Golden girl, victim and criminal Patty Hearst (8 photos)

On the first day of February 1979, an unusual prisoner was released from prison. A girl who turned from a victim to a criminal, but then was able to change her life.





Patricia was born into the family of newspaper magnate and billionaire William Randolph Hearst in 1954. After graduation, the girl entered Menlo College in Atherton, and then transferred to the University of California.



Patti in her youth

Patty was dating her former school teacher, Stephen Weed. And although the relatives were not delighted with their daughter’s chosen one, the girl was not too interested in their opinion. The 19-year-old stubborn woman moved in with her groom and was actively preparing for the wedding.

But all plans were dashed by the day of February 4, 1974. The girl was kidnapped directly from her home by members of the radical left-wing Symbionese Liberation Army. The unfortunate woman was locked in a closet in one of the social houses on the outskirts of Berkeley. The leader of the group, which declared a fight for equality, Donald Defries, demanded that the authorities exchange the girl for two members of the SLA (Symbionese Liberation Army) who were serving time. But the negotiations were unsuccessful. Then Defriz demanded a ransom from the girl’s father. He paid two million dollars, but never got his daughter back.

Unexpected turn





Patricia Hearst (right), escorted by S.A.O. leader Donald Defries (left), participates in the robbery of the Hibernia Bank.

But it turned out that the Symbionese Liberation Army had much more sophisticated plans. Patti later said that she was subjected to severe violence - both physical and psychological. The terrorists demanded to join the group. The young student could do nothing to oppose such methods of “persuasion.” And she joined SLA under the pseudonym Tanya.

In the spring, the girl’s parents received an audio recording. Patty explained her choice and decision to join the ranks of peace activists. And within a few days the public learned that this statement was not unfounded. The heiress to a multibillion-dollar empire took part in the robbery of the Hibernia Bank in San Francisco. Patricia’s face was clearly visible in the video, although she acted while being held at gunpoint by her “comrades.”



Patty after her arrest

Then other demonstrative actions followed with the participation of the girl. In September the group was hired. The trial took place. The criminal explained that she acted under duress, as eloquently evidenced by the bruises on Patty’s body. Hearst lost a lot of weight and suffered from panic attacks and nightmares. But for some reason the court did not take these points into account. And the girl, who became a criminal at the gunpoint of her ideological “comrades,” was sentenced to 7 years in prison.

Liberation



A large-scale campaign has begun in support of the prisoner. As a result, with the assistance of administrative leaders, the period was reduced. And in 1979, Patricia was released.



With husband

Almost immediately, Hearst married police officer Bernard Shaw, with whom she lived until Shaw’s death in 2013. The couple had two daughters - Lydia and Gillian.



In 2001, the woman received a full pardon. And for a long time she avoided publicity. But then Patricia became interested in breeding dogs and began to appear in public with the results of her achievements.



Still from the film "Patty Hearst" (1988)

Several books, films and an opera have been dedicated to Hearst's life.