In 2005, the allure of a $1 million insured value proved too tempting for Terry Jon Martin, a reformed mobster, who believed the iconic ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in “The Wizard of Oz” were adorned with real jewels. Prompted by an old mob associate, Martin succumbed to the temptation of what he thought would be his “one last score.” This revelation surfaced in a court memo filed before his upcoming sentencing in Duluth, Minnesota, shedding light on the motive behind the audacious theft.
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The Illusion of Riches
Martin’s criminal relapse led to breaking into the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, using a hammer to shatter the museum’s glass door and display case. His motivation was the belief that he could harvest real rubies from the shoes and sell them for significant financial gain.
Unfortunately, a fence informed him that the rubies were glass, leading to his disheartenment, and he disposed of the slippers within two days of the theft.
Despite Martin’s obliviousness to the cultural significance of the stolen ruby slippers, his defense attorney emphasized that his client was seeking one last major score. Now in hospice care at 76, Martin’s physical condition is a major consideration, with a life expectancy of less than six months due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, appearing in a wheelchair during his recent court appearance.
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A Life of Crime and Redemption
With both his defense attorney and prosecutors recommending consideration for Martin’s inability to pose a threat to society due to his health, the judge faces a decision on his sentence. The court memo delves into major events in Martin’s life, including a traumatic upbringing and personal tragedies, portraying them as pivotal moments that shaped his descent into a life of crime. Despite decades of criminal history, Martin had abstained from further criminal activities for nearly a decade before the theft of the ruby slippers.
The saga of Terry Jon Martin, a former mobster seeking what he thought would be his final score, serves as a compelling reminder of the enduring allure of crime and the complex human experiences that propel individuals along their chosen paths.
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