Died in jail or a lockup
John C. Parker
John C. Parker was in the criminal court in St. Louis on Monday, February 5, 1883, with his wife and two sisters. His wife had their five-month-old baby with her. During a private conference with his attorney in a side room, a pistol shot killed his wife, who was seated beside him, and then Parker himself. The Ottawa Free Trader reported, citing general belief, that the couple had planned and carried out the deaths together.
Cause of death, as reported: Cause not yet determined. The newspaper reports a general belief that the couple planned the deaths together, but it does not say who fired the pistol shot that killed Parker.
Reported by: the newspaper, citing general belief (reporters).