It was 13 years ago that a burglar broke in the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids MN and stole a pair of the ruby red slippers the actress wore in the Wizard of Oz. Now, according to CBS New, the slippers have been found and are on their way home.
Back in 2005 it was reported that a burglar broke into the museum through a back door, and smashed the case holding the slippers. Police could find no fingerprints, and the alarm didn’t sound. The only thing police did find was a single red sequin. The shoes were on loan to the museum from a private collector, but there never seemed to be any new leads, and there was always a lot of rumours on what actually happened.
Then in 2015 an anonymous donor offered a $1 million reward for information on finding the slippers, which although led to many tips, never led to an arrest. Last summer though a tip came in that led police to team with the FBI out of state, and earlier this summer the slippers were found. The FBI currently have the shoes in their possession, and they won’t be returned until the investigation is closed.
In a statement Grand Rapids Police Chief Scott Johnson said “When the slippers were snatched in that early morning burglary, the thief not only took the slippers but also a piece of history that will forever be connected to Grand Rapids and one of our city’s most famous children. We knew this day would eventually come and we are grateful to the FBI and all those that worked so hard to bring this piece of cinematic treasure out of the shadows and into the light. After all, ‘There’s no place like home!’”
