Hollywood & Crime - The Cotton Club Murder | Slow Boil | 4

Episode Date: December 16, 2024

Tensions come to a boil as Roy Radin, Lanie Jacobs, and Robert Evans fight over their high stakes film deal. As Lanie pushes for a bigger piece of the action, a furious Roy tries to cut her out entirely. Then cold case detectives get their biggest break in the case so far. They must convince a witness who claims to know who was behind Radin’s murder to go undercover. Will the risky sting operation lead to evidence exposing who killed Radin? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Wondery Plus subscribers can binge all episodes of Hollywood and Crime, The Cotton Club Murder, early and ad-free. Join Wondery Plus in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts. Robert Evans opened his eyes against the overcast morning light. He blinked as his surroundings came into focus. Evans was sprawled in a giant bed at a house in Miami, Lainey Jacobs' house to be specific, apparently her old one prior to moving to L.A. It was late April 1983. He sat up shirtless and ran his hand through his

hair, then looked at the spot next to him. No Lainey, just the imprint she'd left on her white silk pillow. Evans smiled, thinking back to how this thing between them had started. He sensed a spark when they first met back in March. Then Evans launched his charm campaign by sending extravagant bouquets to Laney's house. It worked. He might be getting older, but Evans could still hook a woman as elegant as Laney.

Not that he ever doubted himself. Just then, Laney glided into the room wearing a pale pink robe. She carried a silver tray holding two Demitasse cups of espresso and two smooth lines of Coke. Rise and shine, she said, presenting Evans with the tray. Evans snorted his line, then downed his espresso. Coke with a caffeine chaser. Best way to start the day.

Laney slid into the bed, then draped herself next to Evans. Looks like the weather isn't our friend today. What do you say we move up the meeting with my attorneys? Evans sat up straighter. Sure, whatever you think. I'm ready to bring in some new blood. They were supposed to charter a yacht and enjoy the peaceful ocean, but there were storm clouds gathering. The ominous weather seemed a fitting metaphor for the turbulence unfolding over the

Cotton Club. That's why they were in Miami, to find other investors for the film. Lainey and Roy Radin were fighting over the partnership arrangement. Evans didn't want to be caught in the middle, but now it seemed there wasn't much choice. Laney put her espresso cup on the tray, her voice charged with energy. My lawyers think we can rope in a big fish to invest in Cotton Club, American Express. Then we can say farewell to Roy. Any mention of money, especially if it was connected to a giant like Amex,

made Evans perk up. Pre-production on the Cotton Club project continued to hemorrhage money, and Roy had stepped in with the promise of $35 million from the Puerto Rican government. Not exactly pocket change. But lately, Evans started to have serious doubts about working with him. The closer he got to Roy, the more he could see his inexperience. And Roy seemed to think he was going to have creative control on the film. The thought made Evans cringe. creative control on the film. The thought made Evans cringe. And it wasn't just that Roy was green. Evans had learned from his own brother, Charles, that Roy had been embroiled in an unsavory scandal. An actress named Melanie Holler was raped and beaten at a party in Roy's Long Island house a few years ago. Charles warned him to steer clear of Roy Radin. The press would have a field

day if they heard he had ties to a producer with an incident like that on his record. Evans was eager to hear what Laney's attorneys had to say about new investors. A few hours later, after the meeting and the storm clouds cleared, Evans was genuinely impressed. One of the lawyers turned out to be a tax whiz with a deep understanding of investments. It was decided they'd make a play for American Express. Forget what Roy said about cutting Laney out. Evans wanted her in. But that night in bed, his mind was racing. He looked over at Laney, who was sound asleep. Yes, her American Express idea was potentially very lucrative, but tossing aside $35 million would be reckless.

