger?
Speaker 3 (13:43):
Yes, ma'am. I happened to look out of the booth
and saw you. Don't I know you.
Speaker 5 (13:48):
From some place I don't think so, thank you?
Speaker 3 (13:50):
Sure look familiar? You live here in Pintato? You bet
us to mention the last time I was through here
about two years ago.
Speaker 2 (13:58):
I am a stay grange. I only been here six weeks.
Speaker 3 (14:00):
Oh well, where'd you come from before?
Speaker 8 (14:03):
That?
Speaker 2 (14:04):
Ford Worth?
Speaker 3 (14:05):
That's your hometown?
Speaker 5 (14:06):
You bet?
Speaker 3 (14:09):
That's one on me. You sure did look familiar. Excuse me, please?
Speaker 2 (14:13):
You bet.
Speaker 10 (14:17):
You've had the rooms in your etha know.
Speaker 3 (14:19):
Maybe grab your hat? Steve, Why what was that all about?
Something hit me when she was talking? Notice how she
kept saying, you bet?
Speaker 4 (14:26):
Yeah?
Speaker 7 (14:27):
What about it?
Speaker 3 (14:27):
That reformatory report about Lang the part about his habits?
You bet?
Speaker 5 (14:32):
Was his favorite expression on that Wait a minute, Jace.
Lang may have changed, but I doubt if he's turned
into a.
Speaker 3 (14:37):
Girl, you know. But she picked up that expression someplace, Steve,
from somebody who uses it regularly, and it could be Lang.
Speaker 5 (14:44):
Well, it's as good a lead as that match book, Jayce.
It's worth following.
Speaker 3 (14:47):
I think so too. Come on, let's see where she's
taken that coffee.
Speaker 4 (15:02):
You are listening to Tales of the Texas Rangers, starring
Joel McCrae as Ranger Jase Pearson. We continue now with
tonight's case breakdown, an authentic story from the files of
the Texas Rangers.
Speaker 3 (15:23):
We followed the girl, hoping she was taking the coffee
to Rex Lang. The hope exploded less than two blocks
from Lobo's Cafe when she turned into the doorway of
a jewelry store not far from where my car was parked.
Speaker 5 (15:35):
Doesn't look like the sort of place we'd find Lang in, Jason.
Speaker 7 (15:37):
And she went into the back of the store.
Speaker 3 (15:39):
Look through that corner of the window.
Speaker 5 (15:41):
Yeah, now there's the container of coffee on that bench
right beside the watch with them, and she must have
brought it in for him. Yes, he's the balls looks
that way and he can't be Lang. He must be
sixty or more. Jase, get back a little. What is
it she came out of the back, she's behind the
couner and she's working there. Then let's not take any
chances on being spotted. Drift back this way a little. Yeah,
(16:02):
it's good enough. She'd have to come out to see us. Now,
got to keep a tag on her. She's Lang's girl,
she'll lead us to him. But even if she is
his girl, no telling. I'll off me Caesar. He's hot
and must be hiding out someplace. I could burn up
a week or two and then find out we're sending
out dogs at the wrong tree.
Speaker 3 (16:18):
You won't waste any time, not if we can get
some information about her. I'm gonna get to a phone.
You stay right here on this block, though, walk the
corner with him.
Speaker 5 (16:26):
Yeah, Jase, if she was Lang's girl, why should she
be working If.
Speaker 3 (16:29):
She was working in the laundry, that's a question I
couldn't answer. But I can think of a good reason
why she might be working in a jewelry store Casetif
for Lang to knock it over, it's been done before.
I'm gonna have headquarters checked back on some jobs Langs
pulled before. See what you can find out along the
street here. She's a mighty pretty girl, so it's a
safe bet she's been noticed by other store keepers along here.
(16:51):
Maybe one of 'em knows their name and where she lives.
Speaker 7 (16:53):
Says.
Speaker 5 (16:54):
We don't want to tip our hand by asking too
many questions, and don't make them sound like official questions.
Make them sound like you're just another man, man who's
seen a pretty girl. Okay, okay, but you ever mentioned
this to my wife?
Speaker 7 (17:04):
And you and me are got tang.
Speaker 3 (17:05):
He get going. I'll make my call and meet you
with the car later. I called my headquarters and gave
Captain Stinton a description of the girl we were tagging
and a list of information I wanted. Was less than
two hours later when he called me back.
Speaker 10 (17:23):
It looks like you may have hit something with that girl. Jeez.
I made a few phone calls and got answers that fit.
Speaker 3 (17:29):
What are they?
Speaker 10 (17:30):
Fingerprint records from.
