Borden murders in Fall River (1892)

Andrew and Abby Borden were murdered in Fall River, Massachusetts, in August 1892. Lizzie Borden, their daughter, was acquitted in 1893. The case generated significant publicity and remains a cultural topic.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. Lizzie Borden was born in Fall River in 1860. Her father, Andrew, married Abby Gray three years after the death of Lizzie's mother, when his youngest daughter was six. By 1890, the household included a maid, Bridget Sullivan. Tensions grew in 1892 due to Andrew's real estate gifts to Abby's family. Andrew killed pigeons with a hatchet in May 1892.

Investigation and Trial. John Vinnicum Morse visited the home on August 3, 1892. Inquest testimony was ruled inadmissible at the 1893 trial. Russell testified Lizzie burned a dress on August 8. Skulls were presented as evidence on June 5, 1893. The trial began in New Bedford on June 5, 1893.

Verdict. Presiding Associate Justice Justin Dewey delivered a summary supporting the defense before jury deliberation on June 20, 1893. Lizzie Borden was acquitted. The case received widespread publicity in the United States and remains a topic in American popular culture.

People involved

Sources

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