Summary: The Case Of Lizzie Borden
The case of Lizzie Borden, who allegedly took a hatchet to her step-mother and father, took place in 1892 and to this day has yet to be solved. To solve a case like this one there has to be a substantial amount of physical evidence that leads to the suspect. In the late 1800’s there were not many forensic tools available to police and investigators. Fingerprinting, lie detection, and hair testing were among many of these tools that were not available. This being said there were different tactics used by police, some of which were helpful and others which were not. One of the tactics that investigators used that proved to be useful was conducting an interrogative questioning with Lizzie Borden and other suspects in the case. They asked Lizzie a series of questions about the murder including where she had been during the time of the crime, what she had heard, what she had seen, and if she knew of any enemies that her father or step-mother had. The investigators also brought in a forensic photographer to take pictures of the crime scene, the bodies, and any evidence that had been found in the house. This would be useful in putting together a suggestion of what could have
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For starters, they did not collect the clothes that Lizzie had been wearing while present at the crime scene. This could have been helpful in the trial to persecute Lizzie if they had taken it and found traces of blood on it. Instead, Lizzie had kept the dress and later burned it, destroying any evidence that may have been on it. Investigators also failed to question people who were close with Lizzie (asides from her sister who was of no help). By questioning those close to her, investigators could have gained information about what Lizzie’s home life was like and if she had any hidden anger directed towards either of her
For starters, they did not collect the clothes that Lizzie had been wearing while present at the crime scene. This could have been helpful in the trial to persecute Lizzie if they had taken it and found traces of blood on it. Instead, Lizzie had kept the dress and later burned it, destroying any evidence that may have been on it. Investigators also failed to question people who were close with Lizzie (asides from her sister who was of no help). By questioning those close to her, investigators could have gained information about what Lizzie’s home life was like and if she had any hidden anger directed towards either of her