Speaker 14 (17:31):
Out of state shoe that Lang's burglaries in the past
included a jewelry's store, a check cash and agency in
a private home where the owner was in the habit
of keeping plenty of cash in.
Speaker 3 (17:40):
The seat girl fit into those cases. Yes, a girl.
Speaker 14 (17:44):
Answer in the description you gave worked in all three places.
Speaker 10 (17:47):
The only thing that varies in description is the color
of her hair.
Speaker 14 (17:51):
In each case she quitted job a few months before
the actual burglary.
Speaker 3 (17:55):
That's the modus operandi I've been looking for, heyl.
Speaker 10 (17:57):
If it was the same girl in each case, all
much changed the name.
Speaker 3 (18:01):
That's as easy as dyeing her hair. It all fits.
Speaker 10 (18:04):
If you're right, Jesse, you're getting mighty close to Lane.
Speaker 3 (18:06):
That's where we want to be. Thanks, capt'n. You'll hear
from me, Jeeves.
Speaker 10 (18:10):
Maybe i'd been to send you a couple.
Speaker 3 (18:11):
Of more men, I'd only give Lang a couple of
more targets.
Speaker 7 (18:15):
By cap'n, the.
Speaker 3 (18:24):
Girl was shaping up like the extra joker in a
poker game. By the time I got back to Steve
Clarkey had a rundown on her. The name she was
using in Pintato was Jojo Deering. That night, the stores
were opened late for the last minute Easter shoppers, but
finally the lights went out. And followed the girl to
her home and staked out to wait. Five minutes later,
she came out again.
Speaker 7 (18:45):
Hey, j look she's changed her clothes.
Speaker 3 (18:47):
Yeah, wearing jeans and a jacket. Now, yeah, but why
I don't know she's moving for a car. I'll let
her stay about a block ahead. They want to tag
her too close with his horse trailer behind us.
Speaker 7 (18:58):
Now she's pulling out. Now, so are we, Steve. I
got a feeling we're moving in for the finish fly way.
Speaker 3 (19:09):
She's dressed not the way she dressed for a date
in town, but it is the way she dressed to
go to Lang If he was hold up in some
off trail spot.
Speaker 5 (19:17):
Works during the week, goes off to meet him on
Saturday nights. Yeh, Jason adds, we'll know soon enough.
Speaker 3 (19:22):
She's turning for the highway out of town.
Speaker 7 (19:34):
Looks like a long trip chase.
Speaker 3 (19:36):
Hey, where is she took a turn off up ahead
and reaching the back and get a Tommy gun.
Speaker 7 (19:41):
The captain said he wanted Lang alive.
Speaker 3 (19:43):
Remember, I know we have to stop that car later.
She picks Lang up. I want to make sure we
can put it out of commission.
Speaker 7 (19:49):
Okay, we're crying off house.
Speaker 3 (19:52):
I'm sorry, Steve. Sharp turn off there, grab a look
at the map.
Speaker 5 (19:56):
Where does this road lead? I don't need the map.
This is State sixty one. Nothing down here for more
than one hundred miles except for a few rundown Mexican settlements.
Speaker 3 (20:04):
I'm gonna cut off my headlights.
Speaker 7 (20:06):
This road gets kind of rough, Jase.
Speaker 3 (20:07):
Can't help it. I can follow her tailight without her
knowing we're behind her.
Speaker 7 (20:11):
Yeah, you're right.
Speaker 5 (20:13):
At anything comes through here, she'd scan a minute, but
she'll rode a lot easier if we weren't dragging that
horse trailer.
Speaker 3 (20:18):
And I got a feeling we may need it. I
don't need for her changing her clothes like she did.
If she's gonna stay in the car, any place in
here where she could pick up a horse?
Speaker 5 (20:27):
Yeah, about ten more miles ranch own by an old
Mexican woman. All she's got is a couple of horses.
And you think of any place near.
Speaker 3 (20:34):
There where Lang might be hiding out.
Speaker 5 (20:37):
Yeah, yeah, about three or four miles back in the hills.
Speaker 7 (20:40):
Used to be a mine. There a couple of them,
in fact.
Speaker 5 (20:42):
That they're abandoned, Jase, isn't there a road to the mines, No,
nothing but a rough borough trail. It's a tough country
to get into.
Speaker 3 (20:48):
If Lang's there, it's gonna be tough country for him
to get out of. Just before we reached the old
Mexican ranch, we let the girl's car pull out of
sight and we parked for ten minutes, then drove to
the ranch. Her car was there all right, almost hidden
in a clump of brush behind the barn, and there
(21:09):
was a fresh horse trail leading into the hills. We
unloaded our horses and followed it.
