Notorious: Maine Crime in the Public Eye, 1690–1940

During her trial, Mrs. Morrill pled self-defense, according to an Associated Press report, claiming she had suffered frequent abuse and deprivation at the hands of her husband for years. She alleged that she had been denied proper food and clothing and was a virtual prisoner in her own home. However, the jury was not swayed by this argument.

On October 16, a Superior Court jury found Mary Morrill guilty of murder after deliberating for just over two hours. The 52-year-old widow, described as gray-haired and emotionless, sat in silence as the verdict—carrying a mandatory life sentence—was read. The trial, spanning two days, detailed the brutal killing in their shack-like home off Underwitted Road in West Falmouth.