Murder On Second Street By Suzanne I. Barchers

Transcription

1 Murder On Second Street By Suzanne I. Barchers She was a respected spinster and Sunday school teacher. Could she have committed murder? CHARTACTERS (Main characters appear in boldface type) Narrators 1, 2 Emma Borden, sister of Lizzie Borden Lizzie Borden, the accused Abby Borden, stepmother of Emma and Lizzie Borden Andrew Borden, father of Emma and Lizzie Borden Alice Russell, neighbor to the Bordens Bridget Maggie Sullivan, servant to the Bordens Adelaide Churchill, neighbor to the Sullivans Dr. Seabury Bowen, doctor and neighbor to the Bordens William H. Moody, prosecuting attorney Andrew Jennings, defense attorney Thomas Kieran, defense attorney Hosea M. Knowlton, lead prosecuting attorney Melvin O. Adams, defense attorney George D. Robinson, defense attorney Albert Mason, chief justice Justin Dewey, associate justice Jury Foreman

2 Scene 1 Narrator 1: Andrew Borden, age 70, owns many properties and is active in the community of Fall River, Massachusetts. In 1892, residents of this small town respect a man such as Andrew Borden. Narrator 2: In spite of his wealth, Andrew is very thrifty. The only water sources inside the house at 92 Second Street are cold-water taps in the kitchen and basement. The single toilet is also in the basement. Narr 1: Lizzie, age 32, and her sister Emma, age 41, still live with their father and stepmother, Abby. Although Abby and Andrew Borden have been married since Lizzie was 5, both Emma and Lizzie resent this substitution for their deceased mother. For years, Lizzie, who addresses their stepmother as Mrs. Borden. Emma Borden: Lizzie, supper is ready. Are you going to eat anything? Lizzie Borden: I m going to eat, but not with them. I m still so angry with Father. Have Maggie bring us supper. Emma: All right, I ll be back shortly. Narr 2: Maggie, in her midtwenties, whose name is actually Bridget Sullivan, cleans and cooks for the Bordens. A previous housekeeper was named Maggie, and Lizzie and Emma continue to use Maggie s name. Narr 1: Over supper, Lizzie wastes no time in getting to the point. Lizzie: Emma, how could Father give the farm to her family? Emma: I agree, Lizzie. That farm should go to us, not her relatives. Just think of the summers we spent there. You know, I think Uncle John has been behind a lot of this our own uncle! If Father dies first, she ll get everything. We ll be poor. Lizzie: Now, what are we going to do about all this? It s so infuriating. Emma: Well, I m going to get away for a bit and visit Jennie Brownell in Fairhaven for a few days. Why don t you come along and visit your friends in Marion? Maybe if we have some time away, we can think this through. There has to be a way to make Father see that he s being unfair. Lizzie: I don t know if Father will ever listen to us, especially with Uncle John and her working against us. Maybe getting away will help. Narr 2: On a steamy July day in 1992, Emma and Lizzie set out on their journey. Lizzie, still despondent, decides to turn back while Emma continues to Fairhaven. Not wanting to go directly home, Lizzie checks in at a boarding house for a few days. Then she returns home in despair. Scene 2 Narr 1: On August 1, Andrew and Abby Borden sit down to a dinner of mutton and vegetables. Abby Borden: Andrew, is Lizzie joining us for dinner? Andrew Borden: No, she said she s not hungry. Abby: She seems so angry lately? Andrew: She s upset over the farm. Abby: I think it s more than that. Andrew: (abruptly) Let s just enjoy our dinner, all right? Narr 2: That afternoon, Abby begins to feel ill. Her throat hurts, and her stomach is queasy. By 3 am she has terrible cramps. She goes downstairs to get some water, which causes her to vomit. Later that morning, Andrew finds her lying on the kitchen floor. She continues to feel ill all day. That evening, Andrew wakes her. Abby: (weakly) I ve been poisoned! I ve got to see Dr. Bowen! Andrew: Nonsense! You ve probably just eaten something disagreeable. Don t bother him with this. Go to bed. Narr 1: The next morning, Abby notices red splotches on her arms and legs. She dresses and staggers toward the front door, intending to see Dr. Seabury Bowen, who lives across the street. Andrew stops her. Andrew: Where are you going? Abby: I have to see the doctor! Andrew: I won t pay for it! Just go back to bed. Narr 2: Abby leaves anyway to see the doctor, who listens

