Lizzie Borden Acquitted of Double Murder
June 20th, 1893
June 20th, 1893

How Long Ago?
131 years, 8 months, 23 days ago
Location
Fall River, Massachusetts, USA
Category
Crime & Law
People
- Lizzie Borden
- Andrew Borden
- Abby Borden
- John Morse
- Bridget Sullivan
- Charles E. Hughes
- William H. Moody
Links & References
Tags
Lizzie Borden Acquitted of Double Murder
Lizzie Borden was acquitted of the murders of her father, Andrew Borden, and her stepmother, Abby Borden, after a widely publicized trial. The brutal deaths occurred in the family's Fall River home, leading to an intense investigation that captivated the nation. Despite substantial circumstantial evidence, including the lack of a concrete alibi and her presence at the crime scene, Borden was ultimately found not guilty by the jury. The trial showcased the power of public opinion and media in criminal cases and sparked debates about gender and societal expectations.
The trial lasted for two months.
Circumstantial evidence was heavily debated.
Lizzie Borden's acquittal remains famous.
Public fascination led to numerous adaptations.
What Happened?
Lizzie Borden faced trial for the gruesome murders of her father and stepmother in Fall River, Massachusetts, which occurred on August 4, 1892. The case against her was sensational, with the local and national press covering the trial extensively. The prosecution presented a case based on circumstantial evidence and pointed to Lizzie’s potential motive, suggesting that she stood to gain financially from her father’s estate. However, the defense argued that there was no direct evidence linking her to the crimes, and the narrative of a woman—especially one of Lizzie's social standing—committing such heinous acts intrigued the public. The trial revealed societal views on women, class, and morality during the late 19th century, which played a significant role in the jury’s perception. After a lengthy trial, the jury deliberated for a short three hours before reaching a verdict of not guilty, sparking a mixture of relief and disbelief across the nation. Lizzie's acquittal not only ended the sensational trial but also left many questions unanswered about the murders and whether justice had truly been served.
Why Does it Matter?
The acquittal of Lizzie Borden remains one of the most famous cases in American criminal history and has continued to stimulate interest in true crime, sparking numerous books, films, and academic studies. The trial highlighted issues of gender, class, and the media's role in shaping public opinion, becoming a reference point for discussions on due process and the standards of evidence in criminal cases. Borden's case still serves as a lens through which to examine societal tendencies towards judgment and morality, evoking enduring fascination about the nature of justice.
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