A pair of ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz and stolen from the actress\u2019 namesake museum in Minnesota more than a decade ago has been recovered, the FBI announced today.<\/p>\n
The iconic sequined shoes, known as the \u201ctraveling pair\u201d\u2014one of at least four pairs used in the film that are still in existence\u2014were stolen from the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, Minnesota in 2005 and recovered earlier this summer during a sting operation. But the case is far from over.<\/p>\n
\u201cFrom the outset,\u201d said Special Agent Christopher Dudley, who led the investigation from the FBI\u2019s Minneapolis Division, \u201cour top priority was the safe recovery of the slippers.\u201d Although multiple suspects have been identified, Dudley said, \u201cwe are still working to ensure that we have identified all parties involved in both the initial theft and the more recent extortion attempt for their return. This is very much an active investigation.\u201d<\/p>\n
At a press conference in Minneapolis to announce the recovery, the FBI, along with the Grand Rapids Police Department, asked for the public\u2019s assistance. \u201cThere are certainly people out there who have additional knowledge regarding both the theft and the individuals responsible for concealing the slippers all these years.\u201d Dudley said. \u201cWe are asking that you come forward.\u201d<\/p>\n