Arnold Brown (1) (1925–)

Brown claims that he has an anonymous, now deceased source who knew Andrew Borden's here-to-fore unknown illegitimate son, William. This William, who is described as being very fond of his axe, is supposed to have claimed to have murdered his father & stepmother. Lizzie was supposed to have been an accessory, keeping quiet, risking the trial, in return for an early inheritance. Naturally, we cannot read the source for ourselves, and I must wonder if William Borden's story, recounted years later (he was talking to his hatchet at the time) is entirely to be trusted even if Brown's witness has been absolutely accurate about everything that he heard.

The problem is, there is little proof. Even supposing that Brown's research into William Borden's birth is correct, and that he has drawn the proper conclusion about his real paternity, even supposing that his informant is absolutely correct, there is no evidence for the details of the killing or Lizzie's involvement. Brown starts by talking about political corruption; no doubt it exists, but that doesn't prove that it was operative in this case.

Possible, but no compelling evidence… (more)