John Paul Getty III
John Paul Getty III was an American heir to the Getty family fortune best known for being kidnapped in Rome in 1973 at age 16.
John Paul Getty III was an American heir to the Getty family fortune best known for being kidnapped in Rome in 1973 at age 16. He was held by the 'Ndrangheta for ransom, and the case drew international attention after part of his ear was sent to the press. He later suffered severe health complications and died in 2011 at age 54.
Early life and family
John Paul Getty III was born into the wealthy Getty family. He was the eldest child of John Paul Getty Jr. and Gail Harris and the grandson of oil magnate J. Paul Getty.
Kidnapping
In July 1973, Getty was kidnapped in Rome by members of the 'Ndrangheta, an Italian criminal organization. The case became internationally known because of the prolonged ransom dispute and the later mailing of part of his ear to a newspaper. The kidnappers initially demanded $17 million for his release.
Later life and health
After his release, Getty struggled with addiction. In 1981 he suffered a drug-related overdose and stroke that left him severely disabled for the rest of his life.
Death and legacy
Getty died in England on February 5, 2011, at age 54. His kidnapping remains one of the best-known ransom cases involving a member of a prominent business family.
Key facts
- He was the grandson of oil magnate J. Paul Getty and the son of John Paul Getty Jr. and Gail Harris.
- He was abducted in Rome in July 1973 when he was 16 years old.
- The kidnappers were associated with the 'Ndrangheta criminal organization.
- A severed ear was sent to a newspaper during the ransom negotiations.
- He suffered a drug-related stroke in 1981 and lived with severe disabilities for the rest of his life.
The case is widely known in Canada through international news coverage, books, and film adaptations about the Getty family kidnapping.
Frequently asked questions
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References
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Paul_Getty_IIISupports: Birth, death, kidnapping date, ransom, kidnappers, later disability, family relationships.
- iNews — https://inews.co.uk/culture/television/john-paul-getty-iii-kidnapping-trust-bbc-true-story-196641Supports: Family relationships, kidnapping in Rome at age 16, ransom demand, release after more than five months, death in 2011.
- Wanted in Rome — https://www.wantedinrome.com/news/the-kidnapping-of-john-paul-getty-iii-in-rome.htmlSupports: Kidnapping in Rome, age 16, death in 2011.
- Town & Country — https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/arts-and-culture/a9173861/john-paul-getty-kidnapping/Supports: Kidnapping, addiction, stroke, lifelong disability, death in 2011.