William Action Jackson Autopsy Report

He flipped to the next page. There was a photo glued to the corner. It was grainy, but Elias could clearly see the exposed chest cavity. Jackson’s ribs were not white bone. They were stained a deep, rust-red.

: The report noted numerous cuts from knives and razor blades, along with a hole in his right ear caused by a sharp object. william action jackson autopsy report

The body showed distinct rope marks on the wrists and ankles. Cause of Death He flipped to the next page

: Police found the nearly nude 300-pound "hulk" face forward with rope marks on his wrists and feet. Context of the Slaying Jackson’s ribs were not white bone

Before examining the autopsy, one must understand the man. William Jackson earned the nickname "Action" not for his speed with a revolver, but for his inability to remain uninvolved in any conflict within a 50-mile radius. By 1888, Jackson had survived seven gunfights, two stabbings, and an alleged poisoning attempt in a saloon in Abilene. He was 34 years old, with a reputation for wearing a red sash and carrying a modified Colt Single Action Army revolver with an unusually hair-trigger.

"Upon reflection of the thoracic integument and musculature, extensive hemothorax is evident. Approximately 1.5 liters of clotted and liquid blood evacuated from the left pleural cavity."