Battle for 'Pearl of Allah' continues in Denver

Ken Green - 

A nearly 30-year-old case involving what is believed to be the world largest pearl is once again being brought to a Denver courtroom, bringing with it a tale of mystery, murder and millions of dollars.

The 14-pound Pearl of Allah is currently being held in a Colorado Springs bank vault and may see the light of day again now that a Denver federal has agreed to hear the case that seeks to divide up proceeds from the sale of the 9-inch gem, according to an Associated Press story.

The story of the Pearl of Allah begins in 1934 when a diver discovered the brain-shaped pearl in a clam off the coast of the Philippines. He drowned in the attempt.

According to a 2007 Denver Post article, the pearl eventually became partially owned by Joe Bonicelli, a Colorado Springs bar owner. In 1975, Eloise Bonicelli was shot and killed by an intruder in their home. Police later determined that Eloise Bonicelli’s death was a contract killed arranged by Joe Bonicelli with the help of businesman Tom Phillips, who also owned a portion off the pearl. The two hired barber Delfino Ortega to carry out the hit on Eloise Bonicelli and Phillips' wife.

Phillips was granted immunity in the trial if he agreed to testify against Ortega, the Colorado Springs Gazette reported in 2005.

Read more...

Posted via http://batavia08.posterous.com batavia08's posterous