1
Hello, Patty.
I heard you threw
your man around
Pick him up
just to let him down
It's a shame, baby,
but I always knew
Just the way you're gonna do
Incredible wordstoday, Reverend.
Thank you very much.
Just a psychotic girl
and I won't get lost...
It's a beautiful day.
Oh, it's hot.
Did you see the new carriage
the Andersons have?
Father prefers
we walk.
Mr. Borden,
how is everything?
Fine, fine, fine.
Your daughters
are looking lovely.
Lovely?
If they're so lovely,
why don't I have
many grandchildren by now?
Are we having the mutton again
for lunch today?
You don't have to eat it.
I do worry it's making us
all sick.
You will eat what's put
in front of you,
or you won't eat at all.
May I please be excused?
No, Lizzie, you may not.
Excuse me, Father.
I've asked younot to make noise
while I'm in this room.
Pardon me.
What are youdoing here, Sousa?
Don't you ever come to my house.
I need to
pay my men.
You can't cheat us,
Mr. Borden.
We've had enough.
You get paid for
the work that you do,
not a penny more.
You're not gonna
get away with this.
Mrs. Borden,
the church is
always short of funds.
Fight the horde,
scratch the nails
'Ware the charging
lion's tails
In all the blackest
of the blues
I need a longer fuse
Whenever I...
My father thinks he can forbid me
from going.
What will he do?
Lock you in your room?
Believe me,
he would if he could.
How is Emma doing?
I love my sister,
but she likes to
hide her head in the sand.
I've always wanted more,
more than she's wanted.
I just wish I had the freedom
to live the life
I've always imagined.
Nothing wrong
with dreaming, Lizzie.
Hmm.
It's difficult to dream in that place.
Sometimes, Alice,
I have a feeling that
something terrible
is going to happen there.
What do you mean?
Well, my father
has so many enemies.
There have been
so many arguments
and disputes.
I fear someone might try to hurt him.
Miss Borden,
your mother said that
we aren't to extend
any more credit to you
without her permission.
Oh.
Well, how embarrassing.
I suppose I'll have to pay
the old-fashioned way.
That would be fine.
Thank you.
All ready, Miss Borden.
Wonderful.
I'll have Bridget
come by and pick it up.
Of course.
I hope you enjoy your party.
Thank you.
Father?
What are you doing?
Father's upset.
Did you steal a mirror
from the dress shop?
The owner said
you took a mirror
from her store.
That's ridiculous.
Why do you lie to me, Lizzie?
I don't lie to you.
You lie to everyone.
So what did father do?
He paid, of course.
Could we have a moment, please?
It was an accident.
The mirror must have fallen
into the dress box.
Don't think you're going to
that party tonight.
Of course, I'm going.
Who will be your escort?
I am perfectly capable
of walking there on my own.
I don't need an escort.
I will not have you
traipsing about Fall River
all alone at night.
You will not go unaccompanied.
Oh, Father.
I do love you so.
But I'm not that
little girl anymore.
No, no, no.
The answer is no.
Whoo, boy
Whoo, boy
Give me a shout,
so I'll be hypnotized
With them swinging hips
and them workout thighs
Oh, Lord, what's a man to do?
Spent all my time at bars
Trying to find
what I'm looking for
But, baby, baby,
I still ain't found you
Whoo, boy!
Lizzie!
Alice.
Took you long enough.
Stanley Jefferies.
Lizzie Borden.
Are you actually here?
Think of me
as a figment
of your imagination.
Lizzie, I don't know
much about you.
I've seen you at church,
but never had
the chance to speak.
Aren't you a Sunday school teacher?
Only on Sundays.
- Lizzie.
- Nance.
Lizzie Borden.
Come on, I have some
peoplel want you to meet.
Whoo boy!
Lizzie? Wake up.
You're wanted downstairs.
Lizzie,
there has, uh...
There's been a robbery.
Mrs. Borden's gold watch
and chain were taken
and, uh, $20 in cash.
The watch that
my mother gave me
before she died.
That's terrible.
Do you have any idea
what might have happened?
Of course not.
Marshall.
Um...
As I was saying, Mr. Borden,
there seems to be no sign
of forced entry.
And since your maid saw
or heard no one enter,
well, I'm inclined
to think that...
Yes?
Perhaps there's
another possible explanation.
Well, Marshall Fleet,
I want to thank you
for your help,
and if we hear
anything more
about the situation,
you'll be the first to know.
What do you have to
sayfor yourself, Lizzie?
Honestly, Father,
what are you thinking?
We don't see
how anybody else
could have gotten in.
Oh, is that so?
How can she steal
from her own family?
