Trial of 76-Year-Old Jerry Hal Saliterman for Stealing Judy Garland's Ruby Slippers Begins Monday

The trial of Jerry Hal Saliterman, accused of stealing the iconic ruby slippers from the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, is set to begin on Monday in federal court in Minnesota. Saliterman, 76, is facing charges for the 2005 theft of the famed shoes from the 1939 classic film 'The Wizard of Oz.'.

Saliterman, who is currently in hospice care and uses an oxygen tank to breathe, is the second person to be tried for the theft of the prized slippers. Terry Jon Martin, also 76, previously pleaded guilty to stealing the shoes. Martin admitted to the crime after being told they were adorned with real rubies, justifying their $1 million insured value.

Why this matters: The theft and subsequent recovery of the ruby slippers highlight the importance of preserving cultural artifacts and the lengths to which individuals will go to possess a piece of cinematic history. The case also raises questions about the security and protection of valuable items in museums and cultural institutions.

The ruby slippers were stolen from the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, in 2005. The museum, located in Garland's birthplace, housed one of as many as 10 pairs made for the movie's production. It remains unclear if Judy Garland actually wore the stolen pair in the film.

The stolen slippers were not recovered until 2018, 13 years after the theft, when someone attempted to claim a reward from the insurer. The recovery was announced at a news conference at the FBI office in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota.

Saliterman attended court in a wheelchair and using an oxygen tank to breathe. The trial will explore his role in the theft and the circumstances that led to the iconic shoes being stolen from the museum.

The Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids has been actively involved in efforts to recover and preserve the ruby slippers. The museum has appealed to state lawmakers for funds to purchase the shoes, which are estimated to be worth $3.5 million. A bill allocating $100,000 for the purchase was recently passed by the Minnesota House and Senate and is expected to be signed by Governor Tim Walz.

The auction for the ruby slippers is set to begin in December, with the shoes expected to attract significant interest from collectors and fans of the classic film.

As the trial of Jerry Hal Saliterman unfolds, the focus will be on uncovering the details of the theft and understanding the motivations behind it. The case highlights the enduring fascination with Hollywood memorabilia and the lengths to which individuals will go to possess a piece of cinematic history.

Key Takeaways

• Jerry Hal Saliterman, 76, is on trial for stealing Judy Garland's ruby slippers from a Minnesota museum in 2005.
• The stolen slippers were recovered in 2018 after someone tried to claim a reward from the insurer.
• The Judy Garland Museum is seeking funds to purchase the slippers, estimated to be worth $3.5 million.
• The auction for the ruby slippers is set to begin in December, attracting collectors and fans of the classic film.
• The case highlights the importance of preserving cultural artifacts and the lengths to which individuals will go to possess cinematic history.