3 to Abby s story. He crosses the street to talk with Andrew, who angrily sends him away. By afternoon, Andrew has begun to feel ill as well, but he ignores his nausea and meets with John Morse, the brother of his first wife, who has returned to discuss the terms of Andrew s will. Narr 1: Later, Lizzie pays a call on Alice Russell, a neighbor and a friend of the Borden sisters. Lizzie: Alice, I need to confide in someone. Alice Russell: What s wrong? Lizzie: I feel depressed. Father has so much trouble. And last night he and Abby were so sick. Russell: Was it something they d eaten? Lizzie: I don t know. We were all sick, all but Maggie. Maybe our milk was poisoned. Russell: How could someone tamper with the milk? Lizzie: I don t know. It s just that Father and Abby were so sick. Sometimes I feel afraid that Father has an enemy. Father had a terrible fight with a man over some property. And someone s broken into the barn even into the house, in broad daylight with Emma and Maggie and me right there. Russell: This is the first I ve heard about that. Lizzie: Father doesn t want us to talk of it. When Abby got sick, he told her that he wouldn t pay for her to see Dr. Bowen, but she went anyway. Then he was so rude to Dr. Bowen. I just don t know what to do. Scene 3 Narr 2: There are five people in the Borden house on the morning of August 5, Abby is gradually recovering, while Andrew continues to ignore his nausea. Bridget, who is violently ill, struggles with her chores while Abby discusses the menu with her. Morse dresses and joins Andrew and Abby for a large breakfast. After Morse leaves to visit other family members, Lizzie comes downstairs. Lizzie: Has Uncle John left? Abby: Yes, he ll be back at noon. Lizzie: I m sorry I missed him. Narr 1: Andrew leaves for work. Bridget suddenly leaves the room and vomits in the backyard. When she returns, she looks pale and weak. Abby ignores her obvious distress. Abby: Bridget, it s almost 9:30. Don t forget that you are to wash the windows today. Bridget Maggie Sullivan: (weakly) Yes, ma am. Abby: I m going to tidy up John s room. Don t waste any more time. Sullivan: Yes, ma am. Narr 2: Bridget laboriously hauls water and washes the outside of the main-floor windows. By midmorning she is working inside the house. When she hears Andrew at the front door, she unlocks it. He brings in the mail and goes into the dining room, where Lizzie joined him. Lizzie: How are you feeling? Andrew: No better, no worse. How is Abby? Lizzie: She received a note from someone and went out. Narr 1: Andrew lies down on the couch while Lizzie goes into the dining room with Bridget, who is cleaning the inside windows. Lizzie: Are you going out today? Sullivan: I don t know. I ve been sick all morning. Lizzie: Mrs. Borden got a note from someone and has gone out on a sick call. I might go out, too. You know, there s a sale of dress goods at Sargent s this afternoon. Sullivan: I m going to go there, then! Narr 2: Taking advantage of Abby s absence, Bridget goes to her room to rest before lunch and her planned afternoon shopping trip. Maggie! Come down quickly! Father s dead! Someone killed him!

