Emily Harris, born on November 2, 1947, in Baltimore, Maryland, was destined for a life that would defy societal norms and expectations. Raised in a middle-class family by her father, engineer Frederick Schwartz, she was a bright and ambitious young woman from the start.
Despite her promising future, Emily's path took a turn when she became involved with the radical leftist group known as the Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA). This organization, led by Donald DeFreeze, would ultimately shape the course of her life and lead her down a dangerous and criminal path.
Emily's academic achievements were outstanding. She was a straight-A student at Indiana University and later went on to teach English at Binford Junior High in Bloomington, Indiana. However, her involvement with the SLA would soon overshadow her academic and professional accomplishments.
Between her criminal activities and prison sentences, Emily managed to start a successful computer consulting company and even worked for MGM Studios. Despite her criminal past, she was able to demonstrate her intelligence and skill in the business world.
Emily Harris gained notoriety for her involvement in the kidnapping of newspaper heiress Patty Hearst. Alongside other SLA members, she was part of the group responsible for the notorious crime that shocked the nation. This led to her first prison sentence, where she spent eight years paying for her crimes.
Upon her release, Emily's criminal activities continued. She was involved in the murder of Myrna Opsahl during a bank robbery, for which she was sentenced to another eight years in prison. Her actions with the SLA had serious consequences, and she paid a heavy price for her participation in the group's violent activities.
Emily's personal life was also marked by her criminal behavior. She was married to William Harris, who was her accomplice in many of the SLA's activities. Their partnership in crime further deepened the bond between them, but it also led to their downfall as they faced the legal consequences of their actions.
Emily Harris will be remembered as a woman who defied societal norms and chose a path of crime and violence. Her association with the SLA and her participation in their radical activities left a dark mark on her life and the lives of those she affected. Despite her intelligence and potential, she ultimately veered off course and became known for her criminal acts.
While Emily Harris may have achieved success in the business world between her prison sentences, her criminal past will forever be a part of her legacy. Her actions with the SLA will serve as a cautionary tale of the dangers of extremist ideologies and the consequences of choosing a path of violence and crime.
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