Speaker 5 (21:15):
Only about another half mile to the mines.
Speaker 7 (21:17):
Jash. She's hitting right for them, all right.
Speaker 3 (21:19):
Something about this that bothers me, Steve.
Speaker 10 (21:21):
What's that?
Speaker 5 (21:22):
She's stuck to the borough trail all the way?
Speaker 3 (21:23):
It's just what I don't like, the only approach. And
Lang wouldn't be at the end of a clear trail
unless he had some way up garden. It you mean
he might have an ambush? Take out along here. A
man who hasn't been caught or even described in eight
years doesn't leave his guard down.
Speaker 5 (21:36):
I don't know. He can't stay awake twenty four hours
a day.
Speaker 3 (21:39):
I reckon not Hey, wait a minute, hold, ooh ooh, charkyo,
see something, Chase. Yeah, it's brush at the side of
the path's been trampled, not long ago either. Just bobbing
back into its natural position. Horse was waiting in there,
and now we got two sets of tracks on the path.
Speaker 5 (22:00):
Well, that means he expected the girl waited here.
Speaker 10 (22:02):
To meet her.
Speaker 3 (22:02):
Looks that way. Better get down, lead your horse.
Speaker 5 (22:05):
Right, Come on, boy, come on, Chucky. Why did he
come down to meet her? He didn't have to show
her the way. They're still sticking to the path.
Speaker 3 (22:15):
I don't know. In one way, I wish the moon
was a little fuller, and in another way I'm glad
it isn't hold it.
Speaker 2 (22:23):
Huh oh, And.
Speaker 5 (22:26):
They left the trail. Here brush is disturbed again. The
tracks turn in there. Come on, this is funny, Jason.
We're found on their movement. So the brush and were
just making a little half circle right back to the
burrow trail.
Speaker 7 (22:45):
And look here, we'll right back on the path.
Speaker 5 (22:48):
You suppose he made that little half circle just to
leave a blank spot in the tracks, blank spot of
less than twenty yards isn't likely.
Speaker 7 (22:55):
Must they had some reason. Let's leave the.
Speaker 3 (22:57):
Horses for a second. Let's go back along the path
and find out why he cut away from it. Move
slow and keep your eyes peeled.
Speaker 7 (23:05):
Nothing that seems out of line.
Speaker 11 (23:06):
You need to stop.
Speaker 3 (23:09):
Look at this branch overhanging the path.
Speaker 5 (23:11):
Just a branch. Why, hey, Jase can barely see it.
A piece of string running from the end of the branch.
That tree on the opposite side of the path.
Speaker 7 (23:18):
Don't touch it.
Speaker 3 (23:19):
Let's see where it leads.
Speaker 5 (23:25):
Hm. Look at that Yeah, saw it off? Shot gun
strapped to the trees. That string is tight around the trigger.
Speaker 3 (23:32):
Gun probably has enough scatter shot and slugs in it
to kill an elephant. No wondering matter to stir around this, Jase.
Look at the way that gun is sighted.
Speaker 5 (23:41):
Anybody on a horse who moved that branch get a
charge right through the middle. Anybody on foot who moved
it'd probably get.
Speaker 7 (23:46):
It right through the head.
Speaker 5 (23:47):
And you were right, Jase, he wasn't planning on taking
any chances a rat. Anybody could be killed by this thing,
a ranch or some kid riding through.
Speaker 3 (23:56):
You don't think that'll make any difference to Lang, do
you what?
Speaker 7 (23:59):
A death trap?
Speaker 3 (24:00):
A death trap that's gonna backfire on him. This is
the thing we used to take him.
Speaker 7 (24:04):
Steve.
Speaker 3 (24:04):
When this goes off, you'll come run and to see
what he's got and have another gun. You'll still fight.
You won't get a chance if we work it right.
I'm gonna pull the trigger on this thing and then
let out a scream. Plant myself out there in the
borough path. You stay here in the brush, then what
Just be patient, don't move no matter how long it
takes for him to get here. You've come plenty slow,
trying to make sure that whatever he hits alone. And
(24:26):
when he finds me lying out there, fire your gun
and startle him, but keep your fire high.
Speaker 5 (24:31):
Jasey might pump a slug into you while you're flat
on your back.
Speaker 3 (24:34):
On if we time it right, But don't fire until
he's close enough for me to jump him. Better, get
the horses and time off down the trail aways.
Speaker 5 (24:41):
You'll have time, say, Jays, how about a charge to
see who stakes shot on the path?
Speaker 7 (24:45):
Why should you take the chance?
Speaker 10 (24:46):
Why not me?
