The shocking kidnapping and murder of a film producer became widely known as The Cotton Club murder.
The victim was 33-year-old Alexander Roy Radin, whose remains were discovered in California in June 1983.
Radin, born on November 13, 1949, was the son of a Broadway show promoter and a showgirl.
His career in the entertainment industry began at 16 when he dropped out of high school to pursue publicity work and formed his own traveling show. Within four years, he had already become a millionaire.
Radin’s success continued into the 1970s and early 80s, where he was known for his vaudeville performances and music tours.
However, in 1983, he shifted his focus to Hollywood and Broadway, neglecting his vaudeville roots in pursuit of the movie world. Radin’s final foray into the entertainment industry came with the funding of Robert Evans’ 1984 film The Cotton Club.
Unfortunately, Radin’s dreams were cut short when his remains were found in California, heavily decomposed and with a fatal bullet wound to his head. His disappearance in May 1983 led to investigations that eventually unveiled the shocking truth about his fate.
It was eventually revealed that Radin’s girlfriend, Karen Greenberger, was involved in his murder. Reportedly, Greenberger was unhappy with her share of The Cotton Club deal and orchestrated Radin’s murder as a result. After years of evolving stories and denials, she was found guilty of second-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison.
Before his tragic end, Radin was known for throwing extravagant parties at his mansion and was rumored to have been involved in illegal activities like snuff films and cocaine trafficking. While some of these claims did not stick, they hint at a much darker side to the lavish lifestyle he led.
Radin’s story is a tragic one, full of ambition, success, and ultimately betrayal and loss. His name will forever be associated with The Cotton Club murder, a lasting reminder of a promising life cut short by greed and deceit.
