The most widely accepted account is that Robert Ford, a member of James' gang, shot him on April 3, 1882, in his home in St. Joseph, Missouri. Ford was offered a $5,000 reward by Governor Thomas Crittenden of Missouri for James' capture, dead or alive. He was subsequently pardoned for his role in James' death.
However, there are several alternative theories and controversies surrounding James' assassination:
* Conspiracy Theories: Some theories claim that Ford was not the actual shooter and that James was killed by someone else, perhaps on behalf of the Pinkerton Detective Agency, which had been hunting James for years.
* James' Surviving: Other theories suggest that James staged his own death and escaped to live out his days incognito.
* Other Possible Shooters: Some historical accounts point to other individuals who might have been involved in James' death, including members of his gang or other law enforcement officials.
Ultimately, the question of who shot Jesse James remains a mystery, with historical evidence supporting both the accepted account and the various alternative theories. The debate is likely to continue, fueling speculation and debate among historians and enthusiasts for years to come.