Crime Classics

John Hayes: His Head and How They Were Parted

English · True Crime, Dramatic Readings

Crime Classics presents dramatized accounts of notorious crimes and the people caught up in them. Hosted by Thomas Hyland, the series frames each case as a historical investigation, drawing listeners into the circumstances, motives, and consequences behind a real-life crime.

The program blends narration with acted scenes and sound effects, moving between the host’s commentary and dramatic reconstructions. This episode is identified as “John Hayes: His Head and How They Were Parted,” a case presented in the series’ documentary-style crime format.

The tone is measured and suspenseful rather than sensational, balancing the atmosphere of a mystery with the perspective of a historical case study. Hyland’s guiding presence gives the stories a clear frame, while the dramatization brings the people and events into focus.

This recording is part of the Old Time Radio collection.