I did not steal those items
from the house, Father.
Nor would I ever think to do so.
Don't walk away from me, Lizzie.
Let her go.
Why bother with her anymore?
You let me deal
with my daughter
in my own way, please.
You let her accuse meof stealing?
In our house?
She's the thief.
The one stealing from you
and me and Emma.
She's bleeding you dry.
It's her family coming to you
for loans and handouts.
You bought them that beautiful house
on the hill,
while Emma and I
are prisoners
in this horrible place.
You are blessed to havea
roof over your head.
I have prayed for you.I protected you.
I have paid for your fines.
And you have tested and shamed me
as a parent and a Christian.
Have you never felt grateful in your life?
You don't want me to
become anything, do you?
You just want me to stay here forever
with you.
No, that's... That's...
Preposterous.
That's preposterous.
That's...
It looks handsome on you.
I remember the day
you gave it to me.
You'll find someone.
Someone smart enough to
see you for who you are.
To marry?
What if I don't
want to get married?
You want to grow old alone?
A spinster?
That's not what I meant.
Never mind.
Lizzie?
I'm leaving for Fairhaven.
My friend Greta had a baby,
so I'm going to
make myself useful.
I shouldn't bemore than a day or two.
Yes, you should stay a few days.
Lizzie, are you all right?
Perfectly.
Bridget, you've got to get these
windows clean before it gets too hot.
Yes, ma'am.
Hello?
Morning. Morning.
Bridget?
Since when do we
lock the dead bolt?
Was the door locked?
No, no, Bridget,
I just like to
knock on my own
front door for a bit.
Beg your pardon,
Mr. Borden.
Where is Mrs. Borden?
I'm not sure. Perhaps...
Mother went out.
She did?
She received a note
from a sick friend.
She must have
gone out to see her.
Oh.
Father?
Lizzie?
Lizzie, that's enough.
Are you all right?
Yes.
Why are you sweating so?
It's hot.
I'm glad you're home.
Father?
What?
Are you going to take a nap?
Yes.
Hello, Patty. Hello.
How are you?
Fine, thank you.
Miss Lizzie?
Is something the matter?
Father is dead.
Someone came in
and killed him.
Help!
Help!
Dr. Bowen, help!
Dr. Bowen, please!
Dr. Bowen!
Bridget. My goodness, what is it?
Mr. Borden.
He's been killed.
Ladies.
Officers.
Would you like to
sit down, Miss Lizzie?
Would you get him some
water, please, Bridget?
Yes, ma'am.
Lizzie, what happened?
What's going on?
My father is dead.
What?
Someone came in and killed him.
Your father?
Oh, my God, Lizzie.
Oh, my God.
Where is your mother?
Who?
Where is Mrs. Borden?
Oh. Uh...
She said she went out
to see a sick friend.
I didn't see her go.
Why don't you check upstairs?
The guest room.
Do you need the room cleared?
Gentlemen, we have to
take some pictures.
Stand back, please.
Gentlemen, please.
Doctor.
I had no idea we could fit so
many people in this house.
Miss Lizzie.
I need to ask you
some questions,
if I could?
I would like to know
what, if anything,
you know about
what happened here today.
I...
I was in the barn,
so I don't really know
what happened.
And what were you doing in the barn?
I was looking for
my fishing tackle.
We are going fishing next week.
I ate a pear.
I beg pardon?
I ate a pear.
I ate three pears,
and then I came inside
and I saw my father.
Perhaps we should talk tomorrow
when you're in
a clearer frame of mind.
Yes?
My mind is pretty clear
right now.
If you could excuse me for one minute.
What are they going to do?
That is the medical examiner.
They need to examine him now.
In the dining room?
Yes. Please.
Miss Lizzie,
could you please
show me your hands?
My apologies for this.
It is just a procedure
for anybody who was
in the house.
I understand.
You're seeing if
there's blood on them.
Over.
Thank you.
Miss Lizzie, what is this stain?
Oh.
It's stew, I think.
Stew?
I see.
Arms up, please.
District Attorney Knowlton.
Marshall.
Who are all these people?
Neighbors.
Word travels fast.
Has the Medical Examiner determined a time
of death yet?
He believes the lady
was taken at approximately
9:00 this morning,
the old man
perhaps an hour after that.
Was there a struggle?
The setting seems
to be undisturbed.
Evidence of theft?
Not at first glance, no.
Marshall, get this area secure.
And get these people out of here
so we can conduct
a proper investigation.
You said she received
a note before she left?
Yes.
Do we have that note?
Do you have the note?
Why would I...
No. Bridget, do you?
No, ma'am.
It must be with
Mrs. Borden.