Evans just wasn't sure he could deal with Roy's baggage. And at the very least, Laney deserved half of Roy's percentage in the agreement. Evans rolled over and sighed. He'd be in New York soon to meet with Roy. He would decide then. But it just might be time to cut ties with his new partner. Each morning, it's a new opportunity, a chance to start fresh. Up First from NPR makes each morning an opportunity to learn and to understand. Choose to join the world every morning with Up First,

a podcast that hands you everything going on across the globe and down the street, all in 15 minutes or less. Start your day informed and anew with Up First by subscribing wherever you get your podcasts. They say Hollywood is where dreams are made. A seductive city where many flock to get rich, be adored, and capture America's heart. But when the spotlight turns off, fame, fortune, and lives can disappear in an instant. Follow Hollywood and Crime, The Cotton Club Murder on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. From Wondery, I'm Tracy Patton, along with my co-host, Josh Lucas.

And this is Hollywood and Crime, The Cotton Club Murder. In our last episode, Detective Carlos Avila's leads dried up and the Roy Radin murder investigation hit a dead end. Four years later, Detective Bill Stoner and his partner took over the cold case. They looked into an old lead, an ex-cop with a direct line to their main suspect, Bill Mentzer. Meanwhile, Laney was the victim of a robbery. Eleven kilos of coke and $270,000 were taken. She suspected that Roy Radin orchestrated it.

Then she discovered Roy was planning another robbery altogether, cutting her out of the Cotton Club deal. This is Episode 4, Slow Boil. Nowhere on Earth held more potential than spring in New York City. Leaves were back on the trees, people were out in the streets, and the sweet smell of new beginnings hung in the air. Roy Radin loved that feeling. It was late April, 1983. Roy's driver pulled up to 234 East 61st Street, the Upper East Side townhouse Robert Evans occupied while he was in Manhattan. Roy stepped out of the car and buttoned the jacket of his three-piece suit. He pulled open the iron gate in front of Evans' ivy-laced brownstone and rang the bell.

Roy felt downright cocky coming into this meeting with Evans. The Cotton Club deal was moving swiftly. Through his banker connection, Jose Alegria, Roy was in the process of securing a whopping $35 million. They'd be meeting with Alegria himself in a few days here in New York to hammer out more details. They weren't done raising the cash just yet. Both he and Evans still had to find another $8 million each,

but Roy wasn't sweating it. He had money coming in from the sale of Ocean Castle, his Southampton mansion. Plus, there was always Johnny Stipele, his godfather. Stipele had mob ties and deep pockets and said he'd be willing to invest in the film. Roy had to laugh. Even goodfellas wanted to be in the movie business. Uncle Johnny was also stepping in with advice. He warned Roy that any show of weakness could get him squeezed out. Always stay in control, he'd say. Roy assured him he would.

Not everything was perfect. Roy's relationship with Laney had gone down the toilet after she accused him of conspiring with Tally Rogers to rob her. And there were still a few loose ends that needed to be tied up in the contract, namely getting rid of Laney. Evans answered the door and led Roy inside up the spiral staircase to a massive home library where leather-bound books lined the walls. Evans offered him a drink, and Roy said yes to a scotch and soda. He poured the perfect scotch and soda ratio and handed the glass to Roy. The two sat down on some leather club chairs. Then Evans launched into conversation. I've been doing some serious

thinking. I believe Laney is entitled to half of your 45%. None of this finder's fee business. It's only fair. Roy blinked in surprise. He couldn't be hearing this right. But Evans just kept talking about Laney. Roy balled up his hands into fists. This was bullshit. Evans was stabbing him in the back. Laney Jacobs didn't know show business, and she had no right to be an equal partner. He glared at Evans, then slammed his drink down. He got up, then brushed past him to march down the spiral staircase and out to the street. Good thing he told his driver to wait. Roy barreled into the backseat of his car and told the driver to step on it back to the Mayflower Hotel.

This was the thanks he got after finding an investor. Roy was serving him up $35 million on a silver platter. When he got back to his apartment at the Mayflower, there was more bad news. Laney had the nerve to call him and tell him she was going to be at Evans' townhouse the next night. Roy was enraged. He needed to blow off steam and ended up at Studio 54 snorting lines until 4 a.m. If Laney and Evans thought they could strong-arm him, they were very wrong. He'd go back to Evans' place tomorrow with a message. You don't mess with Roy Radin. It's June 4th, 1987. Almost four years since the body of Roy Radin was found. L.A. Sheriff's Department Detective Bill Stoner sits in a hotel diner in Los Angeles. His partner, Charlie Gunther, is next to him.

