Unsolved Mysteries 36-xx-xx (01) Lizzie Borden Case

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Unsolved Mysteries 36-xx-xx (01) Lizzie Borden Case"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Episode: Unsolved Mysteries 36-xx-xx (01) Lizzie Borden Case
• Release Date: January 6, 2025

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Introduction to the Lizzie Borden Case

The episode delves into one of America's most infamous unsolved mysteries: the Lizzie Borden case. Set in the early 20th century, the narrative unfolds in Fall River, Massachusetts, at the Borden residence on South Main Street. The host paints a vivid picture of the Borden household as a place of "moody, brooding silences" filled with "pent up hatreds" and "petty jealousies," setting the stage for the tragic events that transpire.

Notable Quote:

"The atmosphere of a place accursed." – Narrator [00:54]

The Murders: August 4th Incident

On the morning of August 4th, the Borden household is plunged into chaos. The episode meticulously recounts the timeline leading up to the murders of Andrew Borden and his wife, Emma Borden. At approximately 10:50 AM, Bridget, the maid, discovers Andrew Borden dead in the living room, prompting a frantic search for help.

Notable Quote:

"Don't go in, Ricky. Don't go in. Get a doctor." – Lizzie Borden [03:29]

As the narrative progresses, Lizzie Borden's immediate reactions and statements are highlighted, raising suspicions about her involvement. The lack of visible blood on Lizzie and Bridget intensifies the mystery surrounding the murders.

The Investigation and Trial

The episode transitions into a detailed examination of the investigation and subsequent trial. Witness testimonies, including those of Mrs. Churchill and Officer Allen, are dissected to assess the plausibility of Lizzie's innocence. The narration emphasizes the absence of a weapon and the improbability of Lizzie cleansing herself of blood within the limited timeframe between the murders.

Notable Quote:

"Almost two hours elapsed between the murders. How could she cleanse herself of blood stains in that length of time?" – Prosecutor [05:00]

The trial proceedings are dramatized, capturing the tension in the courtroom. Chief Justice Alber Mason oversees the case, while both the prosecution and defense present compelling arguments. The defense challenges the prosecution's timeline, suggesting that Lizzie had sufficient time to alter her appearance post-murders.

Notable Quote:

"The medical testimony cannot and does not specify the exact moment at which Mrs. Borden was struck down." – Defense Attorney [06:16]

Despite the mounting evidence, the jury ultimately finds Lizzie Borden not guilty. The host underscores the ambiguity of the verdict, leaving listeners questioning the true perpetrator.

Notable Quote:

"We, the jury, find the prisoner not guilty." – Jury [06:23]

The Unsolved Mystery and Theories

Following the trial, the episode explores various theories that have persisted over the years regarding the true identity of the murderer. The absence of a weapon, the quick disposal of evidence, and Lizzie's acquittal contribute to the enduring intrigue surrounding the case.

One prominent theory presented suggests that a tramp, familiar with the Borden household from previous robberies, might have been the actual murderer. This theory is enriched with a dramatized reenactment of the tramp's alleged movements and actions on the morning of the murders.

Notable Quote:

"A tramp, hidden in the basement since early morning, makes his way into the house." – Narrator [12:52]

The host also touches upon the societal and familial tensions that may have played a role in the murders, including the strained relationship between Lizzie and her stepmother, Emma.

Conclusion and Legacy

The episode concludes by reflecting on the lasting legacy of the Lizzie Borden case in American criminal history. Despite the trial's outcome, the lack of conclusive evidence ensures that the mystery remains unsolved, captivating true crime enthusiasts and historians alike.

Notable Quote:

"It is exactly 30 seconds before 11 o'clock on the morning of August 4th." – Narrator [00:54]

Lizzie Borden's story serves as a haunting reminder of the complexities of justice and the enduring quest to uncover the truth behind unsolved mysteries.

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Final Thoughts: Harold's Old Time Radio masterfully brings the Lizzie Borden case to life, blending factual recounting with engaging narratives. Through detailed storytelling and evocative quotes, the episode invites listeners to ponder the enigmatic circumstances of one of America's most perplexing murder cases.

Transcript

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[Narrator]

Unsolved Mysteries the Borden case is undoubtedly without parallel in the criminal annals of America. It is perhaps the most puzzling murder which has occurred anywhere in the whole world. The perpetrator of this double murder was saved from the gallows by a most extraordinary chain of circumstances. Circumstances which perhaps would not recur in a thousand years. The Borden place in Fall River, Massachusetts was a house of silences. A house of moody, brooding silences brought about by pent up hatreds, petty jealousies, niggardly dealings in money matters, and two daughters who hated their stepmother. A stepmother who hated with equal intensity her two stepdaughters. Even from the outside, the Borden house, where it stood on South Main street, had about it an air of ineffable doom. The atmosphere of a place accursed. It is exactly 30 seconds before 11 o'clock on the morning of August 4th. Bridget, the maid, finished with her morning duties, is resting in her room on the third story. Mr. Borden is lying on the couch in the living room. Emma Borden is away from home. And Lizzie. Lizzie Borden is standing on the back porch.

