In 1935, Reno, Nevada was more than neon signs and quick divorces—it was the gambling capital of the West, with organized crime and mob money pulling the strings behind the scenes. That’s where we meet Roy J. Frisch: a bank cashier by day, trombone player by night, and federal witness with a dangerous secret.
Frisch was set to testify in a federal mail fraud trial tied to mobsters like Tony “The Hat” Cornero and the Graham & McKay gambling syndicate. But just days before taking the stand, Frisch walked out of the Majestic Theatre and vanished into the Reno night. No body. No evidence. No answers.
Was this a classic mob hit, a warning to Reno’s power players, or something even stranger? In this episode of Deadly Truths, we dig into the disappearance that shook Reno’s underworld—examining the mob connections, the silence that followed, and how Roy Frisch became one of Nevada’s most enduring unsolved mysteries.
Charley Project – Roy J. Frisch Case File. Overview of his disappearance, witness role, and mob ties.
https://charleyproject.org/case/roy-j-frisch
Reno Historical – The Frisch Disappearance. Context on Frisch’s life, the Graham & McKay trial, and his vanishing.
https://renohistorical.org/items/show/47
Nevada Magazine / Travel Nevada – Nevada Twilight: Episode 3. Narrative history linking Frisch’s case to Reno organized crime.
https://travelnevada.com/nevada-magazine/nevada-twilight-episode-3
Historic Reno Preservation Society (HRPS) – FootPrints, Vol. 11 No. 3. Archival article on Reno’s mob influences and Frisch’s role.
https://www.historicreno.org/media/custom/docs/FPv11n3.pdf
Las Vegas Review-Journal – After 80 Years, Missing Reno Banker Still Mystery. Journalistic retelling of the Frisch disappearance.
https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/after-80-years-missing-reno-banker-still-mystery
TrackMissing.org – Roy J. Frisch Cold Case. Nonprofit archive of the missing banker’s case.
https://www.trackmissing.org/Cases/Details/156
The Mob Museum – Gambler and Underworld Czar: Tony Cornero. Background on Cornero’s criminal career and gambling empire.
https://themobmuseum.org/blog/gambler-and-underworld-czar-cornero-cut-down-at-front-door
Nevada Gaming History – The Stardust’s Founder: Tony Cornero. History of Cornero’s Las Vegas casino legacy.
https://nevadagaminghistory.com/2023/04/02/the-stardusts-founder-tony-cornero
Disclaimer & Listener Warning
This podcast discusses sensitive and potentially disturbing topics, including murder, sexual assault, domestic violence, and suicide. Listener discretion is advised. All information presented has been compiled from publicly available records, news reports, archival sources, and historical accounts. While care has been taken to ensure accuracy, details may vary depending on source material.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help through your local crisis hotline or support services.
Support the Show
If you enjoy Deadly Truths, please rate, follow, and share the podcast. Your support helps bring these stories to more listeners and keeps us exploring the darkest chapters of history and true crime.
