Something to consider

[MysteryReader]

I am new to the forum and don't know where to post my question-

If Lizzie killed her parents, went upstairs to change and hide her clothes, then wouldn't she run the risk of Bridget seeing Andrew Borden laying there dead? I haven't found an account of Bridget's testimony yet (other than reading somewhere that she wasn't feeling too well and went to lie down).

[BOBO]

READ MysteryReader read.... You're gonna LOVE this case!!!

[Curryong]

Yes, MysteryReader, it's a fascinating case! Try, when you've got a bit of time on your hands, too, to trawl through as many of the threads as interest you, especially the early ones (2003 onwards) where everyone posting is new to the forum and tossing ideas around. Even if you have to resort to taking notes as I have, because I'm new here too, you get so much information. Too much sometimes!

[MysteryReader]

READ MysteryReader read.... You're gonna LOVE this case!!!

LOL! I'm reading as fast as I can and as long as my hubby lets me (we're sharing a laptop).

[MysteryReader]

Yes, MysteryReader, it's a fascinating case! Try, when you've got a bit of time on your hands, too, to trawl through as many of the threads as interest you, especially the early ones (2003 onwards) where everyone posting is new to the forum and tossing ideas around. Even if you have to resort to taking notes as I have, because I'm new here too, you get so much information. Too much sometimes!

Oh yes! I've been sucked in again and I'm taking notes, writing questions and keeping a list of things/people I want to look up. It's quite long for my doing this for 2 days. :-D I want to write a book about this but I'm still learning and trying to decide from what point of view.

[Inspector]

Knowlton made the point that Lizzie had plenty of time to clean up after Abby was slain, but wouldn’t address how she could of had time after Andrew, however he did present the theory of using the Prince Albert.

[camgarsky4]

Couple years ago, I simulated Andrew's killing and the required minimal movements if the killer was Lizzie. I assumed the # of hits, taking off and folding the coat, washing hands in kitchen sink, going out to the SE corner of lawn and tossing hatchet onto neighbor barn roof and strolling back into the side door, calling down Bridget. It can be done quite quickly.... I think I was around 5-7 minutes. Give it a go.

What I would love to know is where the mirrors in the house were located. Kat and I debated this once and we landed on a front entry tall mirror/hat rack type of furnishing. Lizzie would have needed a mirror to make sure her cleanup was thorough, especially her hair.

If not Lizzie, a stranger would have had pretty much the same timeline and cleanup challenges.

I do believe AJB's killer used the Prince Albert Coat. Additionally, there really wasn't much blood splatter and certainly zero blood gushing.... but not sure the killer would have known that beforehand. Abby's killer would have likely gotten blood on their lower dress/pants, but the sofa blocked that issue with AJB's killing (if one thinks killer stood behind the sofa).

If she didn't do the killing of AJB, but ate multiple pears and rummaged thru a box of nails, etc.....not sure how Lizzie's hands were 'spic & span'. If innocent hands wouldn't be bloody, but they certainly should have been a bit sticky or grimey. Maybe the pears weren't ripe?

[Inspector]

See… I like your thinking .
As much as I loved Knowlton, there were times he left holes, and even hinted (probably unknowingly) to Lizzie’s innocence, However, he was a brilliant mind, and one wonders the real reason for it..

Did he really not want the death penalty?
Not for us to know at this time, but he displayed the attributes of a compassionate, and merciful heart.

Knowlton could have used the same argument you put forth, and given the jury a theory similar to yours, and pushed it as solid evidence, but he stopped short after suggesting that Andrew’s coat was used , then folded on the couch.
He simply didn’t complete the story….why?

He said things, like we can’t think like this murderer , and we can’t know how she cleaned up after Andrew.
…I’m paraphrasing of course.

I would suggest there’d have to be a mirror in the guest room, or one of the sisters rooms due to all the years of dressmaking , and sewing up there.

Isn’t it amazing that the pail in the cellar would solve the whole affair today?

Lizzie says, it’s mine, and simple DNA would prove .

[camgarsky4]

I'm 50/50 on the pail. If she took the time to use towels to wipe blood off herself and then carry it down to the washroom and set the pail down close to the cellar sink. Why not just dump the pail in the sink which is right there? And run water over the towels for even just a few seconds. Doesn't resonate with me.

Flip side is why didn't Bridget take care of the pails contents when she did the laundry that week. So I'm 50/50 on it.

Hyde's testimony tells us the location (described above) of the pail in the washroom. That said, it still would be tested and either be dismissed or solve the crime to your point.

[Inspector]

Yes , if dismissed as Lizzie’s blood, we’re back to square one.
I think it surprised Bridget that it was found there, as you say, she would have certainly seen it since she would be required to wash them.
If Lizzie was guilty, she knew all she had to do is get that blood off of her, to a place acceptable.
The bucket served two purposes in her case.