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Chapter 156: The Incident Escalates
🕑 Added 2025-01-05 17:05:10 +0000 UTC"This can't be true!" Milon could visibly see Judy's face turn pale, her previously rosy cheeks losing all color. It was clear that the case of the executioner murderer had genuinely terrified the young girl, who usually loved tales of horror and the supernatural.
But then again, it wasn't entirely surprising. Many people only express their fascination verbally, satisfying their curiosity. Faced with such a situation in real life, their first reaction would be to scream for their mother's help.
"But that's exactly what the newspaper says!" Milon, in contrast, remained calm. He helped Judy to a nearby chair, opened the newspaper, and began reading carefully.
"The reporter recently discovered a horrifying execution video on an online forum. The perpetrator used bizarre devices to torture the victim, recording the entire process.
"The video circulated widely online, and many began calling the perpetrator 'Jigsaw' due to the title of his personal website.
"Initially, the reporter believed it to be a deliberately crafted prank video. However, while reviewing recent police reports, he accidentally identified the two robbers in the footage.
"The man who removed his hood in the video was identified as Karbigo, a local gang member. He had a criminal record for assault and robbery. Recently, he and an accomplice were arrested following a robbery. Although the reporter could not interview Karbigo in prison, he found the site of their arrest."
"It was in an abandoned chemical factory near Long Island Avenue in New York. To verify the video, the reporter secretly entered the location a few days ago, where he discovered significant bloodstains and remnants of props used in the video."
At this point, Milon turned the page to find several black-and-white photographs of the site. From the shattered television to the arranged oil barrel stands, they immediately recognized the scene as the execution location from the video.
"OMG! It's actually real!" Judy covered her mouth with both hands, her eyes wide with terror as she looked at Milon.
Having grown more mature over the past few months, Milon quickly wrapped an arm around Judy's shoulders, comforting her, "It's okay, Judy. It's okay. Breathe. We're not necessarily going to encounter him."
"That means he could show up in front of us… Oh, my god!" Judy's anxiety only worsened.
Milon scratched his head, realizing his attempt at reassurance had backfired.
"Let's keep reading," he suggested, picking up the newspaper again.
"Upon comparing the video footage with the site, the reporter confirmed that the location matched all details. However, neither the devices nor any cameras were found, as they had likely been taken by the police.
"The reporter contacted the NYPD for further clarification but received only one response: No comment. It seems this matter is still unresolved within the department and possibly under active investigation."
Milon put the paper down, exchanging uneasy glances with Judy.
"So, Jigsaw is actually in New York?" Judy still found it hard to believe. She had thought, even if such a murderer existed, they would be far away, not right in her backyard.
Milon spent some time comforting her before escorting her home. He then rushed back to his own house and immediately sat at his computer.
However, someone had beaten him to it.
As soon as Milon logged onto the "Horror Pumpkinhead" forum, he noticed that someone had already posted the newspaper article's text. The post had even been pinned by the administrator.
The comments section was buzzing, with everyone shocked by the news.
Pumpkin Phantom: "WTF, he's actually in New York, near me? This is insane! I kind of want to see an execution live!"
General James: "I used to assist in solving cases while in the military, personally apprehending many murderers. Amateurs like this always pick bad locations. If it were me, I'd choose a remote area, execute, and then drive away. If I went to the scene, I'd surely find clues about him."
Zodiac Killer: "James, you should get your head checked. If someone sees your license plate in the wilderness, you'd be caught easily."
General James: "Ridiculous. Just switch plates. Or better yet, steal a car along the way. I've hotwired vehicles before—it's child's play for me."
Exorcist Fernandez: "Seriously? You must be in the military branch of Grand Theft Auto."
Texas Madman: "Let's ignore this guy spouting nonsense. Honestly, I think the police are probably investigating already. Who knows, they might even be reading this forum."
General James: "The police? Ha! A bunch of amateurs. If my unit were on this case, we'd solve it in three days."
Zodiac Killer: "Can someone ban this guy already? He's unbearable."
General James: "Afraid I'll expose your slip-ups and get you arrested? Relax, I don't handle New York cases, so you're safe."
Milon massaged his forehead, exasperated by General James. Seeing the topic veering off course, he posted a reply to redirect the conversation back to Jigsaw.
Spooky Glasses: "I bought the paper today too. I think the key to this case lies with that robber."
Texas Madman: "Exactly. Karbigo—he's a local gang member, but unfortunately, he's in prison, so he can't be interviewed."
Exorcist Fernandez: "The reporter should have access to the prison, though. If this is real, more reports will likely follow."
Pumpkin Phantom: "Or maybe it's easier than that—what about checking Jigsaw's personal website?"
Seeing this comment, Milon instinctively opened a new browser tab and visited the bookmarked Jigsaw website. Sure enough, there was a new post—the first in two months.
"How amusing. Some have already realized that punishment is inevitable, yet humanity remains lazy and unrepentant."
Spooky Glasses: "He actually posted! Although I don't understand what he means by punishment."
Pumpkin Phantom: "I guessed right! Looks like Jigsaw saw the newspaper or has been keeping an eye on horror forums."
In fact, discussions about Jigsaw weren't limited to "Horror Pumpkinhead." Many horror and urban forums were buzzing about him. However, "Horror Pumpkinhead" was the fastest and most dedicated.
The thought of Jigsaw possibly reading the newspaper at a nearby stand filled Milon with unease.
Spooky Glasses: "Can't someone trace the website's IP? It might lead us to him."
A well-known tech enthusiast, Pumpkinhead1987, replied almost immediately.
"I've already checked the IP, but he seems to have some hacking skills. It points to Tokyo."
Zodiac Killer: "I looked into it too—Shibuya, Tokyo. Jigsaw must've used proxies or hacked other devices."
Spooky Glasses: "I see. Then we'll have to wait for the police."
General James: "Ha, such basic tricks. If I investigated, I'd find him in ten minutes!"
Spooky Glasses: "Then why don't you? Is it because you dislike your current computer?"
Genre James: "I need professional tools! This civilian machine is inconvenient."
Scalpel Edward: "What happened to your professional setup?"
General James: "I once accidentally hacked into India's government database using my professional rig. I almost faced a military trial. Now I'm not allowed to use it."
Scalpel Edward: "If you're that skilled, the FBI would hire you to steal data from other governments."
As the topic derailed again, with everyone mocking General James, Milon decided to stop reading the forum. Instead, he sent Judy a few texts to check on her.
Judy replied that she was feeling better after reaching home but had handed the newspaper to her parents, asking them to stay vigilant.
Milon felt a bit guilty for not thinking of this earlier. He quickly shared the information with his own mother as well.
Many others who had read the newspaper that day shared similar thoughts. People in New York believed that Jigsaw could be living among them, appearing ordinary on the surface while secretly designing horrific devices.
Rumors spread about a puppet clown, his symbolic figure, riding a tricycle in a suit with red circles on his face. Before each execution, the puppet would appear, like the harbinger of death.
Jigsaw would allegedly cut a jigsaw-shaped piece of skin from his victims as a keepsake.
Some believed the puzzle piece was purely symbolic, while others thought it had religious significance. But no one could provide a definitive explanation.
Meanwhile, Jigsaw's reputation continued to grow. A new website, dedicated to his "cult," was already glorifying their leader, the master of deadly devices.
In reality, however, fear gripped New York. Families grew anxious, gun shops saw a surge in sales, and store owners gleefully launched promotions, offering free bullets with gun purchases.
But this was only the beginning. As Jigsaw's fame spread, more media outlets started covering the story and pursuing leads.
