The image defense attorney Spahn paints of his client is far different. Though he has said little about the case, he did make a passing comment to reporters soon after Ludwig's return to Pennsylvania, describing the young man, who is being held without bail, as frightened and confused. His next court appearance is scheduled for Friday, although Spahn has indicated that he may seek a delay.

In the meantime, in the close knit and deeply religious community, where Ludwig and Kara were raised, neighbors and friends are turning to their faith to help them deal with the shock of the slayings.

chapter continues

advertisement

There have been little gestures. On the mailboxes on the Bordens' street, neighbors have affixed little white ribbons to honor the pair. On a suddenly cold Sunday, a week after the slayings, Michael and Cathryn Borden were buried in a Mennonite cemetery at the edge of town. Some 500 people had attended their funeral at nearby Lancaster Bible College.

It is, perhaps a measure of the depth of faith in the community that there was little talk of the horror the slayings as the couple was laid to rest. The press was held at bay, and Kara sat surrounded by her siblings. There were, mourners told reporters, no recriminations, no gulf between the children, or among the mourners. Instead, the focus was on the power of their religious convictions, mourners reportedly said. That of course, is hardly surprising, since, as Kellymarie Conlon, a family friend put it, the Bordens' faith informed every aspect of their lives. And in their time of grief, faith has given their children a lifeline. "Michael and Cathryn raised a family that's very devout in their faith and their faith is holding them up," she told Crime Library two days before the funeral.