July 28, 2025 • 23 mins
For over a century, his identity has haunted dark alleys and curious minds alike.
In Episode 3, we dive into the theories, suspects, and the shocking new DNA evidence that claims to finally reveal the face behind the myth.
Was Jack the Ripper a brilliant doctor, a deranged butcher, or an unsuspected local hiding in plain sight?
We sift through the letters, the lies, and the legends — and ask the question no one has dared to answer… until now.
Could it be that, after all these years, the Ripper’s true identity has finally been unmasked?
Join us for the final chapter in this chilling trilogy. The hunt ends here… or does it?
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:01):
Welcome back to Macabre, a dark history podcast, a macabre
feature on Jack the Ripper Episode 3, Unmasking a killer.
Together we will journey into the heart of Victorian London's
terror. For 10 weeks in the autumn of
1888, terror gripped the gas litstreets of Whitechapel.
(00:26):
A faceless predator lurked in the shadows, striking with
surgical precision and vanishinginto the night.
Five women, Mary Ann Polly Nichols, Annie Chapman,
Elizabeth Stride, Catherine Eddos, and Mary Gene Kelly, fell
victim to a savagery their livesextinguished with brutal
(00:46):
precision. Their bodies, mutilated and
displayed, became grotesque messages and a Citigroup by
fear. