Victims of the Ax Murder House
Why the Paranormal Community Should Worry about the Stabbing at the Ax Murder House
Shortly after midnight on Friday, November 8, 2014, police were summoned to the infamous Ax Murder House in Villisca, Iowa. Upon arrival police found Steven Laursen, Jr. of Wisconsin suffering from a self-inflicted stab wound. He was transported to a local hospital and then airlifted to Omaha. Laursen was attending an overnight recreational investigation at the sinister location. Reports claim that he brought a real knife to use as a trigger object. No criminal charges are expected since there wasn’t any foul play. Laursen is expected to recover.
This story elicited little paranormal chatter. Some discussed; many ignored. This is very concerning. The entire paranormal community needs to wake up and to take notice. This small story has long-lasting implications in the paranormal field.
The obvious issue is Laursen’s using a real knife as a trigger object. Really? Who brings a knife sharp enough to cause severe bodily harm to an investigation? Shoot, why not bring a gun? [I’m joking] There should be a rule against this. Common sense should tell you that this is not a good idea.
The next issue is provocation. Was he planning on using the knife as provocation instead of as a trigger object? Provocation should be avoided. There is a definite difference between talking to the spirits and yelling at them. Yelling is hostile. Don’t provoke! Certainly don’t point a weapon.
Laursen experienced severe stab wounds, so severe, that he was airlifted to another hospital for care. This begs the question: Was this an attempted suicide? Even if he was using the knife as a trigger object and fell on the knife, his wound would not be that severe. Same goes for provocation. Early speculation revolves around attempted suicide.
The paranormal field attracts mentally unstable people. There has been a long discussion regarding mental health instability and exorcisms. Skeptics purport that most, if not all, people who have an exorcism would have benefitted from mental health evaluations. Paranormal experts caution groups to eliminate mental health instability before even suggesting or performing exorcisms.
Coordinators of public investigations need to be careful about attendees’ ulterior motives. They should warn against bringing weapons, flammables, and other potentially dangerous items. Evidence can be gathered safely without any of these amateur tactics.
Ax Murder House
The Haunted Librarian 
I agree its imperative that paranormal investigators be mindfull of peoples mental states as well as there own.
Reblogged this on Paranormal Society of Bradenton, FL.
I have been trying to find follow up to this Villisca stabbing for quite some time. My group stayed at the Ax Murder House the night after the stabbing. Hearing about this stabbing incident was far more worrisome than any possible ghost encounter at the House.
Did the property mention the stabbing? I agree. The stabbing would have me on edge.
Yes, it was mentioned, upon our arrival.
Well either he was maybe suicidal, or he’s watched Ghost Adventures one too many times. Why in heavens name would you bring a knife to such a place. It would be like bringing an axe to the Lizzie Borden House. Since this was a recreational ghost hunt I assume there were more people there.Someone discovered him and called police. Is it possible that he was in one of the bedrooms where the murders took place? and while in there tried to provoke the ghost of the killer or killers? Maybe that’s who stab him.Not saying the killer’s ghost did but it is a possiblity.
My father, grandmother(his mother) and her Aunt Louise used to have death portent dreams. They would have these dreams when ever a family member was going to pass on. Except in the case of my mother who died of a second stroke, my dad didn’t hear “The Singer”.Instead he saw momma and he said to her”Emma you’re walking!’To which she replied,Yes Fred, I’m all better.” (she was paralyzed on one side due to a stroke).Daddy said that they walked in a beautiful garden and there were other people around. He saw there some folks he knew but hadn’t seen in years.
Never would i provoke anyone if I visited the place. Instead I’d offer to pray for them that they might find peace finally.