[Lizzie Borden]

Bridget. Bridget, come here. What's the brother. Ms. Lizzie, come down quick. Father's dead. Somebody came in and killed him. Don't go in, Ricky. Don't go in. Get a doctor. Run across the street and get Dr. Bowen. Is there anything wrong, Lizzie? Mrs. Churchill, someone has killed Father. Please, please come over. I'll be over right away. The doctor isn't home. I left word for him to come. Miss Lizzie, where were you when this happened? I was out in the yard. I heard a groan. The screen door was wide open. I came in. Lizzie. Lizzie, where is your father? In the living room. Where were you, Lizzie, when it happened? I went to the Barn to get a piece of iron. Where is your mother? I don't know. She had a note to go see someone who was sick. It must have been in town. But I thought I heard her come in. I don't know. But. What? She may have been killed too. Father must have an enemy.

[Narrator]

What's all this? Is he. What's it to hear about your father?

[Lizzie Borden]

It's Dr. Bowen, and he has Officer Allen with him. Oh, Doctor. Doctor. In the living room.

[Narrator]

All right, all right. Now, stand back. Come on, Doctor. No. No need to examine him to see whether or not he's dead. Get me a sheet, somebody. How long has he been dead, Doc? About 10 minutes. Still warm. Lizzie?

[Lizzie Borden]

Yes, Doctor.

[Narrator]

Where were you when this happened?

[Lizzie Borden]

I was over at the barn.

[Narrator]

Where were you, Bridget?

[Lizzie Borden]

In my room, upstairs.

[Narrator]

Did you hear anything?

[Lizzie Borden]

No.

[Narrator]

Were you asleep?

[Lizzie Borden]

No, I've just been lying down for a few seconds.

[Narrator]

Now, listen, nobody could have killed this man the way he's been killed without making some noise. No signs of any weapon either, Officer. Let me see your hands, Bridget. That's it. Turn around. Nothing there. You. Miss Lizzy, let me see your hand.

[Lizzie Borden]

Me? Me?

[Narrator]

Yes, you. Whoever killed this man must have left some traces. And you were the only two people in the house.

[Lizzie Borden]

There's no signs of blood on Lizzie, not even inside her bodice. I'd like to. Bridget, you go upstairs and see if Mother's coming in. Not alone, Miss Lizzie. I'm not going up those stairs alone. I'll go with you. Oh, Doctor.

[Narrator]

Doctor. Lizzie.

[Lizzie Borden]

Oh.

[Narrator]

That'S. That's Mrs. Borden.

[Lizzie Borden]

Yes. Yes. I knew something like this would happen.

[Narrator]

What? Why?

[Lizzie Borden]

Just did, that's all.

[Narrator]

Alan. Yes, Doctor. Geez. Mrs. Borden's been dead anywhere from one hour to two hours, and he's been dead only a few minutes. Yes. Well, every one of you stay where you are. I'm gonna search for the weapon. But neither Officer Allen nor any other of the many members of the police force ever found the weapon. Mrs. Churchill, from her window across the driveway, saw no one enter or leave the house. Mrs. Borden, the murdered woman weighed nearly 200 pounds. Yet no one heard a sound when the murderer failed her. Not a sound, not a cry, not a clue. But suspicions. Yes. Lizzie Borden lay in prison, staring at the whitewashed ceiling, hearing again and again the same words. Different voices, but always the same words. Where were you, Lizzie Borden, when this happened?

[Lizzie Borden]

Where were you, Lizzie Borden, when this happened?

[Narrator]

Where were you, Lizzie Borden, when this happened? Where were you, Lizzie Borden, when this Happened?

[Lizzie Borden]

Where were you, Lizzie Borden, when this happened?

