3.+Lizzie+Borden+Crime

The following project is the beginning of the discovery of the elements of crime and various cases that show the impact that they make on society and in some cases, specifically their influence on women. On the hot morning of August 4,1892, Lizzie Borden murdered her stepmother with an ax, in the Borden's family house at No. 92 Second Street, Fall River, Massachusetts. Abby Borden's body was found between the bed and bureau, in the guest room. Ninety minutes later, she killed her father, Andrew Borden, in the same way. He was found laying with his head on the sofa arm, next to the door, in the downstairs sitting room. While there is little doubt that Lizzie committed the crime, she was acquitted at trial due to a lack of evidence. Although ostracized by the community, Lizzie lived in the house until she died on June 1,1927. ** BACKGROUND: ** A number of books, videos, and articles have been created on this very question and the two most recurring theories center on two persons who had both //motive// and //opportunity// to kill the Borden's. One is Lizzie herself and the other is Brigitte Sullivan, the maid. A recent article suggested that Lizzie was a victim of incest and the murders grew out of suppressed rage by a Victorian-era woman who was wronged and who had little power in and of herself. The late Arnold Brown also has his theory on who murdered the Borden's. Be sure to view the Youtube video link below to see his concept as well. Police suspicions fell on four different people as suspects in the case: · ** Brigitte Sullivan **, the Borden's maid · ** Lizzie Borden **, the daughter of Andrew Borden and step-daughter of Abby Borden · ** John Morse **, Andrew Borden's brother-in-law by his previous marriage · ** An unknown vagrant ** who may or may not have been seen in the vicinity of the Borden house on the morning of the murders. After a one-week investigation, the local authorities arrested Lizzie Borden and indicted her for the murder of her parents. Other theories hinged on the subsequent disappearance of Brigitte Sullivan; probably back to Ireland, suggesting that this indicated her guilt. There was even an autograph dealer who tried to sell a letter of confession signed, reportedly, by Lizzie Borden and written at a time when she thought she was dying. This letter proved to be a forgery. Now you be the judge! In the end Lizzie Borden was legally acquitted but still lived out her life in Fall River with public opinion convinced of her guilt. What do you think? In groups of three, decide on a theory that you each agree on and support that theory. Did she do it? If not, who did? Using **Windows Movie Maker** (PC) or **IMovie** (MAC) or another similar program, create a short movie presentation that visually tells the story of Lizzie through your eyes. 1. You can use a video camera or cell phone to act out a scene or images from the Internet, but you need to have sound to set the mood that relates to your show. Be sure you have the ability to connect your camera or phone to the computer to download your movie to the computer. 2. Select a view to support for your movie and demonstrate it: (a. Lizzie did it, b. Lizzie didn't do it) 3. Support that view through possible motives, evidence, facts, and images. If Lizzie didn't do it, then who did and why? 4. Pretend that Lizzie is still alive and is being tried today, 2011. Show Lizzie in a dramatic ending court scene where the jury decides her fate. How do you think they would decide today? What would her punishment be? Remember that all jurors need to be unanimous in their vote! It is 2011....how have views of women changed since the 1800s? Think of why Lizzie was acquitted back then! Would that happen today? Support your decision with facts and evidence knowing the court system of today.
 * Did Lizzie Borden really do it? **
 * LIZZIE BORDEN PROJECT **
 * [[image:itsacrime/lizzies_house.jpg width="140" height="123" align="center"]] ||
 * The Borden House, Fall River, MA ||
 * Task: **
 * Criteria: **
 * Storyboards: Due October 14th [[file:storyboard4.pdf]] **
 * Beginning of movie:**
 * End of movie:﻿ **

You can do a news broadcast, a documentary, a scene from a play, a murder trial, etc. **All three of you must be active participants in the video production on some level!**

**Timeline: Due October 24th** After you create your video, please upload it to the Lizzie Video page identified with your names (i.e. Mary Smith). Lizzie Bordern Arnold Brown's Theory Assessment: Grading Rubric
 * Website Resources:**