The Officially Unsolved Crime Everyone Knows Who Did It: The Murders of Andrew and Abby Borden

While many crimes do not have definitive resolutions, there is one case in history that exemplifies this paradox. The murders of Andrew and Abby Borden, which took place in 1892 in Fall River, Massachusetts, is a case that remains officially unsolved but where the perpetrator's identity is widely known. Let us delve into the chilling details of this murder case and why it remains shrouded in mystery despite public knowledge of its culprit.

A Tragic Night in Fall River

On August 4, 1892, Andrew and Abby Borden were found brutally murdered in their home. The scene of the crime was grim: Andrew was found in his library, while his wife Abby was discovered in the kitchen. Both victims had their throats cut, a single weapon having been used according to the forensic evidence presented at the time. A coroner was so sure of this fact that he displayed the skulls of both victims at the trial to demonstrate this point, a practice much rarer in 1892.

Speculation and Suspects

The community was quick to speculate on the identity of the murderer. There were multiple initial suspects, including a maid with a motive to kill Abby, and several business associates with motives against Andrew. However, it is suggested that the only suspects with a double motive were the two daughters of Andrew, and Lizzie Borden was the only one at home on the night of the murders. Further heightening suspicion, there were instances of recent strained relations between Lizzie and Abby, particularly with Lizzie's change in language from "mother" to "Abby."

A Poor Verdict and Acquittal

The verdict delivered by the all-male jury in the trial of Lizzie Borden was shockingly not guilty. The jurisdiction at the time was deeply rooted in the societal norms of the era. Convicting a woman, especially by hanging, was considered socially unacceptable. Moreover, the correctional facilities of the time were not equipped to house a woman sentenced to a life term. Consequently, Lizzie was acquitted, despite overwhelming forensic evidence.

Disputed Facts and Ruling

The prosecution and court relied heavily on forensic evidence and improbabilities. The coroner's report indicated that Abby had died first, while Andrew was found with a still warm and bleeding body. This suggested that the murderer had loitered in the house after the first killing, which points to a member of the household as the culprit. The timing of the deaths was crucial, with Abby discovered in the kitchen, where it was difficult to escape unnoticed, and Andrew found in his library, which would have alerted neighbors and passersby upon his return home. This laid the groundwork for the case to remain officially unsolved while public opinion identified Lizzie Borden as the prime suspect.

Discerning the Sequence of Killings

The determination of the sequence of events was critical. In 1892, the methods for determining the time of death were limited to temperature and rigor mortis. If Abby was found cold and rigid, while Andrew was found warm and bleeding, it would clearly indicate that she had died first. While an educated layperson might recognize the significance, pinpointing an entire hour between the deaths would only be evident to a trained forensic expert. It is believed that the coroner used this sophisticated technique to establish the timeline.

Aftermath and Legacy

Despite the official ruling of acquittal, the public remained convinced of Lizzie Borden's guilt. She went on to live a life marked by conspicuous consumption and social ostracism, even as she built a substantial estate and had several friends in reputable circles, including Boston. Her post-trial life came to be a period of significant public interest and speculation. Yet, the case has remained officially unsolved, a testament to the limitations of forensic science and societal prejudices of the time.

Conclusion

The murders of Andrew and Abby Borden represent a fascinating intersection of personal tragedy, social prejudice, and forensic science. Despite being officially unsolved due to a lack of conclusive evidence, the identity of the murderer is widely known. This case serves as a reminder of the often murky nature of justice in historical contexts and the enduring fascination with unsolved crimes.