That’s a whale of a story! I’m not convinced deMello did it. My money’s on John Morse. But in all seriousness, I enjoyed this interview. Felony murder does exist in MA and likely did in 1893. Poor Bertha. May she rest in peace. I’ll visit her grave next time I’m in Fall River.
I wonder why he struck her so many times if his intent was robbery only. Did the first strike foment such rage that he kept going? If so, I suppose the same may be said of the Bordens’ murderer.