Axe Murderer Lizzie Borden Supposedly Killed Her Parents, But Walked Free
It’s August 4, 1892, in Fall River, Massachusetts, and police arrive at the home of a wealthy local family. Earlier that day, 32-year-old Lizzie Borden had told them she’d stumbled across a terrible sight – the bloody body of her father Andrew lying dead in the sitting room. And upstairs, another horror awaits, sparking a mystery that endures even to this day. But did investigators miss something in this infamous murder case?
A quiet, unsuspecting town
It seemed impossible at first that a mild-mannered woman could've killed her family in cold blood. Borden's defense attorney later described her as living a "spotless" life, which was fair enough, except that there didn't seem to be anyone else in town capable of such an act, either.
Initially settled by European colonists in the mid-1600s, Fall River opened its first mills at the beginning of the 18th century. By 1868, it became the biggest textile city in the whole country. But tensions began to grow.
The rather respectable Bordens
By 1892, thousands of French Canadian and Irish immigrants had begun to assimilate into Fall River society, taking important positions in the community. In fact, just two years previously, an Irishman had been elected mayor of the city.
However, a strong nativist sentiment remained among people like Lizzie, whose family had played a central role in the community's booming textile industry from the very beginning.
Family tensions
But if Fall River itself was fraught with tension, it was nothing compared to what was going on behind closed doors in the Borden household. Lizzie's father, Andrew, was born in 1822 and came from a wealthy local family.
However, his own upbringing had been modest, and he did not become successful until later in life – perhaps explaining the thrifty attitude for which he became known.
Living out the American dream
Eventually, however, Andrew became a wealthy man. And after enjoying some success making and selling furniture, he boosted his fortune with a lucrative career as a housing magnate.
He also continued growing the family business, taking on the role of director at a number of local textile mills. On the surface, it seemed like he was building up a perfect life.