Busted: A Metaphysical Murder In Chicago

Armed with the note and a Smith & Wesson Model 1 revolver, Pike strolled into Jones’ office and showed him the signed confession. Exactly what happened after that moment is uncertain, but within moments, Pike pulled out the revolver and shot Stephen Jones twice at close range. According to Pike’s own admission, the first bullet entered Jones’ skull at the base behind the ear. “I shot him according to phrenological reasoning in the offending part, the main nerve that comes near the surface at the immediate base of the brain, a little to the right of the spinal column. It also happened to be a most fatal spot.” In phrenology, this spot is referred to as the amativeness and is tied to “connubial love”, obscenity, and the attraction between the sexes. The second shot—just for good measure—entered Jones in the shoulder.

Interesting old story, who knows what really happened, if anything, between Pike’s wife and Jones. The confession letter that he made her sign seems quite odd. Was there a legitimate affair between those two? Or was Pike’s mind just so paranoid and delusional that he created this scenario in his own mind?

~Ophelia