In a shocking secret experiment, identical triplets were intentionally separated at birth and raised within just 100 miles of each other. This incredible story revolves around Robert Shafran, Edward Galland, and David Kellman, who were born in July 1961. At a young age, they were put up for adoption and placed with different families without any knowledge of their siblings’ existence. Little did they know that their separation was part of a controversial study on the age-old debate of nature versus nurture, led by Dr. Peter Neubauer.
These brothers had their paths unexpectedly cross in their late teens, through a series of remarkable coincidences. Robert and Edward, attending Sullivan Community College at the time, were completely unaware of their blood relation until a mutual friend noticed their striking resemblance. Once they discovered they were both adopted, they embarked on a journey to uncover the truth, ultimately finding out that they were brothers. David, who was not aware of the experiment, learned about his brothers’ discovery through the media and quickly reached out to Edward’s family. This emotional reunion resulted in the three brothers forming an immediate bond, and subsequent genetic testing confirmed their incredible connection.
Their story, which was later documented in the film “Three Identical Strangers,” is so extraordinary that even the brothers themselves find it hard to believe. The siblings’ long-awaited reunion also revealed that they had unknowingly been part of a secretive and extensive psychological experiment, conducted over many decades.
The aim of the study was to explore the age-old question of nature versus nurture. As part of the experiment, the triplets were intentionally placed in families with different economic backgrounds — Kellman in a working-class household, Galland in a middle-class home, and Shafran in an upper-middle-class family. Unfortunately, signs of behavioral problems surfaced early on, with all three boys regularly banging their heads against their cribs in distress, which experts later attributed to separation anxiety.
These mental health issues persisted into adulthood. By the time they reached college, both Kellman and Galland had spent time in psychiatric hospitals, while Shafran found himself on probation after being involved in a robbery. Looking back, Kellman expressed frustration at the fact that those who were studying them failed to provide any assistance or support. He believes that their struggles could have been acknowledged and potentially alleviated.
During the early 1980s, the triplets had a brief encounter with their biological mother, who described their conception as a result of a prom night rendezvous. While she met with them momentarily, there was no further pursuit of contact.
In 1988, the brothers united once again to open Triplets Roumanian Steakhouse in Soho, a business venture that sadly closed its doors in 2000. While their bond remained strong over the years, they also experienced the strain that came with their complex relationship.
Tragically, Galland, who exhibited signs of bipolar disorder, took his own life in 1995. It is worth noting that he had moved several times to be nearer to his brothers and was living across the street from Kellman when he passed away. Following this devastating loss, Shafran and Kellman’s relationship became somewhat strained.
Today, Robert Shafran practices law in Brooklyn, while David Kellman works as an independent general agent in New Jersey. Despite the challenges they have faced, the bond they share as triplets endures. If you or someone you know requires assistance or is in crisis, remember that help is available.
