2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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
5. 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.