Stoner glances at the man sitting across from them, Bill Ryder, an ex-cop, and their current best chance at a break in this cold case. They found him through the photos in Bill Mincer's apartment, the ones of some gun-toting guys in a canyon. Mincer has turned into one of their prime suspects in Roy's murder, and his ex-wife identified Ryder in one of the photos. Detective Avila's case file notes from 1983 link the photos to Roy's murder location, but it's never been confirmed. Ryder anxiously twirls a spoon in his coffee. He's stout, with dark hair and a thick beard.

He looks around like he's half expecting an unwelcome visitor to walk through the door. Ryder admits that he knows who took part in Roy Radin's murder, but he's too scared to identify them. Stoner, who has a soothing demeanor, leans in and says all they want to do is solve the case for Roy's family. Ryder nods and takes a breath. Look, I want to help you, but I don't want my interview recorded and nothing on paper, nothing that can trace me back to you. If you agree to that, then I can say more. Stoner and Gunther both agree.

Ryder starts talking. Back in 83, he was playing poker with Bill Mincer and a guy named Alex Marty. They were bragging about killing Roy Radin. At first, he didn't believe them. But then they showed him newspaper articles about the case and gave him more details. That's when he knew they were telling the truth. It's haunted him all these years. Stoner asks how he met Menser and Marty.

Ryder says he hired them when he was head of security for his brother-in-law, Hustler magazine publisher Larry Flint. Stoner knows all about Flint. He's a controversial figure, always embroiled in lawsuits and scandals. Ryder adds that there was another member of Mincer's crew, a guy named Bob Lowe. Ryder heard that Lowe drove the limo the night of the murder. Stoner cocks his eyebrow at Gunther. They may have finally found their mysterious limo driver. Gunther asks the million-dollar question,

do you know who wanted Roy Radin out of the picture? Ryder hesitates. Menser said that Robert Evans was somehow involved and Menser's girlfriend, Lainey? Stoner knows they're on to something big. But first, they need to connect the location to those photos. The next day, Stoner drives up Interstate 5 towards Caswell Canyon. Charlie Gunther is riding shotgun.

Ryder's in the backseat. They get off on the Hungry Valley Road exit. Then Ryder tells them to turn down a bumpy, one-lane dirt road. Stoner realizes that sure enough, they're near the area where Radin's body was found. He slowly rolls down the gravelly path and comes to a stop where it dead ends. The men all get out of the car and inch down the rest of the slope on foot. Once they're at the bottom, Ryder stops them. He announces that this is the spot where the photos were taken. He's sure of it. Stoner takes out one of the photos and holds it up.

It's a perfect match. Then he turns around to look at the spot where he knows Roy's body was found. He uses his feet to measure the distance to that gruesome sight. One, two, three. Then he hits the spot. The cops found Roy's decaying corpse just a hundred feet from where this picture was taken. Their investigation just took another leap, but they need more. Stoner walks back to where Ryder and Gunther are standing. He nods at Gunther, then removes his sunglasses so Ryder can see his eyes.

Stoner asks if Ryder would consider wearing a wire and talk directly to Mincer and Marty. Ryder looks down, shaking his head. Mincer and Marty, they're stone-cold killers. I have a wife and kids. If they caught me wearing a wire, they'd kill me or my family. I can't do it.

Stoner is disappointed. They've hit another wall. But if Ryder won't wear a wire, they need to find another way to get to Mincer and Marty. April 29th, 1983. Early evening shadows stretched across the courtyard at Robert Evans' townhouse. Laney paced back and forth across the brick floor. Usually nothing fazed her, but Evans had warned her that Roy had stormed out of their meeting yesterday.

