Most true crime aficionados would agree: high-society murder cases that expose dark secrets captivate public imagination.
The 1980 killing of celebrity doctor Herman Tarnower by his lover Jean Harris did just that. As headmistress of a prestigious school, Harris seemed an unlikely killer.
This article explores the twisted romance between Harris and Tarnower that ended in a late-night shooting. It examines trial testimony revealing Harris' instability and the verdict that shocked many. Though imprisoned for murder, support for Jean Harris persisted for years. Her eventual parole closed the book on a case that laid bare the psyches of two respected professionals.
Introduction to the Trial of Jean Harris
The trial of Jean Harris for the murder of Dr. Herman Tarnower, known as the "Scarsdale Diet Doctor murder", was a highly publicized case in the early 1980s.
On March 10, 1980, Jean Harris, the headmistress of an elite girls' school, drove to the home of her former lover Dr. Tarnower, the author of the popular Scarsdale Diet book. Harris and Tarnower had a tumultuous 14-year relationship that ended a year before the murder.
That night, Harris shot and killed Tarnower at his home. She later claimed it was an accident and she had intended to take her own life, but prosecutors argued she intentionally killed Tarnower out of jealousy over his involvement with another woman.
The subsequent legal proceedings gripped the nation and sparked debate about issues like crime of passion defenses and whether Harris deserved special treatment as an affluent white woman. The case highlighted gender roles and double standards around intimate partner violence.
Ultimately, Harris was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 15 years to life in prison. She served nearly 12 years before being granted clemency due to her failing health. The Jean Harris case left an indelible mark on the justice system and American pop culture.
What happened to Gene Harris?
Gene Harris was a renowned jazz pianist who led his own jazz groups and recorded several albums before passing away in 2000 at the age of 60.
Harris first rose to prominence in the 1970s as part of the Ray Brown Trio alongside bassist Ray Brown. He garnered critical acclaim for his swing-influenced piano style and tight chemistry with Brown.
After leaving the Ray Brown Trio in the late 1970s, Harris went on to lead his own small jazz combos and record as a bandleader. He released over a dozen albums in his career, primarily on the Concord Jazz label. His albums blended mainstream jazz with funk, soul, and blues influences.
Some of Harris's most acclaimed albums included "Black and Blue," "Live at Otter Crest," and "At the Jazz Workshop." He developed a reputation as an electrifying live performer with a knack for reinventing jazz standards.
Tragically, Harris died in 2000 due to complications from kidney failure after battling health issues for several years. He continued recording and performing up until his death and left behind an influential body of work that cemented his legacy as one of the premier jazz pianists of his era. Though his career was cut short, Harris made an indelible impact during his decades as a bandleader and recording artist.
Who invented the Scarsdale diet?
The Scarsdale diet was created in the 1970s by Dr. Herman Tarnower, a cardiologist who practiced in Scarsdale, New York.
Dr. Tarnower designed the diet as a high-protein, low-carbohydrate plan for rapid weight loss. The principles of the diet were outlined in his book "The Complete Scarsdale Medical Diet" which became a bestseller after its release in 1978.
The Scarsdale diet is widely considered one of the first major "fad diets" that gained widespread popularity in the United States. While Dr. Tarnower claimed it was a medically sound approach, many experts have since criticized the extreme restrictions of the diet as unhealthy and difficult to sustain long-term.
Despite the controversy around the diet's efficacy and safety, it remains an influential early example of a high-protein, reduced-calorie diet for weight management. The Scarsdale diet continues to have name recognition among fad diets decades after Dr. Tarnower originally published his book.
Who played Jean Harris?
The film stars Ellen Burstyn as Harris, with Martin Balsam, Richard Dysart, and Peter Coyote in supporting roles. The People vs. Jean Harris originally aired in two parts on NBC on May 7 and 8, 1981.
Jean Harris: A Profile of the Convicted Murderess
Jean Harris led a privileged early life, excelling in academics and pursuing a career in education. However, her fatal obsession with Herman Tarnower, the Scarsdale Diet Doctor, drove her to murder and shocked the nation. This section will analyze Harris' background and the factors that contributed to her crime.
