"The case against Lizzie was only compounded when she did a pretty bad job accounting for her whereabouts that morning. Police said surely you would have heard two people being axed to death. But I actually disagree with this. Bridget the housekeeper was around the home too and she doesn't claim to hear anything." — Ashley Flowers
"The first person to be arrested in this case wasn't Lizzie. She wasn't even a suspect on day one in fact. The first person they arrested was an immigrant man who lived in town. There was really nothing pointing to this man, but I have to believe that their thinking at the time was surely something so gruesome had to have come from outside our community. It was small-minded thinking that I'm sad to stay still persist centuries later." — Ashley Flowers
"This is kind of a good social indicator to set up her trial. In those days, women did not commit heinous crimes like this and surely not well to do church going women. They don't even have a place to house these people so it's incomprehensible for them for someone like her to commit a crime like this." — Ashley Flowers
The episode provides an in-depth exploration of the Lizzie Borden murders, beginning with the historical context of Lizzie's upbringing in Fall River, Massachusetts. It details her peculiar childhood, her challenging relationship with her stepmother Abby, and the family's somewhat austere lifestyle despite her father's financial standing. The narrative highlights a curious break-in and the family's subsequent illness prior to the murders, setting a tone of unease. The episode meticulously reconstructs the day of the murders, August 4, 1892, describing the layout of the Borden home and the movements of its inhabitants. Andrew Borden and Abby Borden were found brutally murdered, and the initial investigation focused on Lizzie, despite her acquittal.
The prosecution's case against Lizzie Borden is presented, emphasizing her purported motive related to inheritance and her difficult relationship with her stepmother. Suspicious behaviors, such as burning a dress and attempting to purchase poison, are discussed as key points. The episode also details the legal proceedings, including the exclusion of significant evidence by Lizzie's defense team, which ultimately weakened the prosecution's case. The narrator emphasizes the lack of direct evidence and the reliance on circumstantial factors, noting the societal biases that may have influenced the trial and public perception.
Finally, the report addresses the numerous theories and alternative suspects that have emerged over the years, including Uncle John, Bridget the housekeeper, and even Dr. Bowen. The persistent nature of the mystery is underscored by the fact that, despite Lizzie's acquittal, public opinion often remained divided. The episode concludes by acknowledging the enduring legacy of the case and the ongoing fascination with who truly committed the murders, while also touching upon the podcast's regular segments and listener engagement.