1964day.year
Biggest jewel heist; involving the Star of India in the American Museum of Natural History in New York City by Murph the Surf and gang.
Infamous jewel heist at the American Museum of Natural History sees the Star of India and other gems stolen by a daring gang.
On the night of October 29, 1964, burglar Jack Roland 'Murph the Surf' Murphy and accomplices broke into the American Museum of Natural History in New York.
They climbed a drainpipe to access a rooftop hatch and pried open a display case containing the Star of India sapphire.
In addition to the 186-carat gem, they stole the DeLong Star Ruby and a cache of pearls valued at over $400,000.
The audacious burglary was discovered the next morning, sparking a nationwide manhunt.
Murphy evaded capture for over a month before federal agents arrested him in Miami.
All the stolen gems were eventually recovered, and the museum installed enhanced security measures.
jewel
heist
Star of India
American Museum of Natural History
New York City
Murph the Surf