Some stories are frightening because of monsters hiding in the dark. Others are frightening because the person behind the mystery might be someone you never suspected. Netflix’s new series, Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story, explores one of the most infamous murder cases in American history. Before watching, it helps to understand the real story behind Lizzie Borden, a woman whose name has remained connected to a mystery for more than a century.
Lizzie Borden grew up in Fall River, Massachusetts, during the late 1800s. Her family was wealthy, but money did not necessarily mean happiness inside the Borden household. Her father, Andrew Borden, had considerable wealth but was known for being extremely frugal. His strict attitude toward money reportedly created tension within the family.
Lizzie’s family life became even more complicated after her biological mother died and her father married Abby Borden. Historical accounts describe tension between Lizzie and her stepmother, although the exact nature of their relationship remains debated. Behind the family’s respectable appearance were disagreements, resentment, and questions about what life was really like inside their home.
“I think the most interesting part is how a family that seemed wealthy and normal could have so many problems behind closed doors,” said junior Brianna Puglisi.
Then came August 4, 1892, when Andrew and Abby Borden were found murdered inside their Fall River home. The violent nature of the crime shocked the community and attracted national attention. Investigators had to determine who could have committed such a serious crime inside the family’s own house.
Lizzie soon became the center of suspicion. Investigators examined possible weapons and other evidence, including an axe and questions surrounding bloodstains on Lizzie’s clothing. However, the evidence connecting Lizzie to the murders was disputed. Rumors and suspicions spread, making it difficult for the public to separate what investigators knew from what people simply believed.
“It’s crazy how one case can leave people arguing about what really happened for over a hundred years,” said junior Violeta Fausciana.
In 1893, Lizzie stood trial for the murders. The case attracted enormous public interest, and people closely followed the courtroom proceedings. Despite the suspicions surrounding her, the prosecution failed to convince the jury beyond a reasonable doubt. Lizzie was acquitted, meaning she was found not guilty. She was not punished for the murders because the jury did not find the evidence sufficient to convict her.
Her acquittal did not end the mystery. Many people continued to question what happened that August morning, while others believed the evidence was not strong enough to accuse her fairly. Lizzie lived for years after the trial, but her name remained permanently attached to the case.
That history makes Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story especially intriguing. Viewers can expect a dark historical drama exploring family conflict, suspicion, and the circumstances surrounding the murders. The series also looks at the pressures of life in the Victorian era and how Lizzie’s story became part of American true-crime history.
The most interesting part of the Lizzie Borden mystery is not simply the question of who committed the murders. It is the difference between what people suspected and what the court could actually prove. More than a century later, the case still invites audiences to separate historical evidence from rumor and legend.
The real story already has enough unanswered questions to keep people guessing. With a wealthy family, a troubled household, a shocking crime, and a trial that ended in acquittal, Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story offers a disturbing look at a case that refuses to disappear from public memory.
