Lizzie Borden was born on July 19, 1860, in Fall River, Massachusetts, to parents Andrew Jackson Borden and Sarah Borden. She had an older sister named Emma. Lizzie grew up in a relatively wealthy family and was educated well. She attended public schools in Fall River and later went on to study at the Central Congregational Church, where she became deeply involved in Sunday school teachings for young children.
Tragedy struck the Borden family when Lizzie's mother, Sarah, passed away. Lizzie's father, Andrew, then married Abby Durfee Gray, sparking tension within the family. The relationship between Lizzie and her stepmother was strained, with rumors of disagreements and conflicts between them circulating in the small town.
On August 4, 1892, Andrew and Abby Borden were found brutally murdered in their home. Andrew had been attacked with a hatchet, receiving 11 blows to the head, while Abby had been struck 19 times. Lizzie, who was present in the house at the time of the murders, quickly became a suspect in the case. The infamous nursery rhyme "Lizzie Borden took an axe" soon spread throughout the town, cementing her place in history as an alleged killer.
Lizzie Borden's trial for the murders of her father and stepmother was highly publicized and garnered nationwide attention. Despite the circumstantial evidence against her, including conflicting testimonies and a lack of a solid alibi, Lizzie maintained her innocence throughout the trial. In the end, she was acquitted of the charges, and no one else was ever arrested or tried in connection with the murders.
The case of Lizzie Borden has remained a popular topic of conversation and speculation for over a century. Many theories and speculations have emerged regarding the true identity of the killer, with some believing that Lizzie was indeed guilty and others attributing the murders to an unknown intruder. The story of Lizzie Borden has inspired countless books, movies, and television shows, solidifying her place in American folklore as a controversial and enigmatic figure.
Despite her acquittal, the shadow of suspicion and doubt has lingered over Lizzie Borden's legacy. She lived out the rest of her days in Fall River, where she became a recluse and withdrew from public life. Lizzie died on June 1, 1927, leaving behind a legacy shrouded in mystery and intrigue.