Justine Moritz's Trial and Execution

The wrongful accusation and execution of Justine Moritz for the murder of William Frankenstein.

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The Accusation

A False Charge The Discovery of the Miniature After William's body is found, the family searches for the murderer. A servant discovers a miniature portrait of Caroline Beaufort in Justine's pocket. The portrait was the one William was wearing when he was killed. Justine is immediately suspected and arrested. She is known to be kind and gentle, but the evidence is damning. The Trial Justine is tried in Geneva. The court hears that she was out the night of the murder, and her behavior was confused. The prosecution uses the miniature as proof of her guilt. Elizabeth testifies in her defense, praising her character, but the jury is swayed by the circumstantial evidence. Victor knows the truth but cannot reveal it. The Confession Under pressure from her confessor, Justine falsely confesses to the crime, believing she will be absolved. She later recants, but the confession has sealed her fate. She is condemned to death. Elizabeth and Victor visit her in prison, and Justine maintains her innocence to the end. She is executed the next day, leaving the family devastated.

May 7th–12th, after William's murder