Patrick Culliton

During his magic act, the Great Santini slays business associate Jesse Jerome, who was blackmailing him. Though the illusionist has a solid alibi - he was supposedly submerged in water in an airtight trunk - Lt. Columbo finds clues that incriminate him. Meanwhile, Sgt. Wilson discovers evidence of Santini’s carefully laid plan to frame nightclub singer Danny Green.

Young Shelley Barrett tries to get to Barnaby, whom she believes is her father. She gets arrested on the way. Barnaby has to clear her, help her mother,and prove he is not the father.