The Mysterious Case of the Headless Betty Boop Statue
In the small town of Norfolk, Virginia, a life-sized statue of the iconic cartoon character Betty Boop became a local curiosity and an unexpected symbol of mystery. For years, this statue served as a mascot for the gift shop “Cool and Eclectic,” drawing attention from locals and visitors alike. However, on July 17, 2005, the statue’s story took a dramatic turn when it was found beheaded in a nearby field.
Larry Estes, the owner of the shop, discovered the shocking scene upon arriving at work that day. The statue, which had been shipped from the Philippines, was missing its head, leaving behind only a massive watermelon-shaped head valued at $2,000. Estes immediately filed a police report, hoping to prosecute the incident as larceny. Despite the national attention the case received, including a reward offer from the grandson of Betty Boop’s creators, no one was ever identified as the culprit, and the head was never recovered.
The loss of the head proved to be more than just a financial setback. The mold used to create the statue was reportedly destroyed, making it impossible to recreate the head. Despite this, the statue, now affectionately known as “Headless Betty,” continued to capture the imagination of the community.
Over time, the statue underwent a transformation. Estes decided to give her a new look, inspired by the famous “Winged Victory of Samothrace” located in the Louvre in Paris. With the addition of papier-mâché wings, the statue gained a new identity, becoming both a national treasure and a local urban legend. This creative reinvention helped keep the spirit of Betty Boop alive, even without her head.
Fans of the statue have long appreciated her unique charm. Shaneka Ogbomna, a longtime admirer, shared her thoughts on the statue: “I like Betty Boop because she has fashion sense. I’ve been a fan since I was little.” Her words reflect the deep connection many people feel with the character, even in her headless state.
As the 20th anniversary of the beheading approached, fans gathered to take photos with the statue and search the store for hidden Betty Boop stickers. Those who found a sticker were rewarded with a piece of the original statue. Estes explained, “This is rebar that came from her neck, that’s the closest thing to her head.”
Speculation about what happened to the missing head continues to spark interest. Canyon Elliott, a local resident, offered his theory: “It’s been gone for 20 years and it wasn’t destroyed at the scene. So I think that somebody took it home and put it like, above their bar in their garage. And every time they go drink a beer, they laugh about the head. Can you imagine someone just for 20 years, just laughing like, ‘Haha I got the head!’”
Whether the head is hidden in a garage or buried in a landfill, Estes remains unfazed. He jokes, “Even if my Betty cannot boop-boop-a-doop, I have the last laugh.” The shop plans to continue celebrating the 20th anniversary with special events and giveaways throughout the coming days.
The story of the headless Betty Boop statue is more than just a tale of theft; it’s a testament to resilience, creativity, and the enduring appeal of a beloved icon. As the statue stands tall, albeit headless, it continues to inspire and entertain, reminding us that sometimes, the most fascinating stories are those that remain unsolved.
