Cara Robertson KNOWS Lizzie Borden, Murder, and the Truth Behind the Trial

Did Lizzie Borden really murder her father and stepmother with an axe? More than 130 years after the infamous 1892 murders, the Lizzie Borden case remains one of America's most fascinating true crime mysteries. In this episode of ON THE KNOWS with Randall Kenneth Jones, historian, legal scholar, and bestselling author Cara Robertson reveals the extraordinary true story behind her acclaimed book, "The Trial of Lizzie Borden." Together, Randy and Cara revisit the shocking murders of Andrew and Abby Borden in Fall River, Massachusetts, the sensational murder trial, and the unanswered questions that continue to captivate true crime enthusiasts and historians. Was Lizzie Borden guilty, innocent, or the victim of a sensationalized criminal justice system? Drawing on decades of historical research, Cara Robertson separates documented facts from fiction and examines the evidence, courtroom drama, and Victorian social attitudes that shaped one of the most notorious murder trials in American history. IN THIS EPISODE, DISCOVER: • The real story behind the 1892 Lizzie Borden axe murders. • Why Lizzie Borden was acquitted of murdering her father and stepmother. • The controversial evidence the jury never heard. • The disputed poison-purchase allegation and its significance. • How Victorian expectations of women influenced the trial. • The role of sensational journalism in shaping public opinion. • Why the Lizzie Borden murders remain an enduring true crime mystery. • What historical records reveal—and what we may never know. ABOUT CARA ROBERTSON Cara Robertson began researching the Lizzie Borden case as a Harvard undergraduate in 1990. She holds a PhD from Oxford University and a JD from Stanford Law School. Her distinguished career includes clerking at the United States Supreme Court and serving as a legal adviser to the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia at The Hague. Her book, The Trial of Lizzie Borden, offers a meticulously researched examination of the murders, the courtroom proceedings, and the cultural forces surrounding the case. MORE THAN A TRUE CRIME STORY This conversation goes beyond the question of who killed Andrew and Abby Borden. Randy and Cara explore how history, criminal justice, gender, journalism, and storytelling intersect. If you enjoy historical true crime, unsolved murder mysteries, fascinating authors, American history, or thought-provoking conversations about human behavior, this episode is for you. So, did Lizzie Borden get away with murder? Watch, listen, and decide for yourself. ABOUT ON THE KNOWS Hosted by bestselling author, speaker, and storyteller Randall Kenneth Jones, ON THE KNOWS celebrates the arts, humanities, creativity, and human connection through smart, funny, and heartfelt conversations with celebrated authors, entertainers, thought leaders, and fascinating individuals. Featuring Susan Bennett, the original voice of Apple's Siri. Subscribe to ON THE KNOWS for more revealing author interviews, literary conversations, historical mysteries, and stories that challenge what we think we know. CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST AND TEAM Cara Robertson: https://www.CaraWRobertson.com Randall Kenneth Jones: https://www.RandallKennethJones.com Susan Bennett: https://www.SusanCBennett.com Kevin Randall Jones: https://www.KevinRandallJones.com #LizzieBorden #TrueCrime #CaraRobertson #TheTrialOfLizzieBorden #TrueCrimeHistory #LizzieBordenTrial #HistoricalTrueCrime #UnsolvedMysteries #TrueCrimePodcast #AuthorInterview #ONTheKNOWS #RandallKennethJones