Now he was due back here any minute. The thought of dealing with Roy made her stomach do flips. She paused, forcing a deep breath. Evans was upstairs. He said Lainey needed to confront Roy face to face. She and Evans had spent the afternoon in a coaching session. He seemed confident she could convince Roy into giving her what she wanted, half of Roy's cut. A few minutes crawled by. Lainey heard Roy before she saw him. His booming voice rumbled through

the house. She wondered if the man could ever enter a room without shouting. Roy spotted her and then stepped into the courtyard. Laney thought he looked like hell warmed over. His eyes were bloodshot and his face haggard. But his suit, as always, impeccable. She'd grown to loathe Roy in the last month, but Evans, determined to salvage the deal, insisted on a last-ditch effort. If only Roy would finally listen for a change. Lainey steadied herself and dived in. Roy, I'm going to say this for the last time. If you're getting 45% of the company, then I get half of your percentage. It's not a request. It's fair compensation. Without me, you would have never met Bob Evans. Roy stared at her slack-jawed,

like she'd just sprouted a second head. He shook his head vigorously as he repeated, no. Then he exploded with rage and unleashed a torrent of curse words. Lainey gasped. Roy's tirade continued. When she tried to interject, he just cut her off. Then Lainey did something that she never expected to do. She started crying. Big, heaving sobs that wouldn't stop.

Worse, she found herself pleading with this monster, but all it did was enrage him more. She'd never felt such a potent mix of humiliation and anger. She remembered the respect she'd fought for and won as a Coke distributor in Florida. And now, this thing was refusing to see her worth? Through her haze of tears, she saw Bob Evans rush out to the terrace. He wasn't alone. By his side was the day's VIP Puerto Rican banker, Jose Alegria. Evans' voice cut through the air. He shouted at Roy to knock it off, that Laney should stay in the deal.

He'd even split the difference of their shares to make Laney's cut. Roy threw up his hands in disgust. He said there was no way in hell that was happening. Then Roy jumped to his feet and ushered Alegria out of the house. Laney stared after them. She sniffed back a tear. This wasn't over yet. Roy practically shoved Jose Alegria into the waiting limo,

barking orders at the driver to get moving. The banker had confusion written all over his face. What in God's name just happened, Roy? Don't worry about it. Lainey's delusional if she thinks she can snake her way into this deal. Roy was still seething at the thought of Lainey and Evans being in cahoots. But Alegria, who he'd counted as an ally, threw him a curveball. Alegria suggested Roy just give her what she asked for.

Roy's jaw clenched. He wasn't handing her a dime more than a finder's fee. The limo crawled through Manhattan traffic. Roy closed his eyes. He wished he could forget the sound of Laney's voice, like nails on a chalkboard. He shook his head. It was hard to believe he ever spent time with her. Hell, he'd actually found her amusing at one time. Must have been the coke. Hell, he'd actually found her amusing at one time. Must have been the coke. Evans might be a sucker for her charms, but Roy wasn't a sucker of any kind.

It was clear now. Lainey Jacobs was a serious threat to Roy's success and his entire future in Hollywood. Dorothy Stratton was a rising star. Hollywood. From centerfolds to movie roles, she was in love on the way to a Hollywood ending. And then it all went terribly wrong. From Wondery comes Hollywood and Crime, Death of a Starlet, a podcast about love, sex, and murder in 1970s Hollywood. Playboy founder Hugh Hefner thought Dorothy was going to be his breakout star, and her small-time hustler boyfriend from home thought Dorothy was his ticket to the big time. But who was Dorothy really? And who were these men who fought for her heart? Follow Hollywood

and Crime on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge all episodes of Death of a Starlet exclusively and ad-free right now by joining Wondery Plus. Start your free trial of Wondery Plus on the Wondery app, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify today. In the summer of 1981, a brutal quadruple homicide shocked the Hollywood Hills, leaving a community reeling and detectives scrambling for answers. Hollywood and Crime, The Wonderland Murders is a podcast from Wondery that delves into one of the most infamous crime scenes in Los Angeles history, where four lives were violently taken in a drug-fueled rampage. In this gripping season, we explore the chaotic world of the Wonderland Gang.

As LAPD detectives Tom Lang and Bob Sousa investigate the gruesome scene, they uncover a tale of violence that echoes the notorious Manson family murders. With each twist and turn, the story reveals the dark underbelly of the adult film industry and the shocking connections to a legendary star. Follow Hollywood and Crime on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge all episodes of The Wonderland Murders

exclusively and ad-free right now by joining Wondery+. Start your free trial of Wondery Plus on the Wondery app, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify today. By early May 1983, after the disastrous meetings in New York, Robert Evans wished he had never even heard the name Roy Radin. What started out as a golden opportunity to get the Cotton Club off the ground and Evans back on top of the Hollywood pyramid now threatened to topple him entirely.