[Narrator]

Where were you, Lizzie Borden, when this happened? Where were you, Lizzie Borden, when this happened? The Superior Court of New Bedford on this day, June 20th, now in session. Chief Justice Alber Mason presiding. All stand while the justice takes his seat. Mr. Robinson, you may begin your closing appeal to the jury. Gentlemen of the jury, you have heard the witnesses describe the sitting room in which Mr. Borden was killed. Of the walls, the ceiling were splattered with blood. Now, gentlemen of the jury, almost two hours elapsed between the murders. At no time was Ms. Lizzie Borden out of the sight of Bridget the maid, or Mr. Borden before his death for a period of more than 20 minutes. How could she cleanse herself of blood stains in that length of time? I repeat, how could she cleanse herself of blood stains in that length of time? She could not remember that. According to the State, Lizzie Borden must have killed her stepmother about 9:30, got rid of the weapon, cleansed herself and appeared before Bridget the maid before 9:45. Again she had between 10:45 and 11:00 in which to kill Mr. Borden. Again dispose of the weapon and again cleanse herself of blood stains. Impossible, gentlemen of the jury, impossible. Within 15 minutes of Mr. Borden's death, Lizzie Borden was examined by Mrs. Churchill who stated that there were no blood stains on Lizzie Borden's person, not even inside her bodice. I have finished. I ask that you think carefully and seriously upon the evidence presented when you return your verdict. The District Attorney may address the jury. Gentlemen of the jury, the defense contend that Lizzie Borden did not have time to cleanse herself after killing her stepmother. Now that is something that no one can say. The medical testimony cannot and does not specify the exact moment at which Mrs. Borden was struck down. And Lizzie Borden may have had ample time in which to rid herself of the telltale blood stains. In regard to the killing of Mr. Borden, I admit the difficulty. I cannot answer it. You cannot answer it. But, gentlemen of the jury, Lizzie Borden was the only person who could have committed the double murder. And so I say to you, gentlemen of the jury, as presiding judge in this case, that if the State have not proved their case, then you must find for the prisoner and return a verdict. So you may retire to consider your verdict while the jury retire to consider their verdict. Consider the case. It is not easy to remove blood stains. Blood stains can be removed more or less easily from the smooth skin of the face, but from the hands no Remember too that there was no bathtub in the Borden home. Do not lose sight of the fact that no weapon was found, no burned clothes were found and the murderer must have been literally saturated with the victim's blood. Consider too that at any moment Bridget, the maid or Mr. Borden could have walked upstairs and discovered the murderer killing Mrs. Borden. The jury have been out almost an hour. It is 4:30 and they file to their places in the jury box. Are the gentlemen of the jury agreed upon a verdict? We are, your honor. Lizzie Borden, stand up. Face the jury. We, the jury, find the prisoner not guilty. A careful reading without emotion or favor of the trial transcript must convince any unprejudiced person that Lizzie Borden did not commit the double murder. Since this is an unsolved mystery, any solution is necessarily a supposition based however, upon the known facts, a possible solution will be presented after you have heard from your ra. On two occasions previous to the Borden murders, the Borden home had been robbed of jewelry and money. Stray tramps had probably perpetrated the robberies. And remember that these gentlemen of the highway leave secret markings on walls and houses informing their brothers of the road that these houses are easy to rob. Or perhaps a mark that tells that the householder is kindly and that food will be forthcoming. It is the morning of the murder.

[Lizzie Borden]

Lizzie. Lizzie. Yes, mother? I'm going to town to visit a friend who isn't feeling well. Now, mother, I'm going to my room to dress first. Have Bridget washed the windows. Yes, mother. Bridget. Oh, Bridget. Yes, Miss Lizzie? I'm going to do some ironing. Will you wash the windows? Yes, Miss Lizzie. I've got the water and everything ready now. I'm going right outside. Bolts of the iron, son. Be hard for quite a spell. I'll go to the barn and get the lead and make these sinkers from a fishing line.

[Narrator]

A tramp, hidden in the basement since early morning, makes his way into the house. This is his opportunity for petty theft. The house is empty, he thinks. In the upper room he comes face to face with Mrs. Borden. He silences her unuttered cry with a blow. Panic seizes him and he turns to flee. Escape is impossible. Lizzie Borden has returned from the barn and tremblingly the murderer hides in the same room where his victim lies. De.

[Lizzie Borden]

Here's your father, Ms. Lizzie. I'm going up to my room for a few minutes. Very well, Bridget. Oh, hello, father.

[Narrator]

Hello, Lizzie.

[Lizzie Borden]

You may offer me father.

[Narrator]

Well, not a thing, Lizzie. I'm tired. I think I'll lie down for a bit on the sofa.

[Lizzie Borden]

All right. I'm going out to the barn for a piece of iron.

[Narrator]

The murderer, still hidden in the upper room, hears the door slam. He creeps downstairs to the living room, sees Mr. Borden on the sofa and thinking he's asleep, tries to creep past him. Borden looks up, sees the blood stained figure. But like Mrs. Borden, he is silenced with a blow. Before he can say a word the back door creaks. Lizzie's returning. In a moment the hue and cry will be raised. The murderer's only chance is to hide in the basement and wait for an opportune moment to escape. And so Fall river had an unsolved mystery for the police. Despite a statement that a murderer could have entered the house through the basement. Didn't even look in the basement till the next day. And the murderer had of course made his escape in the dark of the previous night.