Mrs. Borden is
your stepmother, correct?
Yes, she was.
Miss Borden, did you
love your stepmother?
How dare you ask that question?
Of course I did.
Marshall, must we
endure this inquisition?
Emma, it's okay.
Mr. Knowlton, what else
would you like to know?
Did you love your father?
This...
My father is a complicated man,
and he was known to be difficult,
but I loved him
like any daughter
would love her father.
Should we stay here tonight?
I'll stay with you both,
if you wish.
Thank you, Alice.
Why don't I have some food
brought over from my house?
We have some roast lamb.
I am rather hungry.
See you soon.
I suppose we should move now.
The Maplecroft house
is for sale.
Why are you
talking about this now?
You know, Lizzie,
that I'm always here
for you, to protect you.
Is there anything you want to tell me?
What would I want to tell you, Emma?
Why didn't you run
when you saw
someone had killed father?
Why would I run?
Did you know
the house was empty?
The madman could've
still been in the house,
he could have
killed you, Lizzie.
It didn't feel to me
like anyone else
was in the house.
But how could you know that?
I told you what happened.
Do you think I'm hiding
something from you?
No, of course not.
Good.
I'm so glad.
You know why I didn't run?
Why?
Because I thought to myself,
"That's what killers do.
They run."
I didn't want to
look like a killer.
Cuba moon, pitch-black sky
Chasing smoke
on a thin white line
I've got a dangerous...
One misused cleaver,
one broken ax handle,
one ax head without a handle, dusty.
Two larger axes, both war axes.
One ball-peen hammer,
one large pair of scissors.
Oh, I've got a dangerous
A dangerous, dangerous mind
Good afternoon.
How may I help you?
My name is Andrew Jennings.
Mr. Jennings.
I was a friend
and associate
of your father.
I'm so sorry for your loss.
We were having tea.
Oh, I'm disturbing you.
No, not at all. Join us.
I'm surprised we haven't met before, Mr.
Jennings.
The last I worked
for your father
was on the Wilson Tanning
and Dye case.
Oh.
Well, that's too bad.
Those people said
the most terrible things
about our father.
Yes, I remember now.
You were his lawyer,
weren't you?
That's right.
In fact, I am counsel
for the family.
I'm on retainer.
So technically,
I am your lawyer.
But that was a criminal proceeding.
Are you a criminal lawyer?
Criminal law
is my expertise, yes.
Do I need a criminal lawyer?
You were present
during a murder.
I was not present.
The police,
as you may imagine,
Miss Borden,
are under a great deal
of pressure to apprehend
the culprit
of this terrible act,
to find someone to blame.
So tell me, Mr. Jennings,
who will they blame?
So none of these
are the murder weapon?
No, Mr. Mayor,
they do not appear
to have blood
or any other matter on them.
What about this day laborer,
Mr. Sousa?
He's being questioned
right now
by the police in Tiverton.
Hmm.
What are your thoughts, Hosea?
We should look at the children.
The two daughters?
Really?
Yes. If you consider
the order of the murders,
Mrs. Borden was killed
before Mr. Borden.
Why is that so crucial?
Because if Andrew
was to pass first,
the entire inheritance
would go to
Abby Borden's family,
not the daughters.
But wasn't one of
the sisters out of town?
Yes.
But Lizzie was home,
alone, in the house, the entire time.
Abby Borden was killed at
9:00, Andrew at 11:00.
A violent crime scene.
Are we to believe
a stranger came into
that house, killed Abby,
and hid for almost
two hours, unnoticed?
It's inconceivable.
Are you saying
that the girl did it?
Yes.
I think Lizzie Borden
killed both her parents
with an ax, in cold blood.
We cannot bring these two
loving souls back to us,
but we can celebrate them
by living our lives
the way they did,
with honor and dignity and piety.
I also ask that we, as a church,
as a community,
offer love and support to
the poor, stricken girls
left behind in this tragedy.
May they both be comforted
and may they both
realize how fully
God is their refuge.
Amen.
Amen.
All these troubles, Lord
All these troubles, Lord
All these troubles, Lord
They got me seeing blue...
Hold it.
All these troubles, Lord
I'll go determine what this is about.
Gentlemen.
This is a private service.
What is the meaning of this?
No disrespect, Reverend,
but we've been instructed
to remove the bodies
of the deceased.
This is church property.
Reverend,
we have documents
issued by the court
instructing us to
exhume these remains.
The bodies are to be
taken to Cambridge.
Lord, Lord, Lord
They're exhumingthe bodies.
But how can this happen?
Are they not to be buried?
All right, I'm done.
Alice, would you mind reading?
