Guest Princess Weekes tells the true story of the crime of the century: the Lizzie Borden case. They discuss debunking narratives in true crime, the weapon used in the murders, societal expectations placed on women, rumors and assumptions about Lizzie Borden, Alice Russell's testimony, the myth of sexual assault and incest in female patricide and matricide, and the enduring mystery surrounding the case.
The Lizzie Borden murder trial was marked by weak evidence and significant reasonable doubt, challenging the narrative of her guilt.
Societal biases against unmarried women and the portrayal of female hysteria influenced public perceptions of Lizzie Borden.
The media's sensationalist coverage and gender/class biases contributed to the enduring fascination with the Lizzie Borden case.
Deep dives
The Lizzie Borden murder case and trial
The podcast episode delves into the infamous Lizzie Borden murder case and her subsequent trial. Lizzie was accused of killing her father and stepmother with a hatchet, but the trial resulted in her acquittal. The episode explores the evidence presented during the trial, pointing out the weaknesses in the prosecution's case and the reasonable doubt that existed. It highlights the media's portrayal of Lizzie Borden and the societal biases that influenced public opinion. Despite the acquittal, Lizzie Borden's reputation remained tarnished, and the episode examines the enduring fascination with the case and its impact on public perception of female criminals.
Challenging the portrayal of Lizzie Borden
The podcast challenges the narrative surrounding Lizzie Borden, emphasizing the lack of concrete evidence linking her to the murders. It questions the motives attributed to her, such as greed or hatred for her stepmother, pointing out the flimsiness of these claims. The episode explores how societal biases against unmarried women and the portrayal of female hysteria during that era influenced public perceptions of Lizzie. It highlights the importance of considering reasonable doubt and the flaws in the police investigation and prosecution's case.
The media's role and public perception
The podcast discusses the media's influence on public perception of the Lizzie Borden case. It highlights the sensationalist coverage, the role of rumors and stereotypes, and the impact of gender and class biases on the portrayal of Lizzie in the media. The episode raises questions about the construction of narratives around female criminals and the tendency to focus on sensational details rather than facts.
The enduring fascination with the case
The episode explores the enduring fascination with the Lizzie Borden case, despite her acquittal. It examines the reasons why this particular murder case continues to capture public interest, including the mystery surrounding the crime, the unsolved nature of the case, and the ambiguity of Lizzie's innocence. The episode also touches on the trope of the female murderer, societal expectations of women, and the enduring legacy of the Lizzie Borden case in popular culture.
Questioning the conclusion and aftermath of the case
The podcast challenges the conclusion of Lizzie Borden's innocence while acknowledging the flaws in the investigation and trial. It raises important questions about the limitations of the criminal justice system and the impact of biases and assumptions on the outcome. The episode also sheds light on Lizzie's life after the trial, exploring her decision to continue living in the same town and the enduring stigma she faced, highlighting the individual's right to be presumed innocent even after acquittal.
Forty whacks with a wet noodle, Bart! This week, Princess Weekes tells Sarah the true story of the crime of the century… the nineteenth century, that is.