Step into the gripping and ruthless world of the Wild West with "Jaliscoe Pete," a riveting episode from the classic "Gunsmoke" radio series. This chilling story unfolds with the brutal murder of Will Thompson and his family, an act of violence that is meticulously staged to appear as if it were the work of Indians. But the truth is far more sinister.

The episode begins with a heart-wrenching scene as Will Thompson's son, barely clinging to life, stumbles into the Marshal's office, bearing the horrific news. Before succumbing to his gunshot wounds, he manages to tell Marshal Dillon that their family farm has been reduced to ashes. With a heavy heart, Dillon and his loyal deputy Chester set out to uncover the truth.

When they arrive at the scene, they are met with a sight of unimaginable horror. The farm is still smoldering, a faithful dog lies dead, and the gruesome evidence of Jaliscoe Pete's handiwork is everywhere. Will Thompson has been savagely scalped, his seventeen-year-old daughter lies lifeless in the bushes, and his wife clings to life, her fate uncertain.

"Jaliscoe Pete" is a story that delves into the darkest corners of human nature, exploring themes of brutality, deception, and the desperate quest for justice in a lawless land. This episode of "Gunsmoke" not only offers a suspenseful and emotionally charged narrative but also provides a stark look at the harsh realities of frontier life.

Join Marshal Dillon and Chester as they ride through the shadows of the Wild West, determined to bring justice to a family devastated by violence. Whether you're a fan of classic radio dramas or simply love a good Western tale, "Jaliscoe Pete" promises to captivate your imagination and keep you on the edge of your seat.

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Click to listen and experience a story of murder, deception, and the relentless pursuit of justice in the untamed West.

In Gunsmoke #002, “Ben Thompson (Act 1),” Marshal Matt Dillon confronts a deadly blast from the past when famed gunfighter Lasseter returns to Dodge City. What begins as a quiet day soon escalates into a fatal showdown, as Dillon is forced to face the harsh realities of frontier justice and personal history. With only Act 1 surviving, this partial episode captures the tension and code of honor that defined the lawless West—and the emotional weight carried by those who enforce it.

Originally Aired: April 26, 1952

Billy the Kid: A Marshal’s First Case:

In the very first episode of Gunsmoke, Marshal Matt Dillon faces off against the notorious Clay Richards, a wanted man accused of murder and attempted bank robbery. When Clay’s lifeless body is discovered near the river, the townsfolk of Dodge City quickly assume justice has been served. But Matt isn’t convinced—the evidence doesn’t add up, and the mysterious disappearance of Clay’s gun raises more questions than answers.

As Matt digs deeper, he uncovers a tangled web of deceit, with suspects ranging from Clay’s closest friends to those who stood to gain from his death. But when a runaway boy from Cottonwood turns up with Clay’s missing gun, Matt realizes the case is far from over. In a dramatic showdown, Matt must prevent a lynch mob from taking justice into their own hands while navigating the moral complexities of frontier law.

This inaugural episode introduces audiences to the gritty realism and moral ambiguity that would define Gunsmoke, setting the stage for countless tales of law and order in the Wild West.

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Cast: William Conrad, Parley Baer, Howard McNear, Georgia Ellis, Don Diamond, Harry Bartell, Richard Beals, Paul Dubov, Mary Lansing.