The unsolved mystery of the brutal murder of Andrew and Abby Borden still haunts us to this day. Many theories and suspicions were pointed at Lizzie Borden, who was accused and acquitted of their killing. However, few have considered the possible involvement of her Uncle John Morse and her cousin, Seth Borden. In this blog post, we will delve into the personal life of Seth Borden, his relationship with Lizzie, and explore the possibility that his love affair might have played a part in the infamous Borden murders.
Who was Seth Borden?
Seth Borden was the son of Lizzie’s uncle, John V. Morse. John moved in with the Bordens a week before the murder, and it was around the same time that Seth came to visit. Seth was around the same age as Lizzie and they had a close relationship. He was known to be quite handsome, charming, and had a reputation for being a ladies’ man. However, Seth was not a particularly successful businessman, and his father had to bail him out of several financial crises.
The Secret Love Affair
There are rumors that Seth Borden and Lizzie shared a romantic relationship, which was kept secret from Lizzie’s strict father. Some believe that Lizzie’s father might have found out about the relationship and that this discovery contributed to the urge to kill him and his wife. Some also suggest that Lizzie might have been jealous of her father’s close relationship with her stepmother. The possibility of a secret love affair raises questions about Seth’s possible involvement in the murders.
Seth Borden’s Alibi
The day of the murder, Seth was supposedly in New Bedford, 25 miles away from Fall River. He claimed that he went there to see a friend and stayed overnight before returning to Fall River the next day. However, there is little evidence to suggest that he did make the trip. Some believe that Seth had an accomplice who helped him carry out the murders while he was away.
Seth’s Relationship with Another Woman
Seth had a girlfriend, a woman named Edith Howard, who was supposedly jealous of his relationship with Lizzie. It is possible that Edith found out about the affair and, out of rage or jealousy, conspired with Seth to commit the murders. Nothing concrete suggests Edith’s involvement, and it might well have been mere coincidence that she had ill feelings about Seth’s relationship with Lizzie.
Conclusion
The murder of Andrew and Abby Borden is still one of America’s most famous unsolved crime. While Lizzie is the prime suspect, it is possible that her cousin, Seth Borden, may have had a hand in the murders, even if it only tangentially.
Similarly, it is possible that a lovestruck sister or jealous girlfriend harboring feelings of resentment might have had a part to play in the murders. The theory of Seth Borden’s involvement in the Borden murders will continue to intrigue us and inspire new theories and books.
