Terry Jon Martin, aged 76, entered a guilty plea for the theft of Judy Garland’s iconic ruby slippers from the Judy Garland Museum in 2005.
he stolen slippers were recovered by the FBI in 2018. During the court hearing, Martin confessed to using a hammer to break into the museum and steal the slippers.
He believed they contained real rubies and intended to sell them, but upon learning they were glass, he disposed of the slippers.
The whereabouts of the slippers during the intervening years remain a mystery. Martin clarified that the theft was not related to an insurance claim.
Due to his advanced age and health issues, Martin’s defense and the prosecution recommended he not be incarcerated. The proposed sentence would allow Martin to spend his remaining time at home, given his deteriorating health. The sentencing is expected to occur in approximately 2 1/2 months.
