5/25/11
I am reading Patty Hearst’s book about her time spent with the SLA.
Patty wrote about when they left one of their hideouts and this message being left for the FBI:
"Warning to the FBI, CIA, NSA, NCS, and CBS—There are few clues in this bathroom. However, you will have to wait until they are dry.
An additional word of caution: 1/2 (one half) lb. (pound) of cyanide (potassium cyanide) crystals have been added to this ‘home brew’–so, pig, drink at your own risk. There are also many additional juicy SLA clues throughout this safehouse. However, remember that you are not bulletproof either. Happy hunting Charles"They were referring to "Charles Bates", the head of the SF FBI offices.
The whites in the group would dress up as blacks. "Blackface" they called it. Wigs, make-up, the whole 9 yards. Went off without a hitch.
There are so many interesting tid-bits that remind me of the Zodiac case! I will add more later. (No, I don’t think they were Zodiac.
)
“…they may be dealing with one or more ersatz Zodiacs–other psychotics eager to get into the act, or perhaps even other murderers eager to lay their crimes at the real Zodiac’s doorstep.“ L.A. Times, 1969
7/7/11
The Simbionese Liberation Army or SLA was nothing more than a gang of morons who wanted to terrorize the California area and managed to get national news press as well. They made up the name so that they would sound bigger and badder than they actually were. In that respect, they were similar to Zodiac, the Unibomber, and other murderers who were full of themselves.
As I recall, there was only one black guy in the gang and his name was DeFreeze, a convict who escaped from a California prison with one Theron Wheeler. DeFreeze was "elected" the nominal leader of the SLA, but a group of women were more likely the "brains" of the outfit.
While their minstrel show act may have gone off without a hitch, the over all gig ended badly with the Los Angeles police torching their hideout and gunning down several of the gang as they came running out. The rest, including young Patty Hearst, went on the run and were all eventually hunted down and captured.
“…they may be dealing with one or more ersatz Zodiacs–other psychotics eager to get into the act, or perhaps even other murderers eager to lay their crimes at the real Zodiac’s doorstep.“ L.A. Times, 1969
Yes…I find the SLA a complete joke.
In the beginning, they did try to feed the hungry and poor and were actually able to pull it off. Then it turned to bank robbing in order to basically feed and house themselves. Even that was done badly…and only two banks.
A bunch of punks really–and yes, a few guys and some girls in their twenties. Even when it was just Patty, "Teko" and "Yolanda" left…they were still flappin’ about the SLA. Really pathetic. But, no one really knew how big (or small) they truly were.
“…they may be dealing with one or more ersatz Zodiacs–other psychotics eager to get into the act, or perhaps even other murderers eager to lay their crimes at the real Zodiac’s doorstep.“ L.A. Times, 1969
7/23/11
I remember reading a Rolling Stone magazine about the secret negoations between the authorities and the SLA who were in prison. I wish I could find the story now. A prison counselor of minister was the go between. What violent times. Whenever the SLA left a message or letter it was refered to as a "commique" or something.
“…they may be dealing with one or more ersatz Zodiacs–other psychotics eager to get into the act, or perhaps even other murderers eager to lay their crimes at the real Zodiac’s doorstep.“ L.A. Times, 1969
7/23/11
I’d recommend the documentary film, "Guerrilla: The Taking of Patty Hearst"…. it’s excellent IMO.
Great footage and interviews with SLA members. Revolutionary folly that spun out of control from the very start.
Thanks for the heads-up Rufus! Looks like it’s on youtube. I will check it out!
“…they may be dealing with one or more ersatz Zodiacs–other psychotics eager to get into the act, or perhaps even other murderers eager to lay their crimes at the real Zodiac’s doorstep.“ L.A. Times, 1969
