Additional Coverage:
- Kim Kardashian $10 million robbery suspect dies shortly before trial as the star is set to testify (themirror.com)
One of the suspects in the high-profile $10 million robbery of Kim Kardashian has died shortly before the case was scheduled to go to trial.
Marceau Baum-Gertner, 72, passed away on March 6 in Paris. Known as “Rough Nose,” Baum-Gertner was suspected of being the fence for the stolen jewelry.
His cause of death remains unknown. Court officials appear to have been unaware of his passing, as he was still listed as a defendant a week after his death.
Baum-Gertner had a history of criminal activity, including convictions for handling stolen goods, forgery, and robbery.
The robbery occurred on October 3, 2016, during Paris Fashion Week. Kardashian was bound, gagged, and held at gunpoint in her hotel room by five individuals disguised as police officers.
The thieves escaped with approximately $10 million worth of jewelry, including a $4 million engagement ring from then-husband Kanye West. The ring, a rare 11a classified diamond, has never been recovered.
Baum-Gertner was allegedly responsible for finding buyers for the stolen items. He was first arrested in January 2017 after repeated meetings with Aomar Aït Khedache, the confessed ringleader of the robbery.
Baum-Gertner had been free on bail and was reportedly eager to clear his name in court. Sources suggest he may have been facing threats due to the publicity surrounding the case.
While initially refusing to cooperate with investigators, it was speculated he might have been willing to name co-conspirators in exchange for a reduced sentence.
The trial is still scheduled to begin on April 28 in Paris. Kardashian was expected to testify.