Emma mastermind assassin

[NancyDrew]

This is old ground, I realize, but then again, the whole case is pretty much old ground, so where goes:

Why would it have been so terrible to let Bridget find the body of Andrew? KG, you have stated that in 'discovering' Andrew's body herself, Lizzie controlled the situation. Did she? She asked for a doctor right away...but had no way of knowing if Bowen would be home (he wasn't) or what he would do if he were. She had no way of knowing what Alice Russell would do either, once summoned.

[KGDevil]

Living across the street from Dr. Bowen for as long as they did, and since he was their family doctor, Lizzie may have been aware of when he went about his rounds. She may have even seen him leave. They seemed to have been well aquainted enough to attend church together after the murders.

Sending for Alice Russell did stall Bridget a bit. Bridget was unsure of where Alice Russell lived and had to get directions. Alice was told to come because Andrew had been hurt. She took her time in changing into street clothes before coming. Mrs. Churchill was already there by the time Alice got there.

And nobody saw the bodies to know the full extent of what had taken place until Dr. Bowen saw Andrew's body. Even then they did not know Abby was dead. It wasn't until after everyone was there that Abby's body was found. By then Lizzie had time to spin her alibies. Being in the barn. Abby getting a note.

Someone from across the street overheard Mrs. Churchill talk to her hired man about needing a doctor and took the initiative to call police. None of the main cast of characters did so. They were busy with Lizzie. In my personal opinion, I would say she did a relatively good job of keeping the situation under her control until police got there.

[KGDevil]

Actually, she even controlled the search for Abby by "thinking she heard her come in." No wild goose chase to question Abby's family or friends. Because Lizzie heard her come in, and wanted someone to look for her in the house.

[KGDevil]

One of my main questions is if Lizzie wasn't trying to keep things under her control why didn't she send someone to get John? He was family. He was close to Andrew and staying with them at the time. But she sent for Alice Russell instead and just let John Morse get there at his leisure.

[NancyDrew]

Yes, I see your points here, KG.

I'm re-reading Lizzie's inquest testimony...I've been through it many times, but it's been a few years since I worked through it in detail. A question: Did she tell Bridgette to get Dr. Bowen because Andrew was "hurt?" Because I thought she hollered to the maid that "someone's come in an killed Father" or words to that effect.

[KGDevil]

According to Bridget Sullivan's trial testimony Lizzie said "Come down quick; Father's dead. Somebody came in and killed him."

[NancyDrew]

Yes, I've read Bridget's testimony. Always curious why Lizzie "had to have a doctor." For her father who had just been killed?