The Lizzie Borden murder case remains one of the most well-known in American criminal history, capturing the attention of the national press due to its brutality. Despite popular belief, the details of the crime differ slightly from the famous rhyme associated with it.

The victims were Borden's stepmother and father, not her parents, and the weapon used was a hatchet, not an ax. The number of blows inflicted on the victims was also different from what the rhyme suggests. The murders, which occurred in quick succession on August 4, 1892, shed light on the societal divisions in Fall River, Massachusetts, where the crime took place.


The case drew national interest due to the cultural, religious, class, ethnic, and gender dynamics at play in the town. The lack of a clear motive, the victims' social status, and the absence of witnesses added to the mystery surrounding the murders. Andrew Borden, Lizzie's father, was a prominent figure in Fall River, known for his wealth and investments in various industries. Despite his financial success, he lived modestly, which was unusual for someone of his stature in the town.