Many may be aware of the heist at the Isabella Stuart Art museum; but fewer may be aware of the role a one time Milton resident may or may not have had in the affair. So here on this 9th anniversary of the largest art theft in U. S.history, is a brief profile of Myles Connor, one time Milton resident, who told Time Magazine in 1997 that, “I know emphatically and beyond any doubt” who stole the art.
Myles Conner
His father was a Milton cop. One of his brothers was also a cop and another a priest. Myles was neither. He was a rock guitarist with “Myles and the Wild Ones.” He also became a con man and art thief. The band was relatively successful. They played the Beachcomber over in Marina Bay and opened for Sha Na Na.
Mr. Connor’s first art theft took place here in Milton. In 1966 he robbed the Forbes House Museum, wounding a state trooper in the process. He was arrested, convicted, served time and was paroled in 1972. And he just went on from there. The Boston Herald ran a comprehensive story of his exploits last year. (please see link below).
Despite his claims, the paintings have not been recovered. Mr. Connor is coming out with a book later this year, Art of the Heist: Confessions of a Master Art Thief, Rock-and-Roller, and Prodigal Son.
Related links:
Isabella Stuart Gardner Museum — Wikipedia entry
Meet the suspects: Myles J. Connor Jr. — from the Boston Herald
THE GREAT ART CAPER: Is the heist of the century about to be solved — from Time Magazine
Myles Connor’s web site, home the President of Rock ‘n Roll
Art of the Heist: Confessions of a Master Art Thief, Rock-and-Roller, and Prodigal Son — Barnes and Noble
And they put the pedal to the metal and didn’t let up. The result was a dominating 81 – 44 win over Hoosac Valley, a team that couldn’t seem to get out of neutral. Milton led by 12 at the end of the first period, by 14 at the end of the second, by 33 at the end of the 3rd. They just kept going and didn’t look back. As many coaches like to say, “We are going to go with what got us here,” and so it was. Milton shined at every facet of their game: solid defense, solid teamwork, selfless play, a deep bench, and superb 3 pt shots. They neutralized the Hurricane’s chief threat, Robbie Burke. While Nick Aiken, a 5′ 8″ guard, proved a dangerous 3 pt shooter, there simply wasn’t enough fire power on their end. They could not catch a break, and the ball would not fall for them. On the Wildcat side, Marcus McDermott scored a game high 20 points followed by Emanuel Hutcherson with 11; but as with most Wildcat ball, points came from everywhere.