My eyes are too tired.
"Reward offered. $5,000 reward.
"The above reward will be paid to anyone
"who may secure
the arrest and conviction
"of the person or persons
"who occasioned the death
of Andrew Borden
and his wife.
"Signed Emma L. Borden
and Lizzie A. Borden."
Mr. Mayor.
Mayor.
Good day, Mr. Mayor.
Good afternoon, ladies.
This is Mayor Coughlin.
Your Honor, this is
Lizzie and Emma Borden.
It's a pleasure to meet you both
and please accept
my deepest condolences.
Thank you.
I'm here today
to inform you that
the county coroner
has taken it under advisement
to open and conduct
an official inquiry
into the murder of your parents.
Your presence is requested
tomorrow morning at 9:00.
An officer will be sent
to escort you
to the police station.
Very well. 9:00.
It's just a formality.
That's all.
And what about lunch?
- We'll be done by lunch.
- Well...
And we'll get you home
right after.
Thank you, Mayor.
It was a pleasure meeting you.
Thank you.
The Mayor in our house.
What do you think of that?
Lizzie, stop!
Didn't you hear him?
We have to go to
the police station tomorrow!
It's only a formality, Emma.
It's interesting.
Interesting?
Don't you think?
No, I do not!
Our parents are dead!
Good night, Emma.
Good night.
Look right.
Do you have anything
to say to the press?
The Herald wants to know.
Give me your full name.
Lizzie Andrew Borden.
What is your
date of birth, please?
July 19, 1860.
Your mother is not living?
No, sir.
When did she die?
She died when I was
two years old.
You don't remember her, then?
No, sir.
Have you any idea how much your father
was worth?
No, sir.
Have you ever formed an opinion?
Never.
You have been
on pleasant terms
with your stepmother?
Yes, sir.
Cordial?
That depends upon
one's idea of cordiality.
What dress did you wearthe day your parents
were killed?
It was a blue
cotton dress with embroidery.
Do you know whether there was
any blood on that dress?
The Marshall checked it
for blood, I believe.
Marshall Hilliard?
Yes.
When did he do this?
When you were all at the house.
You mean the day
your parents were killed?
That day, yes.
Well, there was blood
found on that dress,
Miss Borden.
It was not brought to my attention.
Where is that dress now?
I have no idea.
At home, I suppose.
We'll need to seethat dress in evidence.
What does that mean?
We will send
a court officer around
to collect that dress
and admit it into evidence.
Lizzie? What are you doing?
What is that?
It's that dress.
Don't you need to bring that
to the police station?
This doesn't concern you, Emma.
Lizzie,
you can't burn that dress
after they've asked for it!
They'll think
you're hiding something!
Just go back to bed!
Do you want to go to jail?
This will get you
in so much trouble!
Just go back to bed, Emma!
Excuse me, I'm here to speak with
the Staff Sergeant.
Go right in, Miss.
Thank you.
We attempted to collect the item,
but the officer was told
it no longer existed.
No longer existed?
What does that mean?
She burned it.
Your Honor,
she knowingly
destroyed evidence in order
to conceal culpability.
We asked for the dress,
she destroyed it.
She didn't just throw it away.
She burned it.
That is enough to
convince me of her guilt.
Well, I'm just having
a difficult time believing
she could do this.
Because she's a woman?
Insane asylums are
full of insane women.
She's an insane woman.
She killed her parents.
So do you
want to formally charge her?
No, I want her to confess.
Don't be
too ambitious here, Hosea.
That woman
hacked her parents
to death with an ax.
This is not about my ambition.
You are in the barn,
you are looking for
a tackle kit
for a fishing trip
that is not going to
happenfor another week.
And yet there is
no fishing tackle
to be found
and neither Bridget Sullivan
nor your own sister
even know you own
a fishing tackle kit.
And while you're in there,
you stop to eat,
ot one, but three pears,
in a hot and dusty barn,
ext to a filthy pigeon coop.
Did you go into the basement that morning?
No.
Did you get an ax
from the basement?
No, sir.
Did you go upstairs
and have an argument
with Abby Borden?
No.
Did you conspire with others
to do away with your own parents
in order to inherit
their estate?
Absolutely not!
Did you see
your father's face,
dead on that sofa?
Did you see his face?
Yes. Yes, I did.
Did you feel sorrow for the man?
I... I was in
a state of shock.
Remorse?
Remorse?
I don't understand.
Remorse because of the fact
you slaughtered
the man with an ax.
Stop it! Stop saying that!
You are a murderer.
You lied to this assembly...
These accusations
are slanderous
and unfounded.
Just please stop.
