“Lizzie Borden took an axe and gave her mother forty whacks…”

More than 130 years later, Lizzie Borden is still remembered as a murderer—even though a jury found her not guilty. But what if the story history remembers isn't the whole story?

On this episode of Santana True Crime, I'm joined by Rich Little, author of Cold Case to Case Closed: Lizbeth Borden — My Story, and Seth Rosczewski, host of The Seth Rosczewski Show, to examine the case from a different perspective: the evidence and circumstances that point toward reasonable doubt and Lizzie's possible innocence.

We discuss the August 4, 1892 murders of Andrew and Abby Borden, the timeline established through their autopsies and stomach contents, Lizzie's relationship with her stepmother, and claims that the story of hostility between Lizzie and Abby may have developed after the murders.

Rich also discusses a side of Lizzie that rarely makes it into the popular story—her involvement with her church, charitable work, and community.

Then we examine some of the biggest problems surrounding the case: the handling and security of the crime scene, the lack of eyewitnesses, questions surrounding the alleged murder weapon, Lizzie's demeanor, and the fact that she was being given morphine during an important period of the investigation.

We also explore the inquest, grand jury proceedings and murder trial, along with the enormous role that newspapers, Victorian expectations and public opinion played in shaping the image of Lizzie Borden that survives today.

Finally, we look at Lizbeth's life after her acquittal and ask the question at the center of this episode:

Did the evidence actually prove that Lizzie Borden murdered Andrew and Abby—or did history convict a woman that a jury acquitted?

This is only one side of the debate. In future episodes, we'll continue examining the Borden murders—including the evidence and arguments that point toward Lizzie's guilt.

Santana True Crime