The Big Story

Killer with the Mind of a Little Boy

English · True Crime, Radio, Dramatic Readings

In this episode of The Big Story, reporter T. R. Johnson of the Salt Lake City Tribune recounts the case of Pascal Boyer, a construction worker whose life changed after a serious accident. In 1935, using the name George Rutledge, Boyer shot Blanche Nelson in Bountiful, Utah, then killed Loren East and his wife, whom he believed had witnessed the first shooting. He was convicted but maintained that he could not remember the crimes.

The account follows Boyer’s troubled history, including a head injury that left him unconscious for three days, persistent headaches, exhaustion, crying fits, and episodes of forgetfulness. His wife described his increasingly strange behavior, while testimony at trial raised the possibility of a neurological condition. After sentencing, Boyer was admitted to a Utah hospital for the insane, where he died in 1937, before he could be sent to prison.

The Big Story presents crime reporting as radio drama, bringing newspaper investigations to listeners through a reporter’s account and dramatic reenactment. This story combines a disturbing criminal case with questions about what was understood about brain injury and mental illness in the 1930s. Johnson’s reporting also reflects his life in public service: he was an active community member and served as Ogden’s police chief.

This recording is part of the Old Time Radio collection.