You destroyed
evidence.
Just stop.
And you killed
both your own parents
in order to garner their estate.
Please stop. Just stop!
Compel this man to stop!
Counsel.
Ma'am. You startled me.
Sorry, Bridget.
I understand
the police spoke to you
for quite some time
after I left the station.
They did, ma'am.
They wanted to
know my whereabouts
at the time of the...
On that day.
What did you tell them?
I told them I was
cleaning windows and such.
Did they ask you
if you thought I did it?
I told them there was no way
that you would
ever do such a thing.
I appreciate that.
Bridget, things are different
around the house now.
With money being what it is,
Emma and I can't afford to
keep you on any longer.
There are enough funds here.
It's three months' wages.
Are you letting me go,
Miss Lizzie?
That is what I'm saying, yes.
You must be quite exhausted.
It was
a very long session,
Dr. Bowen.
From 9:00 till noon.
Mmm-hmm.
Well, now you can get some rest.
What is that exactly?
It's just morphine.
I'd never been in
a police station before.
These small doses are for you.
You use them
if the anxiety
is too great.
No more than two a day. Very good.
Thank you, Doctor.
Emma?
Do you think
there really was
blood on my dress?
I don't know, Lizzie.
Here. Just try and rest.
Just try and rest.
Hello?
Oh, look up, look down
Look out, look all around
Shook up, shot down, shook out
Shake it all around
The New York Times.
What can you tell us
about the case?
Yeah, mama,
shake it, baby, now
Yeah, mama,
shake it, baby, now
Yeah, mama,
shake it, baby, now...
Did you eat breakfast
that morning?
Did you eat breakfast
that morning in the barn?
You said you were eating
in the barn, correct?
I was eating, so yes. Yes, I was eating.
Then what did you do?
I asked her to
draw the curtains
because the sun was so hot.
Asked who?
It must have been
Mrs. Borden.
Are you sure you
were in the kitchen
when your father returned?
When he returned, I was upstairs.
Miss Borden, you have
told us several times
that you were downstairs
when your father came home.
I don't know what I've said.
I have been asked
so many questions,
and I'm so confused.
So you were upstairs.
Were you with Mrs. Borden?
I don't know a thing anymore.
Were you with Bridget?
No. No.
Bridget was outside.
Did you see
your mother upstairs?
Your Honor, please.
Did you see
your mother upstairs?
Miss Borden,
did you love your mother?
She's not my mother!
Lizzie. Miss Lizzie,
Judge Blaisdell sent me.
"Lizzie A. Borden,
the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts complains
"that you did, feloniously
and with malice aforethought,
"make assault with a
certain sharp instrument
"in and upon the head
of Andrew J. Borden."
Please, stop.
What exactly does this mean?
We have to take you
into custody.
Under whose authority?
I was sent by court decree.
You know what they think.
Your attorney, Mr. Jennings,
is waiting for you.
When the aim is low
When the shot is wide
You got to set your shoulder
Keep 'em satisfied
And the honey flows
And the black is white
You got to lock and load
And leave your soul behind
Why is this happening?
Lizzie, you are under arrest.
They're officially
filing charges.
They believe
you killed your parents.
How could they believe that?
The prosecutor
is very determined.
And why have I been brought
all the way out to this place?
Because Fall River
has no facility for
housing female prisoners.
You'll be taken care of here.
We'll bring you
what you need,
meals, anything.
And what will happen to me now?
Are you telling me I was arrested because
I burned an old dress?
No. But they think
the act is enough
to show intention and motive.
They looked at it once.
I was never told to keep it.
Of course not.
It is not evidence,
not admissible.
It provides no insight.
It proves nothing.
It's that act of
burning the dress, Lizzie,
that created suspicion.
Can they keeplying about me?
Everything
they say is a lie.
All they have are
the stories they create.
Your statement at the inquest
is not admissible at trial.
Everything I said?
Not admissible at trial.
They didn't advise you
of your rights.
They thought you would confess.
Why would I do that?
Exactly.
We have the truth
on our side and we have
the law on our side.
But you need tothink about this.
Your case is now headline news.
Everything you say,
your every move,
will be examined and dissected,
and you will be judged
by your actions.
I hate this photograph of me.
Do you understand
the gravity
of these charges?
The penalty
for this crime is death.
But I am innocent.
I'm innocent!
There she is! Comment.
The Boston Globe
has a question for you.
There she is!
She couldn't possibly have done it.
She's pretty.
She couldn't kill anybody.
Are you well, Lizzie?
I'm fine.
