DNA evidence has uncovered the identity of Jack The Ripper, and it’s none of the romantic suspects – such as the Queen’s surgeon Sir William Gull, or artist Walter Sickert.
The most infamous serial killer in history has been identified as a relatively underwhelming Polish madman called Aaron Kosminski, who was committed to a mental asylum at the height of the Ripper hysteria.
Kosminski was actually a suspect at the time of the murders, even named by Chief Inspector Donald Swanson in notes the policemen made, but as the myth and legend of the murders grew over more than 125 years, so too did the list of more fanciful suspects.
The breakthrough came when a scientist, using cutting-edge technology, matched DNA evidence on a shawl found at one of the crime scenes with descendants of Kosminski.
Dr Jari Louhelainen, a Finnish expert in historic DNA, was brought in to study a shawl found with Catherine Eddowes, the second-last ‘confirmed’ victim of the Ripper, whose body was discovered in Mitre Square on September 30.
The shawl – still retaining stains and genetic material from the fateful night almost 126 years ago – had been bought by businessman Russell Edwards, 48, at an auction in Bury St Edmunds in 2007.
In the Mail On Sunday, Dr Louhelainen is quoted as saying: ‘It has taken a great deal of hard work, using cutting-edge scientific techniques which would not have been possible five years ago.
‘Once I had the profile, I could compare it to that of the female descendant of Kosminski’s sister, who had given us a sample of her DNA swabbed from inside her mouth.
‘The first strand of DNA showed a 99.2 per cent match, as the analysis instrument could not determine the sequence of the missing 0.8 per cent fragment of DNA. On testing the second strand, we achieved a perfect 100 per cent match.’
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DNA evidence (supposedly) finds the real Jack The Ripper
I think these cold cases and the legends behind them are interesting. Jack The Ripper was primarily exaggerated (they coined his name through false letters) and inflated by an overzealous British media. It is debated they may have in fact encouraged the murders. The media are basically the reason this character became ingrained in culture.
Zodiac was far more interesting imo. This fellow was quite obliviously brazen and theatrical but also intelligent. The documentary that came with the movie is better than the movie itself.
Some of the shit he done reminds me of the Dark Knight. Like the bit when the Joker says he will blow up a hospital unless Batman reveals himself. The Zodiac wanted people to go round wearing a badge with his logo or he would randomly shoot up a school bus. With the riddles he sent it was very much like a over the top Batman villain. Even wore a stupid custom when he attacked to lovers at a lake.
@uninspiredcup:
Nope.
From left to right you have Prince Albert, Walter Sickert, Lewis Carroll, William Gull and Mary Pearcey.
I think these cold cases and the legends behind them are interesting. Jack The Ripper was primarily exaggerated (they coined his name through false letters) and inflated by an overzealous British media. It is debated they may have in fact encouraged the murders. The media are basically the reason this character became ingrained in culture.
Zodiac was far more interesting imo. This fellow was quite obliviously brazen and theatrical but also intelligent. The documentary that came with the movie is better than the movie itself.
Some of the shit he done reminds me of the Dark Knight. Like the bit when the Joker says he will blow up a hospital unless Batman reveals himself. The Zodiac wanted people to go round wearing a badge with his logo or he would randomly shoot up a school bus. With the riddles he sent it was very much like a over the top Batman villain. Even wore a stupid custom when he attacked to lovers at a lake.
I find the zodiac interesting also, but then again, all of these guys are just crazed lunatics who don't deserve anyones attention other than to find and punish them.
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