**The Mysterious Murder of Bertha Manchester in 1893: A Tale of Tragedy and Misrepresentation**
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In 1893, the quiet streets of Fall River, Massachusetts, were shaken by a gruesome crime that would go unnoticed by many but become part of a broader narrative surrounding one of America’s most infamous murder cases. Bertha Manchester, a local woman, was brutally slain with an axe in her home, a tragedy that has been largely overshadowed by the more famous Lizzie Borden murder trial that occurred just months earlier.
Manchester’s death has recently found a spotlight through the Netflix series *Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story,* which explores the notorious Borden family murders. The fourth instalment of the anthology, which premiered on September 17, 2023, focuses on the events surrounding the 1892 murders of Andrew and Abby Borden, along with the trial of their daughter, Lizzie, who became the prime suspect. However, the series takes significant creative liberties, not only in its depiction of Lizzie Borden but also in the portrayal of Bertha Manchester.
In the series, Bertha Manchester is illustrated as a harsh and dismal figure, living next to the Borden household. Her character mistreats Bridget Sullivan, the family’s maid, which serves as a plot device that leads Lizzie to commit murder against her. In a dramatic reinterpretation, Lizzie is shown as killing Manchester before turning her violent intentions towards her father and stepmother. This fictional narrative distorts the facts surrounding Manchester’s life and death, leading viewers to consider a totally inaccurate timeline.
Contrary to the show’s representation, Bertha Manchester was not an antagonist in a local feud but rather a 22-year-old woman living with her father and brother in Fall River. The Manchester family managed a dairy farm away from the immediate dramas of the Borden household. Interestingly, historical records show no known connection between Manchester and the Borden family, nor any indication that Bridget Sullivan ever worked for her.
Manchester’s tragic fate transpired on May 30, 1893, when she was left home alone while her family was out selling milk. When they returned, they discovered her lifeless body, having suffered extensive injuries from over 20 blows to the head with a hatchet. The brutality of the murder was shocking, but in stark contrast to the narrative presented in *Monster*, Lizzie Borden was already in custody at the time and had no connection to Manchester’s death.
The real perpetrator of Bertha Manchester’s murder was later identified as Jose Correa de Mello, a young Portuguese immigrant who had occasionally worked on the Manchester dairy. De Mello was arrested shortly after the crime and reportedly confessed to entering the Manchester home to seek unpaid wages owed to him by Bertha’s father. A struggle ensued when Bertha confronted him, leading to a tragic outcome.
While the series suggests otherwise, there is no credible evidence to suggest Lizzie Borden had any involvement in Manchester’s murder. De Mello’s account detailed how Bertha defended herself against an attacker wielding an axe, a fierce struggle that ended with her untimely death. His confession came just a few days before Lizzie’s trial began, prompting speculation that the timing of the murder might have cast a shadow over the proceedings.
De Mello was ultimately sentenced to life in prison, and after serving 21 years, he was released on the recommendation of petitions submitted by the Portuguese community in Fall River. This aspect of the case highlights the complexities of immigration and justice in the era, raising numerous questions about societal responses to such violent acts.
The theories surrounding these two murders continue to fascinate historians and true crime enthusiasts alike. The interwoven relationship between Bertha Manchester and Lizzie Borden remains tenuous at best, with many casting doubt on the accuracy of representations depicted in contemporary portrayals. As viewers engage with Netflix’s dramatized narrative, it is important to remember that creative liberties often distort the truth of historical events.
As the shadows of the past continue to loom large over Fall River, the tragic story of Bertha Manchester serves as a reminder of the real-life victims behind sensationalised accounts of murder. While Lizzie Borden’s legacy remains intertwined with the city’s folklore, it is essential to remember others, like Bertha, whose lives were irrevocably altered by violence. This haunting chapter in Fall River’s history is one of tragedy, misrepresentation, and the inexorable quest for truth.