4 Scene 4 Narr 1: At 11:10, Lizzie calls for help. Mrs. Churchill looks in the sitting room and gasps. Lizzie: Maggie! Come down quickly! Father s dead! Somebody killed him! Narr 2: Bridget hurries down and starts to go into the sitting room. Lizzie: Don t go in there! It s awful! Get the doctor! Narr 1: Dr. Bowen is out, and Mrs. Bowen sends for him. Lizzie tells Bridget to get their neighbor Alice Russell. Meanwhile, Adelaide Churchill, who lives nearby, returns from purchasing groceries. She sees Lizzie, looking distressed, at the back door of the Borden house. Mrs. Churchill calls to her. Adelaide Churchill: Lizzie, what is the matter? Lizzie: Oh, Mrs. Churchill, please come over. Someone has killed Father! Churchill: Where is he Lizzie? Lizzie: In the sitting room. Narr 2: Mrs. Churchill looks in the sitting room and gasps. Churchill: Where were you when it happened? Lizzie: I was in the barn to get some iron for fishing sinkers. Churchill: Where is your mother? Lizzie: I don t know. She got a note to go see someone who is sick, and I m not sure if she s back. Can you try to find a doctor? Dr. Bowen isn t home. Narr 1: Before Mrs. Churchill can locate another doctor, Dr. Bowen arrives. Then Bridget returns from Alice Russell s house. Dr. Seabury Bowen: Have you seen anybody around the place, Lizzie? Lizzie: I haven t. Bowen: (to Mrs. Churchill) Bring a sheet to cover him. Lizzie: Dr. Bowen, Emma is visiting Jennie Brownell. Could you send a telegram? Bowen: Of course, I ll be right back. Lizzie: (to Bridget) Could you look for Mrs. Borden in case she got back? Narr 2: Alice Russell, who has arrived at the Borden home, stays with Lizzie while Mrs. Churchill and Bridget explore the house together. They see Mrs. Borden s body in an upstairs room. Distraught, they return downstairs. Churchill: There s another body. Narr 1: By the time Dr. Bowen returns from sending the telegram, the police have arrived. Officer Mullaly asks Lizzie if there are any hatchets or axes in the house. She has Bridget take the officer to the cellar, where he discovers several axes and hatchets. One of the hatchets is missing its handle. Narr 2: Upstairs, Officer Wixon concludes that Abby must have been killed more that an hour before her husband. By 3 o clock, the medical examiner, Dr. William A. Dolan, is allowed to conduct autopsies of the bodies on the dining room table. Narr 1: Emma receives the telegram and returns early in the evening. By this time Lizzie had endured several hours of questioning. Narr 2: By August 11, Judge Josiah C. Blaisdell of the Second District Court has conducts an inquest. Although the evidence against Lizzie is sparse, she is indicted. A grand jury investigation begins on November 7. During the hearing, Alice Russell testifies that she observed Lizzie burning a dress in the kitchen stove three days after the murders. The next day, Lizzie is charged with murder. The trial is set for June 5, 1893.

5 Scene 5 Narr 1: At the Superior Court trial in New Bedford, Chief Justice Albert Mason presides along with two associate judges, Caleb Blodgett and Justin Dewey. Twelve jurors, all male, have been chosen from more then 100 potential jurors. Hosea M. Knowlton, district attorney of Fall River, is the lead prosecutor. He is joined by William H. Moody, district attorney of Essex County, who begins the prosecution s case. William H. Moody: Upon the fourth day of August of last year, an old man and woman, without a known enemy, in their own home, in the light of day, were killed. Today, a woman of good social position, a member of the church and a Sunday school teacher, and the daughter of one of the victims, is accused of these crimes. Narr 2: Moody goes on to describe the events of the morning, emphasizing Andrew s wealth and how Lizzie hated Abby. Moody: There was so much blood spattered that it would be probable that blood would be on the person or clothing of the assailant. No blood was found on the dress the defendant is said to have worn that morning. However, Alice Russell will tell you that she saw the defendant wearing a different dress that morning and that the defendant burned a dress because she claimed it was covered with paint. Narr 1: Moody holds up the hatchet with the missing handle, describing how it was covered with ashes when found by the police at the Borden house. He tells the jury that an officer noticed what could have been the missing handle burning in the stove. Moody: We shall prove that this prisoner made contradictory statements about her whereabouts that morning. Then we shall ask you whether any other explanations can be given for the sad events that happened the morning of August 4. Narr 2: The prosecution calls Thomas Kieran, a professional engineer who had prepared a detailed map of the crime scene and the neighborhood. After Kieran s routine testimony, Andrew Jennings, the Borden family lawyer, cross-examines him for the defense. Andrew Jennings: Did you conduct any experiments in the guest bedroom? Thomas Kieran: Yes, I did. Narr 1: This revelation startles the prosecutors, who were unaware of any experiments. Jennings: Please describe the experiment. Kieran: I had my assistant, who is taller than Abby Borden, lie on the floor. Then I went downstairs and came up the stairs to see if he could be seen when passing by. As I came up the stairs I could not see him. Narr 2: The prosecution had wanted to establish that Lizzie had lied when she claims she didn t see Abby s body. The courtroom erupts at Kieran s revelation that the body would not have been visible. The prosecuting attorneys exchange worried looks. Their own witness has hurt their case. Narr 1: Next, the prosecution establishes that Andrew died without leaving a will. Then Hosea Knowlton calls Bridget Sullivan to the stand. Hosea M. Knowlton: What happened after you let Mr. Borden in that morning? Sullivan: I heard Miss Lizzie laughing upstairs. Then she came down and started ironing. She asked me if I might go out and told me that Mrs. Borden had gone on a sick call. She said there was a dress goods sale, and I said I would go there. Narr 2: Next, Bridget describes the discovery of the body and how she was sent to fetch Dr. Bowen. Knowlton: Did you ask Lizzie about her whereabouts? Sullivan: When I came back, I said, Miss Lizzie, where was you? Didn t I leave the screen door hooked? She said, I was out in the backyard and heard a groan and came in and the screen door was wide open. Narr 1: Attorneys for both sides relentlessly question Bridget. She leaves the stand exhausted.

