Childhood and Education Journey of F. Lee Bailey in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 29, 2025

How education and upbringing influenced the life of F. Lee Bailey. A timeline of key moments.

F. Lee Bailey was a prominent American criminal defense attorney known for his involvement in several high-profile cases. He gained notoriety for successfully defending Sam Sheppard in his 1966 retrial for the murder of his wife. Bailey also played a key role in the defense team for Albert DeSalvo, the alleged Boston Strangler, and served as the lead attorney during the court-martial of Captain Ernest Medina related to the My Lai Massacre during the Vietnam War. He was also part of O.J. Simpson's defense team during his murder trial. Despite his successes, Bailey's legal career faced setbacks, including disbarment in Florida and Massachusetts due to misconduct related to client funds.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

June 10, 1933: F. Lee Bailey's Birth

On June 10, 1933, Francis Lee Bailey Jr. was born in Waltham, Massachusetts.

1950: Graduation from Kimball Union Academy

In 1950, Bailey graduated from Kimball Union Academy.

1952: Dropped out of Harvard College to Join the Navy

In 1952, Bailey dropped out of Harvard College to join the United States Navy.

1954: Sam Sheppard's Initial Conviction

In 1954, Sam Sheppard was found guilty of murdering his wife Marilyn. This case was one of the inspirations for the television series, 'The Fugitive'.

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1957: Admitted to Boston University School of Law

In 1957, Bailey was admitted to Boston University School of Law, which accepted his military experience in lieu of the usual undergraduate requirements.

1960: Graduated from Boston University School of Law

In 1960, Bailey graduated with an LL.B. from Boston University School of Law, ranked first in his class with the highest grade point average in the school's history.

1961: Divorce from Florence Gott

In 1961, F. Lee Bailey's first marriage to Florence Gott ended in divorce.

July 30, 1963: William Farber Murder

On July 30, 1963, retired Army Col. William Farber was murdered, leading to Carl A. Coppolino being accused of the crime.

1963: The Fugitive TV series Inspiration

In 1963, The Sam Sheppard murder case, which Bailey later took on, was one of the inspirations for the television series 'The Fugitive'.

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August 28, 1965: Carmela Coppolino Murder

On August 28, 1965, Carmela Coppolino, wife of Carl A. Coppolino, was murdered, leading to Carl being accused of the crime.

1967: The Fugitive TV series End

In 1967, The TV series 'The Fugitive' ended, with Sam Sheppard's murder case being one of the inspirations for the series.

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1972: Divorce from Froma Portley and Marriage to Lynda Hart

In 1972, F. Lee Bailey divorced Froma Portley and married Lynda Hart.

1974: George Edgerly Convicted of Murder

In 1974, George Edgerly, whom Bailey had previously defended, was convicted of the murder of General Motors representative Frank Smith.

April 28, 1975: Crocker Bank Robbery in Carmichael

On April 28, 1975, members of the SLA robbed a Crocker Bank branch in Carmichael, California. Patty Hearst drove one of the getaway cars and a customer was killed.

1975: George Edgerly Convicted of Rape

In 1975, George Edgerly, whom Bailey had previously defended, was convicted of a rape.

1975: Turner Pleaded Guilty to Misdemeanor

In 1975, Glenn Turner pleaded guilty to a single misdemeanor charge of violating securities laws and was given probation, while charges against Bailey were dropped in the Koscot Interplanetary and Dare to be Great case.

1977: Patty Hearst's Sentence Commuted

In 1977, Patty Hearst's sentence was commuted by President Jimmy Carter after she had served 22 months of her seven-year sentence, following her conviction in a case where Bailey was her defense attorney.

1980: Divorce from Lynda Hart

In 1980, F. Lee Bailey divorced Lynda Hart.

1985: Marriage to Patricia Shiers

In 1985, F. Lee Bailey married Patricia Shiers.

1998: McCorkles Convicted of Financial Fraud

In 1998, British citizen Chantal McCorkle and her American husband William were tried and convicted in Florida for her part in a financial fraud involving misrepresented infomercials.