Roy Radin wasn't a partner. He was becoming a liability. He'd gone off the rails in front of the money man, Alegria. Everything about the guy screamed amateur hour. Clearly, Evans had to get out of his deal with Roy. But finding a way seemed impossible. Laney seemed sure about that Amex money, but he knew better than to count on it. Maybe Alegria had the same doubts. He might be just as interested in cutting Roy out. He phoned Alegria and asked if he'd still finance the movie if Roy wasn't involved, but Alegria didn't want to hear it. He told Evans he didn't feel good about doing anything behind Roy's back. Alegria made it clear that if Evans still wanted this money to get the Cotton Club made,

he'd have to work it out with Roy Radin. Crap. But maybe Evans just had to change his thinking. Maybe he could still do this without Roy Radin. He was, after all, Robert Evans. He could buy Roy out of his contract and then use the 35 mil plus get more somewhere else. And if Roy wouldn't bite, there had to be another way to get him out. For good.

It was May 10th, 1983. It was May 10th, 1983. Back at his office at the Regency Hotel in West Hollywood, Roy Radin slammed the phone receiver back into the cradle. Then picked it up and slammed it again. Then he did it once more for emphasis. Jonathan ran into his office and asked Roy what was going on. Roy laughed hysterically. He couldn't believe how

absurd this had all become. He told Jonathan he just got off the phone with Robert Evans, and Evans had the gall to try and buy Roy out of the company for two million dollars. Roy started shaking as he recalled the conversation. Jonathan shot him a look of pure disbelief. Roy, just take it. Take the damn money and run. Roy wasn't about to run. Jonathan didn't get it. Roy wouldn't let Laney get what was rightfully his. Evans throwing that kind of money around meant he saw a massive return on the future. Roy wouldn't walk away for a measly two million dollars when there were bigger profits on the table. Jonathan tried to reason with him. So what if this deal fell through? There would be other deals with other producers. Roy's answer was to dump some blow onto the back of his hand and snort. Then he looked up at his

assistant. Let me tell you something, kid. I'm the one making this happen for Evans. You told me once Evans isn't exactly on top of the food chain. He needs me. Roy signaled he was done with the discussion by abruptly leaving the apartment. When he returned a few hours later, Jonathan had a worried look on his face. There had been a strange phone call. A man who identified himself as Michael Scalise warned Roy to drop out of the movie deal and go back to New York or else there would be trouble.

Roy said he didn't know anyone named Scalise. Sounded like a bad joke. But by nightfall, Roy's bravado wavered. The walls of the apartment felt like they were closing in. A dark mood settled over him. He picked up the phone, called his mother. Roy hesitated for a beat, then asked if she loved him. His mother's voice held a flicker of panic. She said, of course I love you. What's going on, Roy? Roy said, would be better in the morning. But as Roy stared at the Hollywood lights flickering outside his window,

he wasn't so sure. It was the morning of May 12th, 1983. Lainey Jacobs was back in L.A. She stared at the phone on her nightstand. She just had a call with her business partner. Not Robert Evans, her other business partner, drug kingpin Milan Belichossis. Milan told her he had settled the debt to the Colombians for the missing cocaine.

Fine. Now she was on the hook to pay him back. Plus, she was still out 270 grand. Tally Rogers, the little weasel, had vanished without a trace. No chance of recouping her losses there. The Cotton Club was her golden ticket. But it all hinged on Roy. He was a roadblock she needed to get past if she wanted to get her share. She needed to get past if she wanted to get her share. Laney put her hand on the receiver of her white push-button phone. She tentatively lifted it off the cradle and put it to her ear. Roy's smug face flashed in her mind, but she stayed calm.

This call had to be made. She dialed the number she knew by heart at this point. After just one ring, a man picked up. It was Jonathan Lawson. Roy Radin's office. Hi, Jonathan. It's Lainey. Can I speak to Roy? He's not up yet. Okay. Tell him I need to meet with him tonight at Touch Nightclub.