6 All you have to do if decide whether it can be proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Lizzie Borden is Guilty. Scene 6 Narr 2: During the inquest, Dr. Bowen had testified that Lizzie was wearing a drab calico dress on the morning of the murders. Moody now questions Dr. Bowen regarding the dress. Moody: On the morning in question, was the defendant wearing a drab-colored dress, as you testified before? Bowen: It was an ordinary, unattractive, common dress that I did not notice especially. Narr 1: Moody shows Bowen a blue silk dress. Moody: Is this the dress she had on that morning? Bowen: I don t know, sir. Narr 2: Moody has succeeded in implying that this was not the dress Lizzie had worn that morning and that perhaps she had been wearing the dress that Alice Russell saw Lizzie later burn. The defense wants to provide an explanation for Lizzie s contradictory testimony at the inquest. Melvin O. Adams, a defense attorney, questions Dr. Bowen. Melvin O. Melvin: Did you prescribe a sedative for Miss Borden? Bowen: Yes, sir. Sulfate of morphine. Adams: Did you ever change the morphine? Bowen: I only doubled the dose. Adams: How long did she have the morphine? Bowen: All the time through her arrest and the hearing. Adams: Does the morphine given in double doses somewhat affect the memory and cause hallucinations? Bowen: Yes, sir. Narr 1: The defense had implied that Lizzie s contradictory answers may have been caused by medication. The next witness for the prosecution is Adelaide Churchill, who establishes that Lizzie had been wearing a dress of light-blue calico with dark-blue diamond pattern. Then defense attorney George D. Robinson cross-examines Adelaide Churchill. George D. Robinson: You had been with Miss Lizzie all the time? Churchill: Yes, sir. Robinson: Did you see any blood on her dress? Did you see blood on her hands? On her face? On her hair? Churchill: No, sir. Narr 2: The next witness is Alice Russell, whose testimony at the inquest had brought about Lizzie s indictment. Moody leads her to discuss Lizzie s conversation about Abby s and Andrew s illnesses the night before the murders. Then he brings up the dress. Moody: What happened on the Sunday morning after the murders? Russell: Lizzie had a dress in her hand, and Emma asked, What are you going to do with that? Lizzie replied, I am going to burn this old thing up it s covered with paint. Moody: What did you say to her? Russsell: I said, I wouldn t let anybody see me do that, Lizzie. Moody: Did you talk to her again about it? Russell: Yes, after I was questioned during the investigation. I told her and Emma, I am afraid, Lizzie, the worst thing you could have done was to burn that dress. I have been asked about your dresses. Moody: Please describe the dress she burned. Russell: It was light blue, with a dark-blue figure on it. Narr 1: During the crossexamination, Miss Russell testifies that she saw no blood on the dress. Scene 7 Narr 2: Dr. Dolan, the medical examiner, testifies that Abby died at least an hour before Andrew. He then describes the total of 29 blows to their heads. Dr. Edward Wood, a professor of chemistry at Harvard who

