1st recorded murder trial

The first recorded murder trial in America involved the disappearance and death of Gulielma “Elma” Sands in 1799. Elma Sands, the lover of a man named Levi Weeks, was found strangled and drowned at the bottom of the well in 1799. 

 Weeks, accused of the murder, was defended by Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr. Despite strong evidence against him, Weeks was acquitted after just five minutes of jury deliberation. Supposedly, the cousin of Elma placed a curse on all in the courtroom that day. 

The case became infamous, and many involved, including Hamilton, Burr, and Judge John Lansing, later faced tragic fates, leading to a belief in the curse. The well where Sands' body was found still exists under 129 Spring Street, New York.