Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar - The Evaporated Clue Matter

Old Time Radio Mysteries

Henry "Hank" Bascom of the Four State Insurance Company in New York wants Johnny to investigate the murder of a wealthy copper mill owner named Jonathan Kenworthy, who had previously purchased a life insurance policy worth almost 200 thousand dollars. The sole beneficiary of this policy is Carlton Kenworthy, his grandson. Johnny asks Hank "Do you or the police have any idea who might have killed him?" Henry says "Yeah, his grandson Carlton, who also happens to be the sole heir to all the rest of his estate" Johnny says "Oh no, wait a minute, that's a pretty strong accusation, Hank. Do you have any proof?" Hank says "None whatsoever, nor have the police". Johnny says "I take it that you figured Carlton had the motive and the opportunity...." Hank says "And a perfect alibi". Johnny asks "Oh, and what makes you and the police think he did it?" Hanks says "Well, motive Johnny. It's as simple as that". Johnny says "Alright, keep talking". Hank says "It's simply that nobody else in the world could possibly benefit by old Mr. Kenworthy's death. Plus the fact that he had no enemies, none whatsoever". Johnny says "You sound pretty sure of that". Hank says "I am. I not only knew him, but I knew a great deal about him". Johnny says "But, after all, a man who's been head of a company as big as Kenworthy Copper Mills, you know, some disgruntled employee with some imaginary grievances...." Hank says "Over twenty years ago? But even if he'd only retired from that business last month, I'd still say no. Kenworthy was one of the best loved men I've ever heard of. As for his employees, why they're the ones he left the business to. He never had a strike, or any other kind of labor troubles, despite the size of his plant. I know it sounds unusual, Johnny, but he was an unusual man". Johnny says "Oh I see. Now, how about this grandson, Carlton Kenworthy?" Hank says "Well, he's about as useless a hunk of human being as I've ever seen".