Lizzie Borden Took an Ax 2014

Discovery of the murder scene

Lizzie Borden discovers her father and stepmother murdered in the family home. The scene is brutal and shocking, leaving little doubt about the violence that occurred. The family is stunned as the gravity of the crime sinks in.

Police arrive and begin the investigation

Local police and investigators arrive at the house and confirm the double murder. They gather evidence, interview witnesses, and begin to piece together what happened that night. Fear and suspicion spread through the town as the case unfolds.

Suspicions fall on Lizzie

As the investigation continues, the evidence and circumstances begin to point toward Lizzie as the prime suspect. Friends and relatives grapple with the possibility that the respectable schoolteacher could commit such brutality. The community watches closely, weighing motive and opportunity.

Defense argues about women's capability

Lizzie's lawyer, Andrew Jennings, argues that a woman could not commit such a cruel crime. The defense frames the case around gender norms and the limits of accusation against a woman. The strategy is to sow doubt about motive and means.

Trial begins

Lizzie is put on trial for the murders, and the courtroom becomes the center of national attention. Prosecutors present their case while the defense tests the prosecution's narrative. The trial reaches into discussions of morality, class, and gender.

Media frenzy and headlines

Newspapers across the country publish sensational headlines about the case, dubbing it the most infamous of the century. The public is captivated by lurid details and theories. Reporters swarm the courthouse and train their sights on Lizzie.

The not guilty verdict

The jury finds Lizzie not guilty on all charges, leaving the courtroom in stunned silence. The acquittal resolves the legal battle but does not erase the whispers about her guilt. Lizzie returns to life in Fall River under a cloud of suspicion.

Lizzie becomes a town pariah

Despite the acquittal, Lizzie becomes a pariah in Fall River, shunned by neighbors and peers who doubt her innocence. The social fallout mirrors the unresolved tension from the murders. She continues to live under constant scrutiny and rumor.

Final confrontation with Emma

In a tense final moment, Lizzie asks Emma if she wants to know the truth. Emma's reaction signals strain between sisters and the possibility of buried secrets. The scene foreshadows the unleashing of memory and confession.

The flashbacks reveal the murders

A series of flashbacks unfold, showing Lizzie committing the murders in stark detail. The memories challenge Emma's understanding and alter the sisters' relationship. The revelation reframes the audience's view of Lizzie and the crime.

Emma leaves the house

Emma is visibly upset after the confrontation and moves out, severing ties with Lizzie. The sisters' relationship fractures irreparably as trust evaporates. The town observes the fallout and its lingering rumor mill.