As we continue to delve into the world of serial killers, a recent discovery has been made regarding the infamous case of the well-known serial killer, “Jack the Ripper.” London’s mysterious killer was active over 100 years ago, in the year 1888. While there might have been more victims that have not been identified yet, it is believed that the Ripper killed 11 women in Whitechapel, London.
This recent discovery came about when Jari Louhelainen and David Miller, researchers from John Moores University in Liverpool and the University of Leeds, found DNA on a shawl that belonged to one of the Whitechapel murder victims, Catherine Eddowes. Aaron Kosminski, an old yet promising suspect from the 100-year-old case, lived close to Eddowes and is now believed to be “Jack the Ripper,” thanks to the recent DNA discovery. The DNA was tested and found matches with both Eddowes and Kosminski’s DNA. This is why it is likely that the wrongful death of Catherine Eddowes came at the hands of Kosminski.
Who Was Aaron Kosminski?
Kosminski was a Polish-Jewish barber who immigrated to Whitechapel, London from the Russian Empire. Between 1888 and 1891, 11 women were murdered in the same Whitechapel district that Komsinski worked in. This location is why the investigation was named the “Whitechapel Murders,” and, as mentioned previously, dubbed Komsinski as the prime suspect of the investigation.
The Murders
Out of the 11 murders that occurred during Jack the Rippers tear, seven of the wrongful death victims suffered slashes to the throat and the five other victims had similar wounds. This led investigators to narrow down the conclusion that the killings came from the work of a single serial killer.
While there were 11 murders, there were five that are known as the “canonical five.” These victims were Mary Ann Nichols, Annie Chapman, Elizabeth Stride, Catherine Eddowes and Mary Jane Kelly. These canonical five murders occurred mostly at night or during the weekends.
How Certain is This Evidence?
Though there is a good chance that this DNA discovery has led to the potential closing of the Jack the Ripper case, it remains open due to the fact that the shawl is over 100 years old — it could have been contaminated over the years. But, while the case might remain “unsolved,” Louhelainen and Miller have dubbed this report, “the most systematic and most advanced genetic analysis to date,” and it’s not hard to see why.
Wrongful death at the hands of serial killers is often undiscovered and unreported, but with today’s technological advancements, it’s becoming easier for the victim’s families to get the justice that they deserve.
Sources:
https://abcnews.go.com/International/infamous-jack-ripper-serial-killer-identified-dna-report/story?id=61779610