Herman Tarnower, a 69-year-old cardiologist known for creating the Scarsdale Diet, was shot and killed the night of March 10, 1980, in his Purchase, New York, home. The case centers on Jean Harris, headmistress of the Madeira School, who had been in a 14-year relationship with Tarnower. Reports say Harris drove five hours from Virginia with a .32 caliber revolver, entered Tarnower’s house, and confronted him in his bedroom after finding lingerie and other belongings belonging to his secretary, Lynne Tryforos. Tarnower was shot four times at close range; his housekeeper heard the shots and called police.

Harris reportedly drove away but returned and was arrested for second-degree murder. At trial she pleaded not guilty, saying she had intended to kill herself and that the shooting occurred during a struggle; the prosecution said she intentionally shot Tarnower. The jury convicted her of second-degree murder on February 24, 1981, and she was sentenced to 15 years to life. She served time at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility for Women and was later granted clemency; she was paroled after serving nearly 12 years. Anyone with memories of Tarnower, Harris, or the case in 1980–81 is invited to share what they remember.