Tim White
Feb 16, 2024 - 09:05

Saga of Stolen Ruby Slippers Ends at Wizard of Oz Museum | Artnet News

"Stolen ruby slippers from 'The Wizard of Oz' found after 18 years, as thief faces terminal illness and sentencing."

In a real-life story that could easily be mistaken for a Hollywood crime thriller, the tale of the stolen ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in the iconic 1939 film "The Wizard of Oz" has finally come to an end with the sentencing of Terry Jon Martin, a 76-year-old man facing terminal illness.

Martin confessed to the theft in October, revealing that he was motivated by promises of wealth and succumbed to the temptation presented by an old associate within a mob gang. The ruby slippers were stolen from the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, Minnesota in 2005, and for years their whereabouts remained a mystery. Despite a $1 million reward offered for information about their location in 2015, they remained missing. The film industry has a long history of stolen props, with valuable items from iconic films like the James Bond series disappearing without a trace.

Now confined to hospice care with only months to live, Martin's sentencing marks the end of an 18-year saga. His admission to smashing a display case and intending to sell the stolen slippers for profit reveals the depths of his desperation and the pull of his criminal past. Despite his involvement, Martin confessed that he had never even seen "The Wizard of Oz" film.

As Chief U.S. District Judge Patrick Schiltz delivered the sentence, a mix of justice and compassion permeated the courtroom. Martin, reliant on oxygen therapy, stood as a stark contrast to his criminal past. The recovery of the slippers by the FBI in a sting operation years later marked a pivotal moment in the case, leading to Martin's arrest.

With the stolen slippers finally recovered, the Judy Garland Museum can now click their heels together and move forward, albeit with increased security measures in place. The conclusion of this real-life crime saga serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of iconic films and the lengths to which some will go to possess a piece of cinematic history.