Upon the fourth dayof August,
an old man and woman,
husband and wife,
each without
a known enemy in the world
and in their own home,
upon a frequented street
in the most populous city
in this county,
were first one, then after an interval of
almost two hours, another,
severally killed by unlawful human agency.
Fact
and fiction have furnished
many astounding examples
of crime
that have shockedthe senses and staggered
the reason of men.
Yet, I think not one
has ever surpassed
the mystery of this case.
Today,
this woman of
good social position
and unquestionable character,
a member of a Christian church,
active in its good works,
the very own daughter
of one of the victims,
sits before you in this court,
charged by the Grand Jury
with these crimes.
The brutal,
indeed savage character
of the crime,
the audacity of its location,
and the extraordinary accusation
that the youngest daughter
of one of the victims
is the insane fiend
who carried out this act.
It was an incredible crime,
a bloody and unthinkable crime.
Because the cold
merciful fact
that confronts us
is that it was
committed by a woman.
You might come to believe that
only a feral thing
could dispatch
their own forbearers
with such malice and impunity.
You might wonder
what kind of dark heart
resides in that soul.
But I am telling you, that dark heart is in
this room right now.
She did not strike her father one time.
Not once.
Not twice.
Not even three times.
But 11 times in the face,
with an ax.
Harry?
We're going to take a short recess.
I'll see counsel in my chambers.
Your Honor,
look at the facts
of the murder.
Female victim,
struck numerous times
with an ax, nothing taken.
The killer hid inside the house.
Same time of day.
It's the same
modus operandi.
And our suspect
was locked away in prison.
We don't know all the facts.
We don't know if that was
a crime of passion.
We don't know anything.
The state has spent months
building a case
against this woman.
We can't just
stop this trial
because of a similarity.
And so the idea
being presented here
is that there is
yet another ax murderer
loose in this very same city?
I agree with Mr. Knowlton.
The machinery
we have impelled
cannot be ground to a stop.
The case will go on.
And Miss Borden
will be tried in the matter
of which she was accused.
The prosecution calls
Miss Bridget Sullivan.
Do you swear to tell the whole truth
and nothing but the truth,
so help you God?
I do.
You mentioned something
when we had our interview
that I thought was interesting.
You said, in all the years
you worked there,
you never saw Lizzie
give her father a gift.
Is that a true statement?
No. She gave him a ring.
A ring.
It was from her
high school, I believe.
Other than this ring,
did you ever see her
give her father anything
as far as you know?
They weren't that kind of family.
What kind of family were they?
Your Honor,
is the witness expected
to answer such a broad question?
Counsel.
You were present
on the morning
of the murders?
I was there.
We have established
that Mrs. Borden
was killed around 9:30
that morning.
Was Lizzie present at that time?
At 9:30?
Around that time, yes.
And then around 10:30,
when Mr. Borden came home,
you saw Lizzie
at that time also, correct?
Yes.
Was this when you
had the discussion
about Mrs. Borden's
whereabouts?
Yes.
She simply said
that she had to visit
a friend who was sick
and you were to
finish the windows.
Summoned by a sick friend.
Was the friend named?
No, sir.
Did Lizzie show you the note?
No.
Did Mrs. Borden
have a lot of friends?
Not many.
Not many or not any?
Maybe one.
Has she been known
to help people in need?
Not especially.
So while you were being told
Mrs. Borden was out attending
to her sick friend,
the reality was,
Mrs. Borden was laying dead
in that guest room upstairs.
Is that correct?
Yes.
I was upstairs
looking out their window
and saw her walk out back
and place the dress into a pot
they had in the yard.
Did she burn the dress?
Yes.
Was there any reason given?
No.
Your report indicates
that you saw a small stain
on her dress.
I did.
But you determined
that it was not blood.
I saw a small stainthat looked old
and did not appear to be blood.
What did you do
when you observed the stain?
I asked Miss Borden
about the stain
and she told me
she thought it was
from a stew.
And that was
all you needed to hear?
Feet away
from two deceased souls,
both violently murdered,
that this possible
blood stain was stew,
and you left it at that?
Would you explain, for the jury,
the basic natureof your duties
when you arrive,
92 Second Street,
Mr. Hilliard?
I secure the area
known as the crime scene,
in this case, the house,
and I conduct
interviews with anybody
who might have been present,
uh, what is known as
the eyewitness.
Did you interview Miss Borden?
I did.
What did she witness,
according to her statement?
She discovered
the body of Andrew Borden.
She found her own father, dead.
Did you examine
Miss Borden on your arrival
for any marks
or for any blood
on her person?
Yes, I examined her for blood or injury.
Miss Lizzie,
could you please
show me your hands?
And you found neither?
I did not.
The records do indicate
that you did find
a small stain.
