Shivangi Sinha
The case of the missing ruby slippers from ‘The Wizard of Oz’ puzzled the authorities for years. Five investigators led the pursuit, and the shoes were finally recovered in 2018. The police filed the first round of charges in 2023, which later revealed the existence of another alleged conspiracy. Jerry Saliterman was named one of the suspects and was indicted for theft. Hulu’s ‘Ruby Red Handed: Stealing America’s Most Famous Pair of Shoes’ highlights the investigative efforts, the recovery of the slippers, and Jerry’s alleged involvement in the crime.
Jerry Saliterman Was Accused of Stealing the Ruby Slippers Along With Terry Martin
Jerry Hal Saliterman was identified as a suspect in the Ruby Slippers theft case in March 2024. The slippers had originally been stolen in 2005, and it wasn’t until July 2017 that the police received a tip. In July 2018, criminal defense attorney Joe Friedberg turned the slippers over to authorities in exchange for a reward, though he did not reveal how he had obtained them. The investigation continued, and in October 2023, Terry Martin pleaded guilty to the theft without naming any co-conspirators. Authorities had long suspected another individual’s involvement, leading to Jerry’s indictment in March 2024.
According to court records, it was alleged that Jerry obtained the slippers after Terry Martin disposed of them. He allegedly first hid them under the roof of his garage before moving them to his backyard. A neighbor recalled that Saliterman had requested permission to install a security system in the yard, which they found unusual but approved. Police alleged that Jerry had been with Terry on the day of the heist and had been present during the incident. At the indictment hearing, it was stated that he possessed the slippers when they were reportedly stopped for speeding, but refused a car search and evaded detection. He was also accused of threatening a woman in 2023 for speaking with the FBI and had allegedly warned that he would release sex tapes to her family.
Jerry Saliterman Succumbed to Complications From Various Health Conditions
Jerry Saliterman, who was 77 and residing in Crystal, Minnesota at the time, faced charges of witness tampering and theft of a major artwork. He was reportedly scheduled to plead guilty in January 2025 but was unable to appear due to health complications. On March 16, 2025, he passed away, prompting his lawyer to request dismissal of the case. During the hearing, it was noted that Saliterman suffered from multiple health issues, including Parkinson’s disease, sepsis, and lung damage. No further details were provided, the cause of death was not specified, and the charges against him were officially dismissed.
Read More: Kent Anderson: How Did the Alleged Mastermind of Ruby Slippers Theft Die?
