Access to this collection is generously supported by Arcadia funds. William F. Gettle, Beverly Hills millionaire, was kidnapped from the grounds of his Arcadia ranch home during a housewarming party on the eve of May 9th. The kidnapping attracted a great deal of attention in the community, with Mrs. Gettle even addressing the kidnappers through the pages of the Los Angeles Times. The kidnappers demanded a $60,000 ransom for the return of Gettle, which Mrs. Gettle agreed to pay. However, before the ransom was paid, two detectives of the LAPD, Chester Burris and H.P. Gearhardt, broke the case after installing a dictaphone in the home of a bank robbery suspect. Information from the dictaphone led them to a La Crescenta home where Gettle was held. He was returned, unharmed, to his family on the eve of May 14th. Three unidentified men photographed at the Beverly Hills home of William F. Gettle, kidnapping victim. The men are three of several unidentified persons photographed at the Gettle home, including law enforcement officials and members of the press, who made headquarters at the residence during the five-day ordeal. Text from negative sleeve: Gettle, William F., Kidnap Case
Type
image
Format
b&w nitrate negative
Identifier
uclamss_1429_10367 ark:/21198/zz002hbb0m
Subject
Kidnappings--California--Beverly Hills Gettle, William F., 1887-1941
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