The Untold Story of the 1961 Los Angeles Jewel Heists

In 1961, Los Angeles witnessed two audacious jewel heists that would be worth millions today. My grandfather, George Dordigan, a man with a taste for luxury and rumored to be the companion of a local doctor, might have been involved. However, the real intrigue lies not just in his potential involvement but in the story that unfolded decades later.

In the early '90s, my grandfather shared a wild tale about hiding jewels in a beach cave, which I dismissed as another of his adventurous stories. It wasn't until after his death in 2011, when I recounted the story to my great aunt, that I discovered the truth: he had stolen the jewels. This revelation led me on a journey of extensive research, uncovering that my grandfather meticulously planned the robberies with his brother-in-law, Elbert Houghton, and a skilled safe cracker, Francis “Kiha” Kinney.

Though no direct evidence links them, it seems plausible that Buzz, possibly unintentionally, facilitated their entry into the Kirkeby home, allowing them to escape with the treasure. This narrative not only sheds light on a family secret but also paints a vivid picture of a bygone era of crime and the intricate web of relationships that orchestrated one of Los Angeles's most fascinating heists.