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. Photograph of an unidentified man, seated, wearing a suit and tie and smoking a cigarette. The man is one of several photographed at the Beverly Hills residence of William F. Gettle, kidnapping victim (723 N. Linden Dr.). Law enforcement officials and members of the press 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_10368 ark:/21198/zz002hbb14
Subject
Kidnappings--California Gettle, William F., 1887-1941
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