American Justice Season 1997 Episode 11 Scarsdale Diet Doctor Murder
- September 3, 1997
On the eleventh episode of the 1997 season of American Justice, audiences are taken into the case of the Scarsdale Diet Doctor Murder. The episode delves into the shocking murder of a wealthy Scarsdale cardiologist, Dr. Herman Tarnower, and the subsequent trial that ensued.
Viewers are taken back to 1980 when Tarnower was found in his bedroom with four gunshot wounds. His longtime lover, Jean Harris, was arrested and charged with his murder. Harris had been the headmistress of a prestigious girls' school and had been involved in a romantic relationship with Tarnower for over 14 years. However, as the investigation into Tarnower's death began, it was revealed that their relationship was far from perfect.
Harris claimed that she had gone to Tarnower's home that night to confront him over his continued infidelity. She claimed that Tarnower had become emotionally abusive towards her and that she had been struggling to end the relationship for years. However, the prosecution argued that Harris had planned to kill Tarnower and had meticulously covered up her tracks to make it look like a suicide.
The episode takes viewers through the details of the police investigation, which included a search of Harris's car, where they found incriminating evidence. They also discuss the sensational trial that followed, which was covered extensively by the media. Audiences get an inside look into the courtroom, as the prosecution and defense argue over the evidence presented.
The episode interviews several individuals involved in the case, including the lead prosecutor, the defense attorneys, and Harris's family. They shed light on the motivations and actions of the parties involved and explain how the case impacted their lives. The episode also features footage of Harris's emotional testimony and the jury's reactions during the trial.
Throughout the episode, viewers are left to ponder the question of Harris's guilt or innocence. Was she a woman driven to murder by the emotional abuse of a man who held power over her for years? Or was she a calculating killer who planned to get away with murder? Audiences are taken through the twists and turns of the case, making it a captivating and thought-provoking episode of American Justice.
Overall, the Scarsdale Diet Doctor Murder episode of American Justice provides a detailed and in-depth account of a notorious murder case that captivated the nation. With its captivating interviews and inside look into the courtroom, it is a must-watch for history buffs and true crime enthusiasts alike.