Elena

And the sheriff said it has been necessary to keep her chained to the floor.

I believe it.

What are you going to do at a certain point?

Like, that's awful.

Yeah.

Now, as the trial neared the summer of 1894, Lizzie's case had become very sensational and very closely watched.

Yeah.

The press was saying, quote, it will almost in interest be as famous as that of Lizzie Borden.

I'm here to tell you in 2026 it's not.

But I get it.

Her name is also Lizzie.

The trial of Lizzie Halliday, not Borden, you know, she was called the Burlingham murderess.

The trial for the murder of Sarah McQuillan began June 18th, 1894 in New York, with Judge Samuel Edwards presiding.

Assigned to Lizzie's defense was a prominent local attorney named George Carpenter, who the New York Times referred to as, quote, a lawyer of more than ordinary talent and has been frequently identified with intricate litigation.

Imagine being described as they have more than ordinary talent.

That's nice.

Not extraordinary, but more than ordinary.

Given all that had happened in the months leading to the trial, the press speculated, quote, it seems scarcely probable that Mrs. Halliday will receive from the jury a verdict by which she will regain her freedom.

Yeah.

In fact, the case against her seemed very strong, and given her behavior and frequent violent outbursts, everyone pretty much assumed she was going to get that insanity defense.