On this day, Aug. 4, in 1892, the parents of Lizzie Borden were found dead in their Fall River, Mass., home, starting one of the most enduring mysteries in American lore. Andrew Borden’s face had been nearly split in two with a hatchet. Abby, Lizzie’s stepmother, was found with her head smashed to pieces.
Lizzie, 32, was the only other person besides the housekeeper who was present during the slayings.
The trial attracted national attention. Prosecutors said Lizzie tried to burn her dress she wore during the day of the murders and bought an ax the day before, but the jury acquitted the sweet-looking spinster.
Lizzie lived until in 1927. She was buried next to her parents. The story of the killings live on in the rhyme that begins, “Lizzie Borden took an ax. …”
— Scott McCabe
