Digest

This podcast delves into the life of Ted Turner, a Kentucky native who became notorious for his criminal activities. The episode begins with an introduction by the hosts, James Petrigalo and Jimmy Wiseman, who discuss Ted Turner's baseball career and his father, Turkey Bob, known for his chicken stealing and involvement in election fraud. The hosts then uncover a series of newspaper articles detailing Ted Turner's arrests for various crimes, including dynamiting cars, disorderly conduct, liquor violations, and a whiskey robbery. The episode also explores the violent altercation between the Turner family and their neighbors, the Underwoods, and the shocking story of Ted Turner's brother Wesley, who was acquitted of murder after claiming he was disoriented from a dentist appointment. The podcast concludes with Ted Turner's final arrest in 1925 and his death in 1958. The hosts also address the confusion surrounding the name "Ted Turner" and clarify the distinction between the criminal Ted Turner and the media mogul Ted Turner.

Outlines

00:00:00

Ted Turner's Criminal Life: A Kentucky Saga

This episode explores the life of Ted Turner, a Kentucky native who became notorious for his criminal activities. The hosts discuss his baseball career, his father's involvement in chicken stealing and election fraud, and Ted Turner's various arrests for crimes like dynamiting cars, disorderly conduct, liquor violations, and a whiskey robbery.

00:00:38

Ted Turner's Baseball Career and Family History

The hosts delve into Ted Turner's baseball career, noting his inconsistent performance due to frequent jail time. They discuss his father, Turkey Bob, known for his chicken stealing and involvement in election fraud.

00:09:36

Turkey Bob's Arrest for Dynamiting Cars

The hosts uncover a newspaper article detailing Turkey Bob's arrest for dynamiting cars. The article reveals his involvement in a scheme to sabotage vehicles for $25, highlighting the corruption and lawlessness of the era.

00:21:38

Ted Turner's Early Arrests and Criminal Activities

The hosts discuss Ted Turner's arrest for disorderly conduct in 1919 and his arrest for possessing liquor during Prohibition in 1923. They also discuss his involvement in a whiskey robbery and the subsequent confession of H. Point Dexter, who turned state's evidence against Ted Turner and others.

00:37:50

The Turner Family Feud and Gunfire Exchange

The hosts discuss a violent altercation between the Turner family and their neighbors, the Underwoods, in 1923. The article describes a heated exchange of gunfire, highlighting the volatile nature of the Turner family and their involvement in criminal activities.

00:52:19

Ted Turner's Continued Criminal Activities and Wesley's Murder

The hosts discuss Ted Turner's continued criminal activities after his release from prison in 1925, including his arrest for possessing stolen liquor. They also reveal the shocking story of his brother Wesley, who was acquitted of murder after claiming he was disoriented from a dentist appointment.

00:56:17

Ted Turner's Final Arrest and Family Drama

The hosts conclude the episode with Ted Turner's final arrest in 1925 for public intoxication, breach of peace, and loitering. The article describes a chaotic scene involving Turner, his sister Bessie, and two other individuals engaged in a brawl inside an automobile.

00:58:01

Theodore Turner's Early Life and Crimes

This chapter delves into the early life of Theodore Turner, a man who would later become a prominent figure in media. It highlights his early brushes with the law, including fighting in a car, housebreaking, and being tied to a tombstone by sorority girls.

01:03:44

The Murder of Policeman Albert Doyle

This chapter recounts the tragic murder of Policeman Albert Doyle in 1928. The incident involved a robbery attempt at a clothing store, where Doyle was shot in the back by a lookout. The perpetrators, Foreman Price, Herman Gerke, and Theodore Turner, were later identified but never prosecuted for the murder.

01:09:36

The Turner Gang's Criminal Activities

This chapter focuses on the criminal activities of the Turner gang, led by Theodore Turner. The gang was involved in a series of robberies and housebreakings across Kentucky, including a robbery of a telephone exchange and a grocery store.

01:14:24

Theodore Turner's Trial and Escape

This chapter details Theodore Turner's trial for housebreaking and his subsequent escape from the Fayette County jail. The chapter highlights the gang's audacious escape plan, which involved sawing through steel bars and using a painter's scaffold to scale a 30-foot wall.

01:28:00

Theodore Turner's Continued Escapes and Recapture

This chapter chronicles Theodore Turner's continued escapes from prison, including his escape from the Jefferson County jail and his recapture at his father's house. The chapter also mentions his involvement in setting fire to the state reformatory.

01:38:29

Theodore Turner's Final Arrest and Death

This chapter describes Theodore Turner's final arrest in 1941 on vagrancy charges, along with his brothers or cousins. The chapter also mentions his death in 1958 at the age of 65.

01:45:51

Mistaken Identities and Ted Turner's Legacy

This chapter addresses the confusion surrounding the name "Ted Turner" and clarifies the distinction between the criminal Ted Turner and the media mogul Ted Turner. It also discusses the legacy of the criminal Ted Turner and his family.

Keywords

Q&A

• What were some of the criminal activities that Ted Turner was involved in?

  Ted Turner was involved in a variety of criminal activities, including chicken stealing, dynamiting cars, liquor violations, and a whiskey robbery.

• Who was Turkey Bob, and what was he known for?

  Turkey Bob was Ted Turner's father, notorious for his chicken stealing and involvement in election fraud. He was known for his connections and ability to secure pardons for his crimes.

• How did Ted Turner's baseball career get affected by his criminal activities?

  Ted Turner's baseball career was frequently interrupted by his jail time. He was known for his inconsistent performance due to his frequent arrests and legal troubles.

• What was the significance of the whiskey robbery case?

  The whiskey robbery case highlighted the widespread illegal liquor trade during Prohibition and the efforts of federal agents to crack down on it. It also revealed the extent of Ted Turner's involvement in criminal activities.

• What happened to Ted Turner and his brother Wesley after their arrests?

  Ted Turner was convicted and sentenced to two years in prison for his role in the whiskey robbery. His brother Wesley was acquitted of murder after claiming he was disoriented from a dentist appointment. Both brothers continued to be involved in criminal activities after their releases.

• What were some of Theodore Turner's early crimes?

  Theodore Turner was involved in various crimes, including fighting in a car, housebreaking, and being tied to a tombstone by sorority girls.

• How did Theodore Turner escape from the Fayette County Jail?

  Theodore Turner and his gang escaped by sawing through steel bars, using a painter's scaffold to scale a 30-foot wall, and lowering themselves to the courtyard on a sheet rope.

• What was Theodore Turner's final arrest for?

  Theodore Turner was arrested on vagrancy charges in 1941, along with his brothers or cousins. They were suspected of being part of a nationwide safe cracking operation.

• What was the legacy of Theodore Turner?

  Theodore Turner was a notorious criminal who spent much of his life in and out of prison. His story highlights the criminal underworld of Kentucky during the 1920s and 1930s.

Show Notes