Lizzy Borden: Bloodlines, Bludgeons, and Betrayals

Summary: She was rich, religious, and respectable—or so they thought. In 1892, the quiet town of Fall River was shattered by a gruesome double murder and the trial of a woman who became a legend. Was Lizzy Borden a misunderstood spinster… or a killer with a pear-shaped alibi?

In this episode of The House of Syx, Jenn and Jared take their hatchets to the truth behind the Borden murders. We explore the bizarre timeline, the forensic fumbles, the pear that became Exhibit A, and how society’s expectations of women collided with a bloody crime scene. With historical context, hard facts, and the usual dose of skeptical side-eye, we try to answer the question: Did she do it?

Stick around for the outro as I sing the creepy childrens' nursery rhyme (unfortunately)

Timestamps:

00:00 – Cold Open: “It begins, not with a scream…”

01:10 – Intro & Opening Banter

03:05 – Meet the Borden Family

07:32 – Social Class, Schedules, and Sibling Tensions

13:14 – Morning of the Murders: Who Was Where

17:58 – Discovery of Abby & Andrew

23:10 – The Pear, the Barn, and the Timeline Problem

28:44 – Police Failures and Forensics (or Lack Thereof)

32:19 – Lizzy’s Many Versions of Events

35:03 – The Inquest and Arrest

38:00 – Trial Highlights: The Skull Reveal and the Faint Heard 'Round the World

41:35 – Acquittal and Aftermath: Sisters, Secrets, and Maplecroft

47:00 – Final Thoughts: Did She Do It?

49:42 – Housekeeping & Outro

50:45 – Creepy Closing Verse

Sources & Recommended Viewing:

• Lizzie Borden: A Case Book of Family and Crime in the 1890s – Joyce Williams, Edward T. Radin
• The Triial of Lizzie Borden – Cara Robertson
• Forty Whacks – David Kent
• American Experience: The Borden Murders (PBS)
• The Curious Life and Death of Lizzie Borden (Smithsonian)
• Lizzie Borden Took an Ax (Lifetime)

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⚠️ Content Warning: This episode contains descriptions of violent crimes, including axe murders and forensic details. While we aim to keep things thoughtful and respectful, some material may be disturbing—listener discretion is advised.

• Lizzie Borden - Wikipedia
• Lizzie Borden Collections – Fall River Historical Society
• The Lizzie Borden Trial of 1892 | National Women's History Museum
• Lizzie Borden Trial
• Lizzie Andrew Borden Virtual Museum and Library