In October 1964, a band of robbers executed one of the most audacious jewel heists in American history. Led by Jack Murphy, who was nicknamed 'Murph the Surf', the gang targeted the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. The main attraction was the Star of India, a 563-carat sapphire that is one of the largest in the world, along with other valuable gems on display. The gang's approach was meticulously planned, employing tactics to avoid detection by museum staff and security systems. They managed to gain access to the exhibit area late at night, where they stole not only the Star of India but also additional precious jewels and artifacts.The heist unfolded over a series of tense hours, where silence and stealth were integral to the operation's success. Once they captured the dazzling treasures, the gang fled the scene, sparking an extensive investigation by local law enforcement and the FBI. The crime captured extensive media attention and generated public fascination, particularly due to the perceived glamour surrounding these robbers and their choice of targets. Jack Murphy’s portrayal as a charming beach bum added to the intrigue, making him a notorious figure in criminal folklore.Despite the gang's planned execution of the heist, it did not go without consequence. Within months, law enforcement apprehended several members of the gang, and Murphy eventually received an extensive prison sentence. Nevertheless, the Star of India was recovered and returned to the museum, reinstating its place among the world’s renowned gemstones. This heist not only raised security questions for museums nationwide but also posed challenges for law enforcement in apprehending modern criminals who operated in such bold fashions.