7 examined some of the evidence, testifies that both the weapon and the murderer would have been spattered with blood. He also states that no poison was present in the victims stomachs. The prosecution rests its case, and Andrew Jennings open for the defense. Jennings: A young woman, who led an honorable, spotless life, has been accused of a crime that has shocked the world. You do not have to decide how this brutal deed was done or who did it. All you have to do is decide whether it can be proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Lizzie Borden is guilty. There are two kinds of evidence-direct evidence and circumstantial evidence. There is not one particle of direct evidence against Lizzie Borden. There is not a spot of blood. There is no weapon connected with her. The evidence is circumstantial. There was nothing between the defendant and her father that would cause her to do this wicked act. And was Miss Lizzie the only person who could have committed the crime? No. to find her guilty you must believe she is a fiend. Does she look it? Narr 1: Lizzie cries into a handkerchief while Jennings continues. Jennings: You will learn that there were strangers seen about the Borden house. We shall show you that the defendant was in the barn. As for the burned dress, Miss Lizzie did burn it but in broad daylight and with witnesses around. After you hear all the evidence, you must decide whether the government has satisfactorily proved beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant killed not only her stepmother but also her loved and loving father. Narr 2: The defense calls a variety of witnesses from the neighborhood who testify that a strange man was seen in the area. Mark Chase, owner of a livery stable, testifies that he saw a horse-drawn buggy parked in front of the Borden s house for at least an hour that morning. Then a key witness is called Emma Borden. Jennings: Did your sister Lizzie always live with you? Emma: Yes, sir. Jennings: Did your father wear a ring upon his finger? Emma: Yes. It was from Lizzie. It was the only jewelry he ever wore. Narr 1: Jennings then questions Emma about the dress. Jennings: Tell me about the dress and what happened on the Saturday when the police were searching the house. Emma: I went to hang up a dress that I had been wearing. I noticed this soiled and badly faded dress. Jennings: Did you say anything to your sister? Emma: I said, You haven t destroyed that old dress yet why don t you? I heard my sister say, I think I shall burn that old dress. I said, Why don t you? or You had better. I didn t see her burn it. Jennings: Were other people there? Emma: Yes, there were police officers and Miss Russell. Jennings: Did Miss Russell say anything about not burning it? Emma: Not then, but she said that on Monday. She told us then that she d told the detective that a dress was missing. However, she said she had told them a falsehood. Jennings: Did you hear her say that the dress shouldn t be burned? Emma: I did not. Narr 2: By tainting Alice Russell s testimony about the dress, Jennings establishes more confusion. Next, Hosea

8 Knowlton conducts the crossexamination for the prosecution. Knowlton: Did your father give some property to Mrs. Borden s sister? Emma: Yes, he did. Knowlton: Did that make some trouble in the family? Emma: Yes, sir. Knowlton: Did you complain? Emma: Yes, sir. Then Father gave us Grandfather s house on Ferry Street. Knowlton: Did your sister have a cordial relationship with your stepmother? Emma: Yes, sir. Knowlton: How did Lizzie address your stepmother? Emma: As Mrs. Borden. Narr 1: Knowlton questions Emma about prior conflicting testimony at the inquest. Emma often states that she doesn t remember what she said. She admits to resenting the gift of property to Mrs. Borden s sister. She remains composed while testifying. Narr 2: Knowlton finishes his cross-examination by establishing that each family member had a waterproof raincoat and suggesting that Lizzie could have worn one to protect her dress while committing the murders. The defense rests its case. Scene 8 Narr 1: George D. Robinson begins the summation for the defense. Robinson: This was a diabolical crime. Here was a man who wore but one ring, one given to him by Lizzie when she was a little girl. He loved her, and that ring is a symbol of that love. There is no direct evidence against Miss Borden. There is no weapon all the police of Fall River could not find the hatchet that killed the Borden s. There was not a spot of blood on Lizzie or her clothing. Every witness testified to that fact. Narr 2: Robinson summarizes the conflicting testimony and emphasizes the lack of evidence. Robinson: Miss Lizzie said she was in the barn for 20 or 30 minutes. Later, she said she was in the yard. Couldn t that be true? They say she murdered Mr. Borden for his money. Has this been proved? Narr 1: Next, Robinson reviews the witnesses who claim to have seen a stranger in the area. Robinson: Look at Miss Lizzie. To find her guilty you must believe she is a fiend. Does she look it? Please give us your verdict of not guilty so that the defendant may go home. Narr 2: Hosea Knowlton gives the closing argument for the prosecution. Knowlton: This was a terrible crime, and it is hard to believe that a woman sis it. But don t forget, gentlemen, women are humans like us. Think about the morning of the murder. Do you believe for a moment that those blows could have been struck without Abby Borden groaning or screaming? That she could have fallen without noise? That Lizzie was in her room when that heavy body fell and yet did not hear it? She alone knows. We do know that when Bridget went out to wash the windows, she left this poor woman in the house with the only enemy she had in the world. Lizzie rises, facing the jury. I am innocent Narr 1: Knowlton argues that it would have been impossible for anyone to enter the house without Lizzie knowing about it. Then he admits that the lack of blood on Lizzie s clothing is puzzling. Knowlton: How could she have avoided the spattering of her dress with blood if she committed these crimes? I cannot answer it. But there are many ways to protect a dress, such as with a waterproof raincoat There was no peace or harmony in this family. The family did not even eat together. I admire Miss Emma s loyalty. She must come to her sister s rescue, so she tells us that family relations were peaceful. But we know they were not. She tells us she told her sister to destroy the dress, which is a different story from Miss Russell s. After the murders, everyone asked Lizzie the

