Jerry Hal Saliterman's involvement in one of Hollywood's most intriguing memorabilia theft cases comes to an abrupt end at age 77.
According to Daily Mail, the Minnesota man accused of concealing the iconic ruby slippers from "The Wizard of Oz" died before he could face trial, leading to the dismissal of charges by a federal judge on Monday.
Federal prosecutor Matthew Greenley notified the court of Saliterman's death on Sunday through a one-page motion. The timing proved significant as Saliterman had been scheduled to change his plea to guilty in January, but health complications forced an indefinite postponement of the hearing.
Ruby slippers theft mystery unravels
The iconic ruby red and glass-beaded slippers worn by Judy Garland in the 1939 classic film were stolen from the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, in 2005. Their disappearance remained unsolved for nearly 13 years until the FBI recovered them in 2018, marking a significant breakthrough in the case.
Saliterman faced serious charges, including theft of major artwork and witness tampering. His indictment revealed that between August 2005 and July 2018, he had received, concealed, and disposed of the culturally significant footwear, which recently set a record for movie memorabilia by selling for $32.5 million in December.
The investigation ultimately connected Terry Jon Martin, 78, to the initial theft. Martin admitted to using a hammer to break into the museum, motivated by a misguided belief that the slippers contained real jewels. Upon discovering they were props, he passed them to Saliterman.
Health challenges lead to case conclusion
Saliterman's declining health had been well-documented throughout the legal proceedings. He appeared in court via video from what appeared to be a hospital room for his arraignment in January following hospitalization for mobility issues and sepsis.
His attorney, John Brink, provided regular updates to the court regarding his client's deteriorating condition. In late February, Brink informed the court that Saliterman had been moved to hospice care with a poor prognosis.
Medical records revealed Saliterman suffered from severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease requiring supplemental oxygen, as well as Parkinson's disease. His last public court appearance in March 2023 showed him using a wheelchair and oxygen support.
Legacy of Dorothy's famous footwear
The ruby slippers hold particular significance in film history, with only four authentic pairs remaining from the original production. These surviving pairs are now carefully preserved in prestigious locations including the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Smithsonian, and a private collection.
The recovered pair's recent auction price of $32.5 million demonstrates their enduring value as cultural artifacts. Their theft and recovery sparked widespread media attention and public interest, highlighting the ongoing fascination with Hollywood's golden age memorabilia.
The case brought attention to the vulnerability of valuable movie props and the lengths some individuals would go to possess them. It also raised questions about the security measures needed to protect such irreplaceable pieces of film history.
Case closure brings mixed resolution
Terry Jon Martin, who initially stole the slippers, received a sentence of time served in January 2024 due to his own health issues. His involvement and subsequent guilty plea helped piece together the long-running mystery of the slippers' disappearance.
Saliterman's death marks the end of legal proceedings without full resolution of his alleged role in concealing the slippers for over a decade. His passing leaves some questions unanswered about the complete chain of events following the theft.
The case demonstrates the complex nature of art and memorabilia theft investigations, often involving multiple parties and extending over many years before resolution. Despite Saliterman's death, the recovery of the slippers represents a significant success in protecting cultural heritage items.
