Patty Hearst

On February 4, 1974, in Berkeley, California, the life of nineteen-year-old Patty Hearst takes a tragic turn as she is kidnapped from her home. Her fiancé, Steven Weed, narrowly escapes the harrowing ordeal as her captors take her away, marking the beginning of her tumultuous journey.

Following her abduction, Patty is confined in the trunk of a car before being transferred to a locked closet. For days, she experiences minimal interaction with her captors, who only appear as shadows, intensifying her fear and isolation.

One of her captors, Cinque, introduces himself as the field marshal of the Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA). He reveals the group's intentions to exchange Patty for imprisoned SLA members, establishing the initial terms of her captivity.

The SLA continues to indoctrinate Patty with their radical ideologies, demanding that her wealthy family fund a program to provide $70 worth of free groceries to every needy Californian. This demand is rejected by Patty's father, Randolph Hearst, who deems it financially unfeasible.

Days of captivity take their toll as Patty grows weak and fatigued. Ultimately, she is faced with an ultimatum: join the SLA or face execution, and under duress, she reluctantly chooses to align herself with her captors’ cause.

On April 3, 1974, after two months of being blindfolded, Patty's sight is restored. She meets Cinque and other SLA members for the first time, receiving a military makeover and the new identity of 'Tanya,' solidifying her transformation into a member of the SLA.

On April 15, 1974, Patty participates in a bank robbery where Cinque announces their affiliation with the SLA. The robbery spirals out of control when a civilian is shot, marking a significant turning point in Patty’s commitment to the group.

Post-robbery, Patty, now known as Tanya, is warned by fellow members Teko and Yolanda to remain vigilant as their actions are drawing increased attention. As notoriety rises, so does the tension within the group, which intensifies their criminal pursuits.

On May 9, 1974, the SLA moves to Los Angeles, continuing their series of desperate measures. The relocation is marked by a series of incidents, including thefts and growing violence as Patty becomes more entrenched in their radical lifestyle.

On May 16, 1974, while Teko and Yolanda shoplift, a standoff occurs with a security guard. In an act signifying her full allegiance to the SLA, Patty intervenes by firing her weapon, showcasing her deepening commitment to the group’s violent actions.

As police close in on their hideout, the SLA members face a tragic end. The group's location is set ablaze, resulting in the deaths of all six SLA members, marking a devastating blow to their radical movement.

In November 1974, Teko calls for a regrouping after their devastating losses, advocating for a more aggressive approach against police forces. Their frustrations grow, indicating a shift towards even more violent tactics as they plot further crimes.

The saga culminates on September 18, 1975, when the FBI raids the SLA's safe house, leading to the arrest of Patty Hearst and Wendy Yoshimura. The raid marks the downfall of the SLA and the beginning of a contentious legal battle for Patty.

As Patty's trial commences, she struggles with mounting evidence against her. Despite her assertions of not being brainwashed, she faces a jury that ultimately convicts her of bank robbery and the use of firearms, altering her life forever.

On July 22, 1976, Patty is sentenced to seven years in federal prison after her appeal is denied by the Supreme Court. However, on February 1, 1979, she receives a commutation from President Jimmy Carter, allowing her to begin a new chapter in her life.