The nature of the assault
would have produced
much more blood
than a single stain.
Unsolicited!
Can the testimony adhere
to what is known
and not what is assumed?
Is this your first visit
to a violent crime scene?
It is not.
And is it your opinion
that a bloody crime scene
is likely to produce a situation
in which blood would be found
on the perpetrator?
That is often the case, yes.
Did you, on arrival
to 92 Second Street,
find any evidence of blood
on anyone in the house?
I did not.
Thank you.
Did Lizzie Borden
visit your pharmacy
in the days leading up
to her parents' deaths?
She did.
What did she wish to procure?
Potassium cyanide,
a very toxic poison.
Excuse me, Mr. Bence.
Will this powder kill
the rats in my attic?
She indicated that it was for
a vermin problem.
The Bordens
experienced extreme
gastrointestinal distress
prior to their deaths.
Could that be the result
of cyanide poisoning?
It could, yes.
Mr. Bence, did you sell
any potassium cyanide
to Miss Borden?
No. I did not.
Did either Abby or Andrew Borden
show any signs of
a defensive wound?
Neither did.
No marks or cuts on their hands?
No, none at all.
Anything to show
that they fought
for their lives?
No.
Can it be ascertained
that the first blow
to Andrew Borden
was enough to kill him?
Yes.
Evidence of incised
wound 4 inches long,
beginning at the cavity
of the left eye,
reaching to lower
edge of lower jaw,
cutting through nose,
upper lip, lower lip,
and slightly into bone.
So the first strike
was the fatal strike?
In my opinion, yes.
And how many times
was he struck?
Eleven.
So a single strike
with an ax killed him,
and then 10 more times.
Your post mortem report from the
scene of the crime indicates that
you found that
Abby Borden died
around 9:30 in the morning
and Andrew close to 11:00.
How can you make such a determination?
Well, judging by
the state of rigor,
the condition of the wounds,
and the texture of the blood,
I would say
more than an hour
passed between each act.
So the picture
that's starting to form
seems to emerge thusly.
Someone killed Abby Borden
with incredible violence.
Then paused,
somehow, somewhere,
for almost two hours.
Then managed to
repeat the crime
on a second victim.
All without being detected by two women
who were in
and around the house.
Your Honor, as you know,
we've had the bodies exhumed
and the certain parts have been preserved
to be brought here
for your consideration.
- Order!
- Lizzie!
Order!
Order in the court. Order!
There are three exterior doors.
The front door,
leading directly
from the sidewalk.
All right.
At approximately 11:00 a.m.,
someone stepped up
to Andrew Borden
and struck him 11 times
with a hatchet-like weapon.
The blows left a 4-inch
gash through his temple
and cut into the boneof
his upper and lower jaw.
Thank you.
I've sent Alice Russell a note advising her
she's no longer welcome
in our home.
They're having metestify today.
Mr. Knowlton
will try to intimidate you.
Prepare yourself.
I'm nervous. I don't... I don't want to
say anything wrong.
What could you possibly say?
That I'm capable of murder?
No one in this town thinks
I'm capable of anything.
Just tell them the truth.
Good morning, Emma.
Would you,
for the members of the court,
describe your relationship
to the defendant?
She is my younger sister.
Has Lizzie ever shown
violent tendencies
or irrational tendenciesin her life?
Never.
Well, then how would
you describe her?
Kind, gentle, devoted.
She is deeply involved
in the church and
in the volunteer service.
And how would you describe
her relationship
with your parents?
She was a good daughter to them.
Obedient, respectful, loving.
Is this the ring your father wore
on his fourth finger?
Yes, sir.
Did Lizzie give it to him?
Yes.
Did he wear it often?
He never took it off.
Did your father love Lizzie?
Very much.
Did Lizzie love your father?
Of course.
Do you believe
your sister murdered
your parents?
No.
I do not.
Thank you.
You said, "Of course,"
your sister
loved your father,
because one assumes
a man's child loves him.
But Bridget Sullivan,
in the house for five years,
testified that
Lizzie never bought him
anything, ever.
Bridget Sullivan is not
the most reliable person
in the world.
Did she lie
on the witness stand?
She didn't see
everything that
happened with our family.
I suppose not.
I want to ask you
about the night
of September 15th,
when your sister burned a dress.
Yes.
You were with her
when she was
destroying the dress?
I was.
Did she tell you
why she was
destroying the dress?
We both agreed
the dress needed
to be discarded.
You both agreed?
Yes.
It brought back
too many terrible memories.
We hated having it in the house.
So I said to her,
"Let's get rid of the thing."
Lizzie, you can't burn that dress
after they've asked for it.
