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Lizzie Borden's Maid: Lover or Killer?
20 Sep
Summary
- Bridget Sullivan was Lizzie Borden's Irish maid, called Maggie.
- Sullivan was a key witness in Lizzie Borden's trial.
- Sullivan settled in Montana and remained silent for decades.
Bridget Sullivan, known as "Maggie" to Lizzie Borden, was an Irish immigrant who served as the maid in the Borden household. A new Netflix series portrays her as Lizzie's lover and partner in the murders of Andrew and Abby Borden. This depiction diverges significantly from historical facts.
In reality, Sullivan was a crucial witness during Lizzie Borden's trial. Her testimony, however, did not implicate her and instead contributed to Lizzie's acquittal. Authorities found no evidence linking Sullivan to the crime, with forensic examination showing no traces of blood on her person. Lizzie Borden, on the other hand, was believed to have a motive due to disputes over finances and her dislike for her stepmother.
Born in County Cork, Ireland, around 1866, Sullivan immigrated to the United States alone at 16. She performed demanding domestic duties for the Bordens. She later settled in Montana with her husband, John Sullivan, and lived a quiet life, never speaking publicly about the Borden case until her death in 1948.
