By Brittni BaldeoTHE LIZZIE BORDEN CASE

The Crime

• On August 4th, 1892 Andrew and Abby Borden were found dead inside of their Massachusetts home in Falls River. Andrew was found laying dead in the parlor of the house with his face brutally destroyed from several blows to the head from a hatcher. Abby was found on the second floor of the house lying on the floor dead—she too, suffered from blows from a hatchet.

The Investigation

• The two main suspects surrounding this case were Lizzie Borden, daughter of Andrew and step-daughter of Abby and Brigitte Sullivan, the Borden’s maid. These two women were the only people in the house at the time of the murders.

• A one-week investigation showed suspicions of Lizzie such as the burning a dress, and unsuccessfully purchasing prussic acid. Lizzie was arrested.

Trial

• There was a lack of physical evidence in the trial. There was a broken handled hatched discovered. Lizzie’s actions were seen as very suspicious during the trial.

• The defense claims that Lizzie is innocent and had to reason to have murdered her Father and Stepmother. The defense insists the murder must have been committed by a maniac, not someone with a respectable background such as Lizzie.

• The verdict: not guilty

Aftermath• Lizzie Borden remained in Fall River for the remainder of her life.

She inherited her Fathers estate along with her sister, Emma. She shortly made headlines when she was accused of shoplifting. Lizzie and Emma became estranged after Emma disapproved of her relationship with Nance O’Neil.