The Unsolved Mystery of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Heist

On March 18, 1990, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston became the site of the largest property crime in U.S. history when two men, posing as police officers, gained access to the museum. Once inside, they tied up the security guards and stole 13 artworks valued at over $500 million. The stolen pieces included works by renowned artists such as Edgar Degas, Edouard Manet, Rembrandt van Rijn, and Johannes Vermeer. The museum currently displays empty frames where these artworks once hung, serving as a poignant reminder of the loss.

The Independent

Geoffrey Kelly, a retired FBI agent who investigated the heist for over two decades, has recently published a book titled *Thirteen Perfect Fugitives*, which addresses various theories surrounding the crime. Kelly has dismissed several prominent theories, including those implicating the Corsican mob and the Irish Republican Army (IRA). He concluded that while the Corsican mob had access to stolen artworks, none were linked to the Gardner heist. Similarly, he rejected the notion that notorious Boston gang leader James Bulger or the IRA were involved.

The Independent

Kelly's investigation has shifted focus toward a group of Boston mobsters associated with Carmello Merlino, who denied any involvement but once suggested he might know the identity of the thieves. Merlino passed away in 2005. Investigators believe that two of Merlino’s associates, Leonard DiMuzio and George Reissfelder, were likely responsible for the heist. Both men died shortly after the theft, and their resemblance to police sketches of the thieves has drawn attention. Additionally, Reissfelder's brother claimed to have seen one of the stolen artworks at his brother's apartment.

The Independent

The FBI has also investigated Robert Gentile, a well-known mobster who died in 2021. A widow of another mobster alleged that her husband had given Gentile two of the stolen pieces. Gentile, however, consistently denied any involvement, calling the allegations a "big joke."

The Independent

Despite the ongoing investigations, skepticism remains regarding the theories presented. Critics argue that the evidence linking the mobsters to the heist is circumstantial at best. The lack of definitive proof and the passage of time have led some to question whether the truth behind the heist will ever be uncovered.

The Independent

The FBI continues to offer a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to the recovery of the stolen artworks. The agency emphasizes the importance of the case, stating, "It's an intentional choice designed to send a message to the public—a reminder of what was lost and hope that what was once there will someday return."

The Independent

• “I had nothing to do with the paintings. It’s a big joke,” — Robert Gentile, Mobster

The Independent

• “It's an intentional choice designed to send a message to the public—a reminder of what was lost and hope that what was once there will someday return,” — FBI Statement

The Independent

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum heist remains an enduring mystery, with ongoing investigations and theories that continue to capture public interest.

The Independent