The Heist of the Century: How an Aging Mobster’s Quest for Judy Garland’s Ruby Slippers Went Awry

In a tale that seems pulled straight from a Hollywood script, Terry Jon Martin’s life took a turn towards the criminal when he set his sights on one of the most iconic pieces of film memorabilia: the ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz. Unbeknownst to Martin, who grew up far removed from the movie’s cultural impact, the slippers’ true value lay not in precious stones but in their irreplaceable cinematic history.

After a tumultuous life of crime and multiple prison sentences, the last of which ended in 1996, Martin sought a fresh start in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. This quiet town, coincidentally the birthplace of Judy Garland, hosts a museum dedicated to the actress, within which a pair of the famed ruby slippers were displayed. In 2005, driven by misinformation and the lure of what he believed to be a final, lucrative heist, Martin embarked on a daring smash-and-grab to claim the slippers, insured for a rumored million dollars.

However, the dream of a final big score quickly dissolved. Within days of the successful theft, Martin discovered the disappointing truth—the slippers’ “gems” were mere fakes, rendering the shoes nearly worthless on the black market. Discarding the slippers, he returned to his ordinary life, leaving the shoes hidden from the world.

The slippers’ disappearance remained a mystery until 2018 when they were recovered in an FBI sting operation. This closed a chapter on one of the most intriguing heists in film memorabilia history. Martin, now 76 and facing the end of his life in hospice care, confessed to his role in the theft in federal court last year. Due to his health and condition, he was spared prison and sentenced instead to supervised release for his remaining days.

It remains unclear whether Martin has ever watched the film that once inspired his criminal aspirations. What is certain, however, is that the legend of the ruby slippers—and the man who dared to steal them—will continue to captivate audiences, much like the movie that started it all.