9 same question: Where were you when your father was killed? She said she had been in the barn for 30 minutes getting a piece of iron for sinkers on a miserably hot day, just as her father was being killed. Show us proof. Narr 2: Finally, Knowlton concludes, arguing for a conviction. Knowlton: After finding her father murdered, Lizzie never cried out for help. Instead, she stood inside the screen door and asked Bridget to go get Dr. Bowen. Then there is the mystery about the burning of the dress. And who is this mysterious, unknown assassin who did the murders, who came in through a locked door and moved from room to room without leaving any trace of blood in the hallways or on the stairs? Somehow he knew that Bridget would be washing the windows or would be sleeping upstairs. He knew that Mrs. Borden would be upstairs. He knew that Lizzie would later go to the barn. This case had all the elements of crime: hatred, malice, falsehood, and impossible alibis. We have contradictory stories that cannot be verified. What is the defense? There is nothing. Narr 1: At the conclusion of the prosecutor s summation, the chief justice Albert Mason, turns to Lizzie. Albert Mason: Lizzie Andrew Borden, it is your privilege to add any words that you desire to say in person to the jury. You now have the opportunity. Narr 2: Lizzie rises, facing the jury. Lizzie: I am innocent. Narr 1: Associate Judge Justin Dewey delivers instructions to the jurors. He explains that the government must show that the defendant had a motive. The judge then discusses the role of circumstantial evidence. Justin Dewey: In this case, no witnesses testified to seeing the defendant commit the crime. This is a legal way of proving a criminal case, and hurries may find a person guilty of murder upon the basis of circumstantial evidence alone. You must decide what facts have been proved and what conclusions can be drawn from those facts. Look at the matter from one side. Then look at it from the other. Never assume beforehand that the defendant is guilty. Narr 2: Justice Dewey reviews the conflicting testimony and the arguments of the attorneys before concluding his charge to the jury. Dewey: If, after weighing the evidence carefully, you are convinced beyond a reasonable doubt of the defendant s guilt, you must return a verdict of guilty. Of the evidence does not convince you beyond a reasonable doubt, even a strong probability of guilt, you must return a verdict of not guilty. The case is now committed into your hands. Scene 9 Narr 1: It is Tuesday, June 20, 1896 the 13 th day of the trial. The jury begins deliberating at 3:24 PM. At 4:30 PM, the foreman rings the bell to announce that a verdict has been reached. Lizzie stands, and the clerk asks for the verdict. Jury Forman: We have a verdict. Not guilty. Narr 2: Lizzie grasps the rail, sobbing uncontrollably. The courtroom erupts in surprise and cheers. The three judges do not try to quiet the crowd. Emma moved forward and takes Lizzie in her arms. Within an hour, they leave for Fall River. Narr 1: Five weeks later, Lizzie and Emma move into a large house. The murderer is never found. Listen to Emma and Bridget describe some of the rumors that circulate. Emma: Some people claim that I committed the murders. There was the mysterious carriage outside our house that morning. Supposedly, I would have plenty of time to drive there, kill my father and my stepmother, and return to Fairhaven. Sullivan: Other people think that I killed the Bordens and that the sisters paid me off. Mrs. Borden surely mistreated me. Imagine making someone wash windows on the heat after committing! If I had gone on to some rich life, maybe that theory would work. My life rich? Hardly.

10 Emma: Other people think that Lizzie and I worked together. It is true that I promised our real mother that I d take care of Lizzie. But do we look like murderers? Sullivan: Another theory is that I helped the sisters cover up the murders. If that were the case, it seems to me that I d have been in their employ the rest of their lives, living in comfort. Right? Lizzie: Well, any number of people could have picked up an ax. Or it could be that I really did get away with murder. Narr 2: And now, you, the audience, must wrestle with this mystery. Did Lizzie have help? Was there an unknown assailant? Or did Lizzie really get away with murder? Narr 1: Is this poem true: Lizzie Borden took an ax And gave her mother forty whacks. When she saw what she had done, She gave her father forty-one. Narr 2: You be the judge