John Paul Getty III

On 10 July 1973, in Rome, John Paul Getty III, grandson of oil billionaire and renowned scrooge, John Paul Getty, was kidnapped and a ransom of $17 million was demanded over the phone for his safe return. Not one willing to part with his hard-earned money in a hurry, his grandfather refused to pay any ransom, ?on principle.? In November 1973, an envelope containing a lock of hair and a human ear was delivered to a daily newspaper. The note attached said, ?This is Paul?s ear. If we don?t get some money within 10 days, then the other ear will arrive. In other words, he will arrive in little bits.? Still reluctant to part with the ransom, Getty senior negotiated a deal and got his grandson back for about $2 million. John Paul Getty III was found alive in southern Italy shortly after the ransom was paid. Some of his kidnappers were never caught, some others were caught and died in prison (Luciano Liggio o Leggio 1925-1993)

Related Topics:
10 July - 1973 - Rome - John Paul Getty

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He is the father of actor Balthazar Getty.

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