No excuses. It's urgent. Lainey hung up. This time, she was calling the shots on the Cotton Club deal. Sunlight poured into Roy Radin's bedroom at the Regency Plaza Suite in Los Angeles. Roy grabbed a pillow and pulled it over his head. He had a throbbing headache and just wanted to sleep it off a little longer. It was May 12th, 1983. Roy heard a noise in the next room. He sat up and blinked. He could hear Jonathan's voice, but Roy couldn't tell who he was talking to. He's not up yet. He threw the covers off and grabbed his black silk robe.

Roy walked into the kitchenette just as Jonathan hung up the phone. Jonathan looked up at Roy, his every thought visible on his face. Roy thought, yeah, I look like shit. This is what a three-day coke binge looks like. When are you going to get used to it? Roy asked who was on the phone. Jonathan sighed. That was Laney. What does that bitch want? She wants to meet tonight at the club, touch.

She didn't say why, just that it was urgent and she wouldn't take no for an answer. Roy let out a big laugh, which progressed into a dry cough. He shook his head. Lainey Jacobs had some nerve for sure. Who did she think she was demanding meetings? Roy told Jonathan to call her back and tell her, no, no more meetings. Not now, not ever. But after a shower and a change of clothes, all of his anxiety from the previous days lifted. He could feel the juices flowing again. Laney's sudden demand for a meeting signaled desperation. This put Roy back in the driver's seat. But when Roy told Jonathan about his new plan, Jonathan's face paled.

He said Laney needed to be kept as far away as possible. And what about that warning they got the other night? The threatening voice had been clear. Stay away from the Cotton Club. kept as far away as possible. And what about that warning they got the other night? The threatening voice had been clear, stay away from the Cotton Club. But Roy dug in his heels. He instructed Jonathan to call Laney back. Dinner, he declared, would be on his terms.

Tomorrow night. For Detective Bill Stoner, the Raiden cold case investigation is moving at a glacial pace. It's December 1987, and Stoner and his partner, Charlie Gunther, still haven't been able to nail Bill Menser, or Alex Marty. The closest they got was Bill Ryder. He confirmed the spot where Roy Radin was killed. He also implicated Menser and Marty in Roy's murder, but he refused to wear a wire out of fear for his family. That was six long months ago. Since then, Roy Radin's mother, Renee, had died. She never got to see any justice for her son's murder. Without a direct line to Menser or Marty, they try to follow other leads, scarce as they are. First, Doner goes back to a letter they had obtained from drug courier Tally Rogers. He had written to himself when he fled to South Carolina in early April of 1983.

The letter claimed that if Rogers were to end up dead, all roads led to drug lord Milan Belichossis. Stoner figures Belichossis could be connected to Roy's murder, or at least know something about it. He was Laney's business partner. Stoner eventually tracks down Belichossus. He's in prison, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, arrested on a cocaine conspiracy case. But then, his lawyers scuttle the plan. They won't let him talk. For now, Belichossus is another dead end.

Then Stoner and Gunther get a foothold with someone else. Ana Montenegro, Lainey Jacobs' former assistant. Ana's lawyer has agreed to let her talk to them. Around 2 p.m. on December 14, 1987, Stoner walks into her lawyer's office and sits down with her. He gets one question out of the way first. Does she think Milan Belichossis had anything to do with Roy Radin's murder?

But Anna is skeptical of his involvement. While Belichossis was furious about the stolen cocaine, she doubted he would risk murder charges. Stoner then brings the interview around to May 13th, 1983, the day Roy Radin died. He asks Anna what she remembers about Roy's dinner plans with Laney that night. A look of sadness washes over Anna's face. She admits to caring deeply for Roy. She looks Stoner in the eye and says she tried to warn him. She begged him not to go. He just wouldn't listen. I'm Jake Warren and in our first season of Finding, I set out on a very personal quest

to find the woman who saved my mum's life. You can listen to Finding Natasha right now exclusively on Wondery Plus. In season two, I found myself caught up in a new journey to help someone I've never even met. But a couple of years ago, I came across a social media post by a person named Loti. It read in part, three years ago today that I attempted to jump off this bridge, but this wasn't my time to go. A gentleman named Andy saved my life. I still haven't found him. This is a story that I came across purely by chance, but it instantly moved me. And it's taken me to a place where I've had to consider some deeper issues around mental health.

