Meet the Suspects: William "Billy" Youngworth
This antique dealer is a connoisseur art thief from the Boston suburbs. His criminal record includes more than 60 convictions. He is an expert in antiques, fine art, and diamonds. He is no longer involved in criminal activity and has devoted his life to his son.
Youngworth and Myles Connor were close friends. As a youth, he studied Karate under Myles Connor's tutelage. He claims that he stole Rembrandt's Elizabeth Van Rijn Wearing Gold Trim Coat from the Boston Museum of Fine Art in 1975. He was 16 years old at the time and states that Connor, who was incarcerated, put him up to the crime so he could use the painting to broker his release from prison (which he did). Connor trusted Youngworth to store his art collection for him while he was in
prison in Chicago. But while Connor was incarcerated Youngworth developed a cocaine habit which he funded by selling off much of Connor’s collection. (When Connor learned of this later, he ended the friendship.)
At the time of the Gardner theft, Youngworth was an art dealer, had underworld connections, was close to bankruptcy, had a drug problem and was already storing Connor's art collection. However, he was also incarcerated when the heist went down. Released shortly afterwards, he may have been involved in the storage or selling of the artworks.
Youngworth was also known to have involvement with Joseph P. Murray Jr., the reputed head of Irish organized crime in Charleston, Mass. Murray was a convicted drug runner and arms smuggler. Murray was involved in the Valhalla IRA gun running incident.
Youngworth has begun to receive threats from criminals saying that his six year old son will be kidnapped unless he hands over the paintings.
Youngworth and Myles Connor were close friends. As a youth, he studied Karate under Myles Connor's tutelage. He claims that he stole Rembrandt's Elizabeth Van Rijn Wearing Gold Trim Coat from the Boston Museum of Fine Art in 1975. He was 16 years old at the time and states that Connor, who was incarcerated, put him up to the crime so he could use the painting to broker his release from prison (which he did). Connor trusted Youngworth to store his art collection for him while he was in
prison in Chicago. But while Connor was incarcerated Youngworth developed a cocaine habit which he funded by selling off much of Connor’s collection. (When Connor learned of this later, he ended the friendship.)
At the time of the Gardner theft, Youngworth was an art dealer, had underworld connections, was close to bankruptcy, had a drug problem and was already storing Connor's art collection. However, he was also incarcerated when the heist went down. Released shortly afterwards, he may have been involved in the storage or selling of the artworks.
Youngworth was also known to have involvement with Joseph P. Murray Jr., the reputed head of Irish organized crime in Charleston, Mass. Murray was a convicted drug runner and arms smuggler. Murray was involved in the Valhalla IRA gun running incident.
Youngworth has begun to receive threats from criminals saying that his six year old son will be kidnapped unless he hands over the paintings.
Answer this question correctly to receive your next case lead...
Youngworth's Antiques specialized not only in selling art, but also in selling items from popular culture of years gone by. Which art movement emerged in the 1960's, portrayed images from popular culture, and took a new look at everyday objects?