Early Life and Career of Jean Harris
Jean Struven Harris was born in 1923 in Cleveland, Ohio. She was an excellent student, graduating as valedictorian of her high school class. Harris went on to receive a bachelor's degree from Smith College.
After college, Harris embarked on a career in education. She served as headmistress at the Madeira School for Girls in Virginia in the 1956. By 1967, Harris has risen to headmistress of the prestigious The Springs School in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts.
As headmistress, Harris was recognized for her intelligence and commitment to education. However, some characterized her leadership style as rigid and demanding. She expected perfection from faculty and students alike.
The Onset of Harris' Relationship with Tarnower
In 1966, Jean Harris met Dr. Herman Tarnower at a parents' weekend event at The Springs School. Tarnower's daughter was a student at the school. At the time, Tarnower was a well-known cardiologist and had recently published The Complete Scarsdale Medical Diet, a bestselling book.
Harris and Tarnower soon entered into a romantic relationship, though Tarnower continued to date other women. Their affair spanned 14 years, with Tarnower allegedly promising Harris he would marry her one day. However, Tarnower continued his relationships with multiple girlfriends over the years.
The Psychological Profile of Jean Harris
By 1980, Harris was emotionally unstable and depressed according to colleagues and friends. Her obsession with Tarnower had deepened, as she struggled to maintain her dignity despite his refusal to commit.
Some experts state Harris exhibited signs of low self-esteem and dependency even from a young age. Her sense of self-worth became increasingly tied to Tarnower's affection. As he pulled away, her mental state unraveled, culminating in the tragic murder.
sbb-itb-585a0bc
sbb-itb-585a0bc
The Scarsdale Diet Doctor: Herman Tarnower
Dr. Herman Tarnower was a cardiologist and author who gained fame in the 1970s for creating the Scarsdale Diet. He lived a controversial personal life and was murdered in 1980 by Jean Harris, the headmistress of an elite girls' school.
Dr. Tarnower's Medical Career and Diet Fame
Dr. Tarnower had a successful medical career as a cardiologist. He was passionate about treating heart disease and helping his patients improve their health through lifestyle changes.
In the 1970s, Dr. Tarnower developed the Scarsdale Diet, a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet that became hugely popular as a weight loss program. The diet was controversial among medical experts but captured the public's interest. Books about the Scarsdale Diet were bestsellers, and Dr. Tarnower became a celebrity in diet and nutrition circles.
Despite his unorthodox approach, Dr. Tarnower was generally respected for his medical knowledge and skill as a cardiologist. His fame brought him wealth and status, though it also drew public scrutiny into his personal affairs.
Tarnower's Personal Life and Relationships
Dr. Tarnower had a reputation as a ladies' man and was unmarried when he died at age 69. He had romantic relationships with many women over the years.
One long-term, tumultuous affair was with Jean Harris, the headmistress of the Madeira School for girls in Virginia. Harris was alternately obsessed with and hostile toward Tarnower. She was insecure about maintaining his affection as she aged while he was involved with younger women.
This volatile relationship ended in tragedy when Harris shot and killed Tarnower at his home in 1980. The murder followed a period of conflict between the couple around Tarnower's ongoing liaison with his younger secretary. Harris was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 15 years to life in prison.
Dr. Tarnower's personal affairs and scandalous relationships fueled public interest in his life story and indirectly contributed to his untimely death. The murder permanently marked his legacy as the famous Scarsdale Diet Doctor.
The Night of the Scarsdale Diet Doctor Murder
The details surrounding the fatal shooting of Dr. Tarnower at his home by Jean Harris on March 10, 1980 are complex. While the events of that night and the motive behind them may never be fully known, we can seek to understand the tragedy through compassion.
The People vs. Jean Harris: The Trial Proceedings
The Arrest of Jean Harris and Pre-Trial Developments
Jean Harris was arrested and charged with second-degree murder soon after the death of Herman Tarnower. As headmistress of the Madeira School for girls, her arrest and the scandalous details of her long-term affair with Tarnower, a renowned cardiologist and author of the popular Scarsdale Diet, drew intense public intrigue.
