Police on Tuesday revealed the contents of a note left behind by former Missouri political operative Spence Jackson, who was found dead in his apartment Sunday night.
Jackson had been an aide to late gubernatorial candidate and Missouri Auditor Tom Schweich (R), who himself committed suicide last month amid rumors that he was the target of an anti-Semitic whisper campaign.
Jefferson City police Capt. Doug Shoemaker said in a news conference that Jackson’s note read in its entirety: “I’m so sorry. I just can’t take being unemployed again.”
Shoemaker said the note was dated Friday, the same day on which medical examiners determined Jackson died of a single self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
It’s unclear why Jackson was concerned about his employment status at the time of his death. In response to a question from a reporter, Shoemaker described Jackson as “gainfully employed” and directed further questions on the subject to the auditor’s office.
An anonymous friend of Jackson’s had told the Kansas City Star that Jackson was worried about keeping his job once a new auditor was appointed to replace Schweich, however.
Jackson’s family asked police to release the contents of the note to the media in the interest of eliminating speculation surrounding his death, Shoemaker said. The proximity of Jackson’s and Schweich’s deaths had generated much chatter about the possible political implications of the aide’s suicide.
Shoemaker also released a few new bits of information about the circumstances surrounding Jackson’s death in the news conference.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch had reported that Jackson took a sick day Friday, citing an anonymous source. But Jackson actually went into the state auditor’s office Friday morning, Shoemaker said.
Jackson did not return to the office Friday after taking a lunch break. Employees of the auditor’s office interviewed by police said Jackson was behaving normally that day, Shoemaker said.
The agency’s investigation into Jackson’s death was still open, he added.
Jackson’s family issued a statement Tuesday though a spokesman thanking supporters for their thoughts and prayers.
“Spence was a loving son, brother, uncle and friend to many,” the statement read, as quoted by The Missouri Times. “He was a kind, caring and loyal person. Spence was passionate about his career and for the elected officials, candidates and causes he represented.”
“We also encourage anyone who might need help to seek it and for anyone who might know someone who needs help to encourage them to find it,” the statement continued.
This post has been updated.
