Bill Harris, Notorious Kidnapper of Patty Hearst, Passes Away at 81

WHO:

NY Post - Bill Harris, a member of the Symbionese Liberation Army.

TMZ - Bill Harris, one of Patty Hearst's kidnappers.

WHAT:

NY Post - Bill Harris has died at age 81.

TMZ - Harris passed away on September 10.

WHERE:

TMZ - Harris died in San Francisco.

WHEN:

TMZ - Bill Harris passed away on September 10.

WHY:

NY Post - Harris became infamous in 1974 for his role in the kidnapping of newspaper heiress Patricia Hearst.

HOW:

NY Post - Harris was a top lieutenant of the Symbionese Liberation Army during the kidnapping.

(UPDATED October 7, 2026 09:09 UTC)

Bill Harris, a prominent figure in the Symbionese Liberation Army and one of Patty Hearst's kidnappers, has died at the age of 81 in San Francisco. He became infamous in 1974 for his role in the high-profile kidnapping of newspaper heiress Patricia Hearst, serving as a top lieutenant during that time. Harris passed away on September 10, marking the end of a controversial chapter in American criminal history.