A young reporter for a weekly newspaper, I sat at my desk transfixed. In my hands was a story in The Providence Journal-Bulletin dated September 18, 1997 entitled "Star legal panel reenacts trial of Lizzie Borden at Stanford."
In the mock trial, Associate Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, one of the most powerful women in America, had reached the same verdict as Lizzie's jury did, the first time around at the 1893 double-murder trial:
NOT GUILTY.
Maybe it was hubris, but I needed to write to the Supreme Court Justice.
I began to type...
October 11, 1997
Associate Justice Sandra Day O'Connor
U.S. Supreme Court
One First Street Northeast
Washington, DC 20543
Dear Associate Justice O'Connor:
Having read with great interest about your recent reenactment of the Lizzie Borden trial, I am forwarding to you a copy of a series of articles that were published this past Friday in the four Hathaway Publishing newspapers. "Family Secrets" is the result of six months of long distance conversations, exhaustive research, and the piecing together of family secrets, incredible coincidences and a thorough police investigation to unravel the unsolved mystery.
Central to the theory was not only that it alluded to Lizzie's innocence but also included an unpublished photograph of the alleged axe murderer, Lizzie's half brother Bill Borden. His photo appeared next to that of his father and victim, Andrew, who bears a striking resemblance.
On May 18, 1997 The Associated Press published a condensed version of my series. As a follow-up piece, I wrote a story this summer that once again attested to her innocence and included an unpublished letter written in Lizzie's own hand, which I am also enclosing.
It would be a great honor if you would reply to my letter and furnish your opinions on the feasibility of this theory.
Very truly yours,
Linda Andrade Rodrigues
Special Section Editor
A week later, a letter appeared on my desk...
Supreme Court of the United States
Washington, DC 20543
October 20, 1997
Ms. Linda Andrade Rodrigues
Hathaway Publishing
PO Box 427
Somerset, MA 02726-0427
Dear Ms. Rodrigues:
Thank you for your letter and for sending me copies of the articles published in the Hathaway Publishing newspapers about Lizzie Borden. It is a case that has fascinated the public for many years and I suspect, always will. I will enjoy reading your articles and your reasons for attesting to Lizzie's innocence.
Sincerely,
Sandra Day O'Connor
Yesterday, I learned of Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor's passing. There is a special place for her in Heaven and in my heart. Lizzie is waiting to thank her.
