E|170 The Unknowable Lizzie Borden

🪓 Criminal Mischief — The Unknowable Lizzie Borden A conversation between Carolyn Ossorio and author Cara Robertson One of America’s most infamous murder cases takes center stage this week as Carolyn sits down with historian and author Cara Robertson to revisit the brutal 1892 murders that stunned a quiet New England town — and the trial that turned a woman into a legend. In Fall River, Andrew Borden and his wife Abby Borden were found hacked to death in their home in broad daylight. Suspicion quickly fell on Andrew’s daughter, Lizzie Borden — a respectable Sunday school teacher whose calm demeanor and inconsistent statements only deepened the mystery. Cara Robertson, author of The Trial of Lizzie Borden, brings fresh perspective to a case most people think they know. Drawing from original trial transcripts, letters, and newspaper coverage, she walks Carolyn through the investigation, the media frenzy, and the courtroom drama that captivated the nation. This episode explores:     •    The social tensions simmering inside the Borden household     •    Why early forensic methods complicated the case     •    The role of class, gender, and Victorian expectations in the trial     •    The evidence that pointed toward Lizzie — and what cast doubt     •    How the press helped create one of America’s first true crime spectacles Though Lizzie was ultimately acquitted, the verdict didn’t settle public opinion. More than a century later, the question remains: did justice fail, or did the jury see reasonable doubt where others saw guilt? Carolyn and Cara examine how this case helped shape America’s fascination with crime, celebrity defendants, and courtroom drama — themes that still dominate headlines today. Dark, fascinating, and endlessly debated, the Borden murders remain one of the most chilling and perplexing cases in American history. Listen now and decide for yourself: was Lizzie Borden wrongly accused… or did she quite literally get away with murder? 🎧 LISTEN & FOLLOW If you’re enjoying the show, make sure you’re following the entire Evio Creative lineup wherever you get your podcasts — The Devil Within, The Ides of April, Criminal Mischief, Taboo Treasures, Finding Me with Josh Wolf, and more — so you never miss a new episode. ⭐ RATE & REVIEW Ratings and reviews genuinely help independent shows grow. If you have a moment, leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify — it helps more than you think, and yes… we read them. 📺 WATCH & SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE You can now watch full video episodes, clips, and exclusives from all Evio Creative shows on YouTube. 👉 Subscribe to Evio Creative on YouTube and turn on notifications so you don’t miss new drops across the network. 📲 FOLLOW ON SOCIAL Follow for updates, visuals, and behind-the-scenes content: • @thedevilwithinpod • @idesofaprilpod • @eviocreative • @findingmewithjoshwolf (Instagram, TikTok & Facebook) 🌐 VISIT THE NETWORK Explore all of our shows, projects, and upcoming releases at eviocreative.com ✉️ GET IN TOUCH Have a story, tip, correction, or something you think we should cover? Email us at [email protected] 🔁 SHARE THE SHOW If you know someone who loves true crime, history, horror, or stories that refuse to let go — share the episode. Word of mouth keeps this network alive. 💼 SPONSORS 🧥 QUINCE Luxury essentials at affordable prices. Free shipping + 365-day returns: 👉 http://www.quince.com/MISCHIEF 📱 MINT MOBILE Premium wireless for just $15/month. Switch and get free shipping: 👉 www.mintmobile.com/DEVILWITHIN 🛰️ EXPRESSVPN Protect your data anywhere. Get up to 4 months free: 👉 http://www.expressvpn.com/DEVILWITHIN 🌿 MOOD CBD and THC gummies shipped nationwide. 20% off with code DEVILWITHIN: 👉 http://www.mood.com/DEVILWITHIN 🐶 OLLIE DOG FOOD Real, fresh, human-grade meals for your dog. 60% off your first box: 👉 http://www.ollie.com/IDES 💰 MONARCH The only finance app you’ll ever need. 50% off your first year: 👉 www.monarchmoney.com/IDES Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices