Date & Location: August 4th, 1892, Fall River, Massachusetts
Victims: Andrew Borden and his wife Abby
Cause of Death: Murdered with a sharp heavy weapon (axe or hatchet)
The Borden Family
Andrew Borden: Wealthy, self-made man
Married Sarah Morris in 1845
Children: Emma, Lizzie (born 1860), and one child who died in infancy
Remarried to Abby Gray after Sarah's death
Lizzie Borden: Accused of the murders
Lived in a modest house despite family wealth
Known for her complicated relationship with her stepmother
The Day of the Murders
People Present: Andrew and Abby Borden, Lizzie Borden, Bridget Sullivan (housemaid), John Morse (Andrew's brother-in-law)
Emma Borden: Out of town
Bridget Sullivan's Tasks: Washing windows
Timeline of Events:
9 - 9:30 AM: Abby Borden attacked and killed
11:00 AM: Andrew Borden returned home
11:15 AM: Lizzie discovered Andrew's body and alerted Bridget
Investigation
Police Findings:
No forced entry or robbery detected
Lizzie had no immediate blood evidence on her
Suspicious Behavior: Lizzie burned a dress claiming paint stains
Inquest and Arrest:
Lizzie's testimony was contradictory
Arrested on August 11, 1892
Trial
Date: Began June 5, 1893
Prosecution's Argument: Lizzie's motive was hatred for Abby and silencing her father
Defense's Argument: No physical evidence linking Lizzie; appealed to jury's empathy
Verdict: Not guilty after one hour of jury deliberation
Aftermath
Public Opinion: Mixed views on Lizzie's guilt
Lizzie's Life Post-Trial: Shunned by society, lived in luxury
Death: Died in 1927, buried with family
Ongoing Mystery
The Borden case remains unsolved, with speculation continuing for over a century.
Various theories exist about motives and other potential suspects (e.g., John Morse, immigrant involvement, and controversial theories of a lesbian affair).