Digest

This episode of My Favorite Murder delves into the unsolved murder of Arnold Schuster, a young man who recognized and reported the infamous bank robber Willie Sutton. The story begins with Willie Sutton, known as the "gentleman bank robber" for his politeness and affable demeanor during his robberies. Despite his reputation, Sutton was a skilled escape artist, successfully escaping prison multiple times using ladders, plastic sculptures, and even a milk truck. In 1952, Sutton was on the run for two years when he was recognized by Arnold Schuster on a New York City subway. Schuster, a fan of detective magazines, was certain he had spotted Sutton and reported him to the police. However, the police dismissed Schuster's claims, only to later apprehend Sutton themselves. Schuster, seeking recognition and the reward offered for information leading to Sutton's arrest, went public with his story. This act, however, put him in danger, as he received threatening letters and phone calls. Tragically, Schuster was shot and killed less than a month after reporting Sutton. The NYPD launched a massive investigation, interviewing thousands of people, but the case remains unsolved. The episode explores various theories surrounding Schuster's murder, including the possibility of a mob hit ordered by Albert Anastasia, a mafia boss who reportedly hated "squealers." The episode concludes with a discussion about the morality of crime and the unpredictable consequences of actions, highlighting the tragic irony of Schuster's death and Sutton's remorse over the incident. This episode then dives into the strange deaths of Morris Blankenbaker and Gabby Moore, whose murders and their investigations left their small cities scandalized. The story begins with Morris Blankenbaker, a high school coach and night shift bouncer, who is found murdered in the snow outside his home. The investigation reveals that Morris had a complicated relationship with his former wrestling coach, Gabby Moore, who had moved into Morris's home after a divorce. Gabby, a secret alcoholic, eventually falls in love with Morris's wife, Dianne, and they get married. However, Dianne soon realizes that Gabby's drinking and aggression are a problem, and she separates from him. Morris and Dianne reconcile and plan to remarry, but Gaby becomes obsessed with Dianne and begins harassing her. Morris is found murdered, and Gaby is initially a suspect, but he has a rock-solid alibi. However, Gaby's behavior after Morris's death is suspicious, and he claims that he is being stalked and threatened. On Christmas Eve, Gaby is found murdered in his apartment, and the investigation reveals that both he and Morris were killed by the same gun. The investigation leads to Tuffy Pleasant, a former wrestling student of Gabby's, who admits to killing Morris at Gaby's request and then shooting Gaby in the shoulder to create a false alibi. Tuffy is convicted of manslaughter in both murders and sentenced to life in prison. The episode concludes with a discussion about the impact of the murders on the lives of those involved, particularly Dianne, who eventually moves on and becomes a successful stockbroker.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction

This Chapter introduces the episode and the hosts, Georgia Hardstock and Karen Kilgarov, who are recording in a new studio for the first time.

00:03:10

The Unsolved Murder of Arnold Schuster

This Chapter dives into the story of Arnold Schuster, a young man who recognized and reported the infamous bank robber Willie Sutton, leading to a mob hit and a shocking twist.

00:54:11

The Strange Deaths of Morris Blankenbaker and Gabby Moore

This Chapter dives into the story of the strange deaths of Morris Blankenbaker and Gabby Moore, whose murders and their investigations left their small cities scandalized. The story begins with Morris Blankenbaker, a high school coach and night shift bouncer, who is found murdered in the snow outside his home. The investigation reveals that Morris had a complicated relationship with his former wrestling coach, Gabby Moore, who had moved into Morris's home after a divorce. Gabby, a secret alcoholic, eventually falls in love with Morris's wife, Dianne, and they get married. However, Dianne soon realizes that Gabby's drinking and aggression are a problem, and she separates from him. Morris and Dianne reconcile and plan to remarry, but Gaby becomes obsessed with Dianne and begins harassing her. Morris is found murdered, and Gaby is initially a suspect, but he has a rock-solid alibi. However, Gaby's behavior after Morris's death is suspicious, and he claims that he is being stalked and threatened. On Christmas Eve, Gaby is found murdered in his apartment, and the investigation reveals that both he and Morris were killed by the same gun. The investigation leads to Tuffy Pleasant, a former wrestling student of Gabby's, who admits to killing Morris at Gaby's request and then shooting Gaby in the shoulder to create a false alibi. Tuffy is convicted of manslaughter in both murders and sentenced to life in prison. The episode concludes with a discussion about the impact of the murders on the lives of those involved, particularly Dianne, who eventually moves on and becomes a successful stockbroker.

Keywords

Q&A

• Who was Willie Sutton, and why was he known as the "gentleman bank robber"?

  Willie Sutton was an American bank robber who became notorious for his daring heists and multiple escapes from prison. He was known as the "gentleman bank robber" for his politeness and affable demeanor during his robberies. He was known for avoiding violence and treating people with respect, even while robbing banks.

• What happened to Arnold Schuster after he reported Willie Sutton to the police?

  After reporting Sutton, Schuster received threatening letters and phone calls. Tragically, he was shot and killed less than a month later. His murder remains unsolved, and the case continues to be a source of intrigue and speculation.

• What are some of the theories surrounding Schuster's murder?

  Theories surrounding Schuster's murder include the possibility of a mob hit ordered by Albert Anastasia, a mafia boss who reportedly hated "squealers." There is also speculation that the police may have been involved in his death, as they had dismissed Schuster's initial report of Sutton.

• How did Morris Blankenbaker and Gabby Moore know each other?

  Gabby Moore was Morris Blankenbaker's high school wrestling coach. They had a close relationship, and Morris even saved Gabby's life during a whitewater rafting trip.

• What was Gabby Moore's secret?

  Gabby Moore was a secret alcoholic. He was very good at hiding his drinking from Dianne, but Morris knew about it and was troubled by it.

• What happened to Morris Blankenbaker?

  Morris Blankenbaker was found murdered in the snow outside his home. He had been shot three times and left to die.

• Who was initially suspected of Morris's murder?

  Gabby Moore was initially suspected of Morris's murder, but he had a rock-solid alibi. He was in the hospital at the time of the murder.

• What happened to Gabby Moore?

  Gabby Moore was found murdered in his apartment on Christmas Eve. He had been shot in the shoulder, and the investigation revealed that he had been killed by the same gun that was used to kill Morris.

• Who was convicted of the murders of Morris Blankenbaker and Gabby Moore?

  Tuffy Pleasant, a former wrestling student of Gabby's, was convicted of murdering Morris Blankenbaker and Gabby Moore. He admitted to killing Morris at Gaby's request and then shooting Gaby in the shoulder to create a false alibi.

• What happened to Dianne Blankenbaker after the murders?

  Dianne Blankenbaker eventually moved on from the tragedy that had unfolded in her life. She became a successful stockbroker, remarried, and left Yakima for good.

Show Notes