Speaker 3 (24:47):
Because you forgot to wire the captain about that Easter
plan for your wife and kids. Get going after the
horses and then get back here. Good luck, Jason, Good
luck to both of us. Steve. I planted myself in
(25:09):
the path and waited.
Speaker 7 (25:11):
I could feel myself.
Speaker 15 (25:12):
Breaking into a sweat as cold as the ground, even
if he thought I was dead. A crazy, hate ridden
killer like Lang might waste one more bullet. A half
hour past an hour and then we heard him coming
slowly like a cat.
Speaker 10 (25:31):
What way, set? I can't help it, Rex, I'm scared.
Speaker 2 (25:35):
Why like a top of the Times back and shut.
Speaker 8 (25:40):
Right in me?
Speaker 5 (25:41):
Here wasn't it?
Speaker 10 (25:42):
Can't you see anything yet?
Speaker 3 (25:43):
You better?
Speaker 10 (25:45):
God?
Speaker 2 (25:45):
I see something. Look at that the moon on him.
Speaker 13 (25:49):
It's a ranger. Recks a ranger. I'll speak the one
you told me about it. You were so smart, said
it didn't mean anything. You stupid getting followed here?
Speaker 10 (26:01):
Please they don't hit me again?
Speaker 2 (26:03):
Please you bet, honey.
Speaker 10 (26:07):
We have a slip again.
Speaker 2 (26:08):
I'll make you an honorary cop.
Speaker 8 (26:10):
Come on, I'll show you what you get. I demonstrate
on him. I wish he was alive to feel when
I'm gonna show.
Speaker 2 (26:19):
You re don't make me look please, and I look
at it.
Speaker 8 (26:27):
The imagine when a bullet could do that? Pretty face off?
Speaker 10 (26:35):
I got him seem.
Speaker 2 (26:39):
Like a like gun wrecks drop it.
Speaker 11 (26:41):
I said, I'm on my head, all right, here's your
chance to try.
Speaker 3 (27:00):
You want to get up? Try again?
Speaker 2 (27:01):
Rex?
Speaker 3 (27:02):
Or is that enough?
Speaker 7 (27:03):
No?
Speaker 5 (27:05):
I come tell a company together, Jason.
Speaker 3 (27:09):
Yeah, it'd be a shame to split such a lovely couple.
Speaker 5 (27:13):
I guess this isn't the kind of brace that you
were after, Jojo, but it'll have to do, all right, Rex,
hold out your wrist.
Speaker 7 (27:19):
Yeah, that does it, Jason.
Speaker 3 (27:21):
Yeah, Well, let's get started. It's just midnight. After we
get them in a fast drive and I'll get you
home by morning and give you a chance to pick
up that Easter plant.
Speaker 5 (27:32):
Not only that, I'll be on time to go to
church with the kids. You going borrow a couple of
words from Rex.
Speaker 3 (27:39):
You bet.
Speaker 6 (27:54):
Ryot has an accessory. In the many crimes committed by
Rex Lang, Jojo Derring was convicted sentenced to a fifty
year term in the women's prison at Gory. Lang tried
for the murder of Constable Wiley, slabbered and pleaded for mercy,
but the jury gave no heed to his pleas as
the prosecution brought his vicious record to light. Found guilty
(28:16):
of murder in the first degree, Lang was sent to
Huntsville Penitentiary, where on the morning of November fourth, nineteen
thirty eight.
Speaker 3 (28:25):
He died in the electric chair.
Speaker 4 (28:30):
Next week, Joel McCray, in another authentic reenactment of the
case from the File of Blood Texas Rangers. Joel McCray
(28:54):
is currently seen starring in the Universal International Technicolor production Frenchie.
The cast included Tony Barrett, Bill Johnstone, Byron Kine, Herbellus,
and Betty lou Gerson. This story was transcribed and adapted
by Joel Murcott, and the program was produced and directed
by Stacy Keith.
Speaker 3 (29:13):
Hel get me speaking.
Speaker 16 (29:29):
Three chimes mean good Times on NBC. There's fun, excitement
and prizes. Next on NBC as Accordion, playing MC, Phil
Baker gathers contestants around the microphone to see if they
know the answer to America's favorite question.
Speaker 7 (29:43):
What question is that?
Speaker 5 (29:44):
Why?
Speaker 3 (29:45):
The sixty four dollars question?
Speaker 16 (29:46):
Of course, You're invited every Sunday for laughs with Phil
Baker and the sixty four dollars Question.
Speaker 3 (29:54):
Tomorrow.
Speaker 16 (29:55):
Enjoy the telephone Hour Now, it's the sixty four dollars
Question on NBC.
Speaker 3 (30:00):
Yes,
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