The Black Doll Matter

Originally Aired: July 21, 1953Johnny Dollar #172, "The Black Doll Matter,"Johnny Dollar travels to Los Angeles to investigate the murder of Judith Thompson, a young woman shot to death in her apartment. The killing appears straightforward but puzzling - someone entered through the back door and shot her once in the chest with a .38, yet nothing was stolen. Working alongside Lieutenant Brickford of the Central Division Homicide, Johnny begins interviewing the people in Judith's life, including her girlfriends and acquaintances Mr. and Mrs. Lyon.The investigation leads them to Timkin Aircraft, where they question William Carnes, a test pilot who had been dating Judith for about two weeks. After watching Carnes fly an impressive demonstration of the experimental XR-200 jet, Johnny and Brickford confront him about his whereabouts on the night of the murder. Carnes initially lies about his alibi, claiming he stayed home alone, but eventually admits he took Judith out that evening. His reason for lying adds a complicating wrinkle to the case - he's married and separated, hoping for reconciliation, and fears being connected to a murder investigation will destroy any chance of saving his marriage.