They'll think
you're hiding something.
Were you made aware
that the police inquest
wanted to see that dress?
Not until the next day.
Lizzie did not mention it?
Just go back to bed.
No.
I gave her
those exact instructions
on the day
the dress was destroyed.
Did you or did you not conspire
to destroy that dress
because you knew
there was blood on it?
No, I did not.
Did you or did you not
burn that dress
to destroy evidence of
your parents' murder?
No, I did not.
If Lizzie did
something that was wrong
by burning that dress,
then it was my fault.
I told her to do it.
Why did you tell her to do it?
Because it was
old and terrible
and we wanted it gone.
Because it was old and terrible
and you wanted it gone.
Emma!
Tell us the truth,
Miss Borden.
What did you tell them?
Emma!
What's happening?
Is Lizzie guilty?
It was a terrible crime.
An impossible crime.
But it was committed.
Mrs. Borden had been slain
by some sharp
and terrible instrument,
inflicting on her
defenseless head
18 blows,
13 crushing through the skull.
The prisoner
before you at the bar
is a woman.
It is hard to conceive
that a woman could be guilty
of this crime.
I need say nothing
with regard to the blood,
for there was no blood found.
I need say nothing with regard
to the physical evidence,
because there is no physical evidence.
There is not one particle
of direct evidence
linking Lizzie Andrew Borden
to this crime.
No thief did this.
No random assailant.
There was nothing in these blows
but hatred, hatred
and a desire to kill.
We have heard testimony
of a stranger
who was seen about
the household
on the day of the murder.
They have produced no suspect.
But the mere fact that
persons unknown had
access to the property
is more than enough
to introduce
an element of doubt.
If you can even conceive
of any other hypothesis
in which it is possible
that someone else did this deed,
then you
have a reasonable
doubt in your mind.
Lizzie Borden, loving daughter,
ever went up those stairs, never
went up those stairs that morning.
Something else went up those stairs.
Something unholy and devoid of feeling.
Something we cannot fathom
with our own minds.
That was the Lizzie Borden
who pursued that poor woman
up the stairs to her death,
and then waited, weapon in hand,
for the appropriate moment
and did the same to her father.
To find this defendant
equal to that enormity,
her heart so blackened
with depravity,
her very existence
such a web
of violence and crime
is to find this tender young lass guilty.
But to do that, you, gentlemen of the jury,
you must allow your minds
to consider her
not just a brute,
but a deeply, pathologically
depraved butcher.
Miss Lizzie Andrew Borden,
although you have now
been heard from fully
through your counsel,
it is your privilege to add any words
you may desire to say
in person to the jury.
I'm innocent.
I leave it to my counsel
to speak for me.
Very well.
Now, gentlemen,
the case is committed
into your hands.
This court nowstands adjourned
until verdict.
An hour and 10 minutes.
They must have known
all along.
She will hang.
All rise.
Is it a bad sign that
they are back so soon?
We must maintain our composure.
Lizzie Andrew Borden, stand up.
Gentlemen of the jury, have you agreed
upon your verdict?
We have.
Please return
the paper to the court.
Mr. Foreman, look upon the prisoner.
Prisoner, look upon the foreman.
What say you, Mr. Foreman, of the
charge against Lizzie Andrew Borden?
Not guilty.
Order! Order, please!
Business of this court
is concluded.
Them black-eyed dogs
are out
Go in ahead
I just seen you
In the eye of the storm
Will you stay in this town?
Morning, Marshall.
You are not welcome.
"Take courage,
my children, cry to God
"and he will deliver you
from the power and hand
of the enemy.
"For I have put my hope
in the Everlasting
to save you,
"because of the mercy that
will soon come to you
"from your everlasting Savior.
"For I sent you out
with sorrow and weeping,
"but God will give you
back to me
"with joy
and gladness forever."
Drink up, everyone. It's almost New Year.
Nance, I'm so gladyou made it.
How could I miss it?
I've missed you.
Ten...
Nine, eight, seven, six, five,
four, three, two, one!
Happy New Year!
Is this really the life you want?
Why are you so upset?
I just can't believe
how cavalier
you can be sometimes.
What am I being cavalier about?
Those people, they're not
your friends, Lizzie.
Nonsense.
They aren't here
because they like you.
You're a carnival attraction
to them.
They think you got away
with murder.
What do you think?
Please.
Do you want to know?
Lizzie, stop.
Lizzie?
Miss Lizzie?
Is something the matter?
Father is dead.
Someone came in
and killed him.
When she saw
what she had done
Gave her father 41
Lizzie Borden took an ax
Gave her mother 40 whacks