Death on My Hands

Originally Aired: May 10, 1951 Suspense #428, "Death on My Hands," finds bandleader Dixie seeking refuge in a quiet New England valley town, looking forward to a simple one-night stand at the local high school dance. After an unexpectedly successful performance, Dixie runs into Julia, his former band singer, and the two plan to catch up after the show. But backstage, a teenage fan named Emily sneaks in begging for an autographed photo. When she reaches for Dixie's suitcase—which contains two weeks' worth of cash and a loaded gun—tragedy strikes. The girl falls, fatally wounded, and Dixie carries her through the streets desperately searching for help. As news of Emily's death spreads through the small town, the locals don't wait for the police inquest Dixie promised to attend. An angry mob gathers outside the Embassy Hotel, hurling rocks and threatening notes through his window. Trapped and terrified, Dixie faces a grim reality: this peaceful little town is ready to hang him for what he insists was an accident. When Julia appears at his door offering help, Dixie must decide whether friendship can save him from a lynch mob's noose.