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Herman Tarnower

Case from Scarsdale, NY dated Mar 10, 1980

Victim Details

Dr. Herman Tarnower

Male

White / Caucasian

Scarsdale

NY

1980-03-10

69

Herman

Tarnower

07/21/2026

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The Murder of Dr. Herman Tarnower

Case Description

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On the night of March 10, 1980, the life of Herman Tarnower, a 69-year-old male cardiologist, came to a violent end in his Purchase, New York, home. Known as the creator of the popular 'Scarsdale Diet,' Tarnower was shot and killed by his lover of 14 years, Jean Harris, the headmistress of the exclusive Madeira School for girls in Virginia. The catalyst for the fatal encounter was Tarnower's ongoing affair with a younger woman who worked as his secretary, Lynne Tryforos.

Harris, consumed ...
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Links to Additional Sources (9)

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  • Jean Harris - Wikipedia
  • Almanac: The Scarsdale Diet Doctor murder trial - CBS News
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    Forum Posts (2)

    I've been reading up on the Dr. Herman Tarnower case, and something that really stands out to me is ... ...Read More
    01/17/2024
    It's puzzling to see how the role of Lynne Tryforos played out in this tragic story. She wasn't just... ...Read More
    08/05/2023
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