The name Jack the Ripper still terrifies people today. However, the true identity of this killer remains a complete mystery. For instance, police investigated dozens of suspects without success. Furthermore, he taunted the authorities with chilling letters written in red ink. Consequently, the case became the most famous unsolved mystery in criminal history. Therefore, step into the fog of Victorian London. You will find the details truly disturbing.
Jack the Ripper
A letter to the press created the famous name. Specifically, a person signing himself “Jack the Ripper” sent a taunting note to a news agency.
Historians generally agree on five “canonical” victims. Although other murders occurred nearby, experts link these five women directly to the same hand.
He sent half of a human kidney to the police. Terrifyingly, the writer claimed he fried and ate the other half.
The killer possessed anatomical knowledge. Because he removed organs with surgical precision, police suspected he was a doctor or a butcher.
Prince Albert Victor was a famous suspect. Surprisingly, conspiracy theorists often name Queen Victoria’s grandson as the killer. However, records show he was away.
He killed two women in one night. Specifically, this “Double Event” involved the murders of Elizabeth Stride and Catherine Eddowes.
Police found strange graffiti near a crime scene. Controversially, the Police Commissioner ordered an officer to erase the chalk writing to prevent riots.
Detectives used bloodhounds during the investigation. Unfortunately, the dogs were not effective in the crowded, smelly streets of London.
The murders stopped as suddenly as they began. After the death of Mary Jane Kelly in November, the killer vanished. Therefore, he likely died or went to prison.
Police interviewed over 2,000 people. Despite this massive effort and many arrests, they never charged anyone with the crimes.
Some theorists believe the killer was a woman. Because a midwife would have bloody clothes and medical skill, some suggest a “Jill the Ripper.”
Queen Victoria took a personal interest in the case. In fact, she wrote letters to the police demanding they improve their methods.
Crime scene photography was very new. Consequently, this was one of the first cases where police photographed the victims for evidence.
DNA tests recently identified a potential suspect. However, scientists dispute these findings because the shawl they tested is too old and contaminated.
Finally, the case created the true crime genre. Because the media covered every detail, the public became obsessed with the mystery forever.