This is season two of Finding, and this time, if all goes to plan, we'll be finding Andy. You can listen to Finding Andy and Finding Natasha exclusively and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery Plus in the Wondery app, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. April 8th, 1988, Los Angeles Sheriff's Department headquarters downtown. Detective Bill Stoner walks towards his desk. He grabs the phone just in time.

He walks towards his desk. He grabs the phone just in time. This is Stoner. Detective, it's Bill Ryder. Stoner's eyes widen. Ten long months ago, Stoner and his partner, Charlie Gunther, asked Ryder to wear a wire to talk to their suspects in the Raiden murder. Ryder had refused, and Stoner hadn't heard a word since.

Until now. Ryder's life had taken a sharp turn. He'd become a witness in a federal cocaine conspiracy trial involving his own brother-in-law, Hustler magazine publisher Larry Flint. Ryder started hearing rumors that Flint had put a contract out on his life. He needs witness protection. But investigators on the Flint case couldn't offer him any.

So Ryder proposes a deal to Stoner. He'll help on the Raiden case in exchange for protection. It means he's also willing to wear a wire and speak to Bill Menser and Alex Marty, as well as Bob Lowe. Stoner doesn't hesitate. He assures Ryder he and his family will be protected. This is a game changer.

Stoner hangs up after working through some next steps with Ryder. He's anxious to share the news with his partner. But it's not Detective Charlie Gunther anymore. Gunther had retired just one week ago. Stoner's new partner is Carlos Avila, the original detective on the Raiden case. Avila had returned to work the case after a stint at the FBI Academy and the Bureau. Avila's thrilled when he finds out. He'd been the one to find those damning photos of Mincer back in 1983, but he was stymied by the lack of leads. Stoner tells them that they need to arrange 24-hour

protection for Ryder. Avila suggests moving the family to California so they can keep a better eye on them. Now, they just need to set the trap. The details are crucial. One misstep could potentially blow up the entire case and cost Ryder his life. Thursday, May 12th, 1983. Late afternoon. Jonathan opened the door of the suite and let in actor Daman Wilson. Daman was a good friend of Roy's. He had done appearances on

Roy's variety show tours. The two were heading out to visit an old pal who was in the hospital. Roy mentioned grabbing dinner later, but DeMond said he needed to get home that night. Roy didn't answer. Jonathan saw a sly grin spread across his face. Roy suggested DeMond join him for dinner tomorrow night. He explained that he was putting together the biggest deal of his life, Roy suggested Daman join him for dinner tomorrow night. He explained that he was putting together the biggest deal of his life,

and this meeting was going to be the linchpin. Jonathan couldn't figure out what Roy was up to. Why was Daman so essential for Roy's dinner plans? Daman agreed to meet. He suggested someplace classy, like La Scala in Beverly Hills. Roy thought that sounded perfect. Jonathan, call Lainey and tell her we're on for tomorrow. 9.30 at La Scala.

Jonathan grimaced. The last thing he wanted to do was call Lainey. But with a look of resignation, he picked up the phone and dialed her number. She answered right away and agreed to the new plans. Roy ushered Daman out the door and told Jonathan they'd return in a few hours. That afternoon, as Jonathan was sifting through Roy's paperwork, Ana Montenegro appeared at the door. Her usual easy smile was gone, replaced by a tense frown. Jonathan settled her in the living room and mixed her a drink. She clutched her glass, saying she needed to talk to

Roy. It wasn't long before Roy arrived and Anna practically fell into his arms. Her voice trembled as she spoke. Anna said she had just come from Laney's house. There were several men there. They looked menacing and wouldn't even let her in. These men are up to no good. I'm scared they're after you, Roy. Jonathan held his breath, willing Roy to listen. This wasn't the first time Anna had tried to warn him about Laney. Whatever's going on, I can handle it.