In pre-trial developments, Harris underwent psychiatric evaluations. Her defense team aimed to portray her state of mind on the night of the murder as distraught and irrational due to Tarnower's womanizing and rejection of marriage. Meanwhile, the prosecution built a case arguing Harris had premeditated the murder after Tarnower decided to end their 14-year relationship.
The Prosecution's Case Against Mrs. Harris
The prosecution argued Harris was a woman scorned, who executed a calculated plan to kill Tarnower and herself when he spurned her marriage ultimatum. They cited evidence including:
- Harris' purchase of the murder weapon 2 days prior and driving from Virginia to Tarnower's home in Westchester, NY.
- Her removing bullets from Tarnower's home prior to the fateful night.
- Gunshot residue found on her clothing.
- Her letter to Tarnower discovered in her purse outlining her distress over his dalliances and stating "you have had your last dinner."
The prosecution called witnesses testifying to Harris' jealousy over Tarnower's affairs with younger women. They aimed to prove malice and intent to kill.
The Defense: Accidental Death and Emotional Turmoil
The defense did not dispute that Harris shot Tarnower but claimed she had carried the gun to kill herself in front of him. They said Tarnower struggled with Harris for the gun when it accidentally fired.
Seeking sympathy from the jury, they focused on Harris' fragile emotional state stemming from Tarnower's rejection of her despite a 14-year intimate relationship. They also highlighted her dedication to her career and community.
Ultimately the case hinged on whether the jury believed Harris had murdered Tarnower in cold blood or if his death was accidental due to an overwrought woman's misguided suicide attempt.
The Verdict and Its Implications
After 8 days of tense deliberations, the jury convicted Harris of second-degree murder, rejecting both first-degree and manslaughter verdicts. She was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison.
The verdict reinforced the prosecution's view that Harris was a jealous woman who killed her lover in rage. It also set a precedent for convicting defendants of murder even when a death may have been unintended during commission of a felony.
Despite public support for clemency, Harris was denied parole repeatedly until released in 1993 due to health issues. The infamous case left an indelible mark on public memory regarding issues of gender, justice, rejection, and punishment.
Clemency for Jean Harris: The Fight for Freedom
Jean Harris was convicted of murdering her ex-lover Herman Tarnower, the author of the popular Scarsdale Diet book. She was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison. However, many questioned the fairness of such a harsh punishment for a woman who had led an otherwise exemplary life.
Over the years, Harris and her legal team filed multiple appeals of her murder conviction. They pointed to her mental and emotional instability at the time of the killing as mitigating factors. Supporters also advocated for her release based on her model behavior as an inmate, mentoring other prisoners and volunteering extensively.
Ultimately, after serving 12 years in prison, Harris was granted parole in 1993 based on her age, health issues, and record of rehabilitation. She lived the rest of her life quietly out of the public eye, working for a time at a hospital before passing away from natural causes in 2012 at age 89.
While the shocking murder case left cultural scars, Jean Harris' path to parole and freedom in her later years allowed her to regain purpose. Her story remains a complex one of love, violence, punishment, and redemption.
Conclusion: The Enduring Impact of The People vs. Jean Harris
The sensational trial of Jean Harris for the murder of her ex-lover, celebrity doctor Herman Tarnower, left a lasting imprint on American culture. While Harris maintained that the shooting was an accident, the prosecution painted a picture of obsession and jealousy.
Ultimately, Harris was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 15 years to life in prison. She was denied parole several times, with many questioning whether she received fair treatment as a woman who killed her unfaithful male partner.
The case revealed complex questions about gender roles, victimhood, and criminal justice. It became a made-for-TV movie and the subject of books, articles, and documentaries. To this day, Jean Harris elicits sympathy from some who see her as a tragic figure rather than a cold-blooded killer.
The story encapsulates themes of love, betrayal, and the dark side of human relationships. While justice was served, the nuances and ethical questions linger, making The People vs. Jean Harris an unforgettable case in true crime history. Its characters and shocking details continue to fascinate and confound.
