Jean S. Harris was convicted in 1981 of killing her longtime lover , Dr. Herman Tarnower . Tarnower wrote a best - selling book touting the benefits of a high - protein , low - fat diet . Jean Harris '' in 1981 and `` Mrs. Harris '' in 2006 . The book ignited a national debate about Harris and the shooting . She claimed she accidentally killed him in a search for a gun .
Jean S. Harris was convicted in 1981 of killing her longtime lover , Dr. Herman Tarnower . Tarnower wrote a best - selling book touting the benefits of a high - protein , low - fat diet . The book ignited a national debate about Harris and the shooting . She claimed she accidentally killed him in a search for a gun .