I'm having dinner with Laney tomorrow. We're gonna hash things out and it'll all be over with. Ana's composure started to crumble. She begged him not to go. Roy's expression darkened. A mean edge crept into his voice. He told Ana she was just afraid Laney would say something bad about her.

Anna said she didn't care what Lainey said. She thought Roy was crazy for wanting to go. Jonathan felt like a helpless bystander. He had seen Roy like this many times. The more you tried to change his mind, the deeper he dug his heels in. It's May 11th, 1988, two days until the five-year anniversary of Roy Radin's murder. Detective Bill Stoner pulls his windowless surveillance van over to the curb, not far from the Scoreboard Cafe in Frederick, Maryland.

He kills the engine, then grabs some recording gear from the passenger seat. Stoner holds a tiny microphone and says, Testing, one, two. On playback, he hears his own voice, clears a bell. Everything's set. Stoner turns to the men sitting behind him in the van. One is Detective Avila. The other is a nervous-looking Bill Ryder. Are you ready, Bill? As ready as I'll ever be. Stoner gets in the back and wires Ryder up. He watches him take a deep

breath. Then Ryder hops out of the van and casually strides to the scoreboard cafe where Bob Lowe works. They're starting the undercover operation with Lowe, who is the limo driver. Ryder already contacted him under the pretense of needing surveillance work. Today, they're hoping Ryder can get Lowe to talk about Roy's murder. Stoner hands Avila a set of headphones and then puts his on. He hears Ryder greet Lowe at the bar. Avila gives him a thumbs up. They can hear both men clearly. Stoner listens through some friendly chit-chat.

Ryder used to be a cop. He knows how to ease into this kind of thing. More than an hour goes by with mundane banter as they watch a game inside the bar. Finally, Stoner hears the conversation shift after some prodding from Ryder. I'm going to tell you something, and I'll tell you the honest truth. Ryder says he wants him to be honest. Have you been with Bill on a homicide? Stoner tightens up. He knows Bill must meet Mincer.

Stoner nods at Avila and mutters, he's almost there. Stoner adjusts his headphones, straining to catch every word. Ryder starts pushing Lowe's buttons, trying to get a reaction. Well, let me tell you what he told me. He was talking about Raiden. Said you were really afraid on that one. Real afraid. Lowe denies being afraid. Says he didn't do anything. All I know is Friday the 13th,

they shot him 13 times. Stoner pumps his fist in the air. This is what they need. Ryder instinctively keeps pushing the conversation. Well is what they need. Ryder instinctively keeps pushing the conversation. Well, you were there. The tension inside the van is heavy with anticipation. They need Lowe to take the bait. And then Lowe says exactly what they need him to say. I was there. Stoner throws Avila a satisfied look. The wait is over. They have love.

Now they need the bigger fish. Bill Menser. Follow Hollywood and Crime, The Cotton Club Murder on the Wondery app, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge all episodes early and ad-free right now by joining Wondery Plus in the Wondery app or on Apple Podcasts. Before you go, tell us about yourself by completing a short survey at wondery.com slash survey. This is episode four of six of The Cotton Club Murder. This podcast is based on historical research, but in some cases we can't know exactly what was said,

so certain dialogue is dramatized. We used many sources when researching this story, but ones we found exceptionally helpful are Bad Company, Drugs, Hollywood, and The Cotton Club Murder by Steve Wick and the Los Angeles Court Archives. Our show was produced by Tracy Patton, Rebecca Reynolds, and Jim Carpenter for Hollywood and Crime. Our writer is Dana Rossi. Our managing producer is Sophia Martins, and our coordinating producer is Taylor Sniffen.

Our story editor is Michaela Bly, research by Adam Mellion. Sound design is by Kyle Randall. Our audio engineers are Sergio Enriquez and Augustine Lim. Audio assembly by Daniel Gonzalez. Additional audio assistance from Adrian Tapia. Fact-checking by Will Tavlin. For Wondery, our producer is Yasmin Ward, and senior producer is Laura Donna Pallavoda. Executive producers are Aaron O'Flaherty, Marsha Louis, and Jen Sargent. Harvard is the oldest and richest university in America.

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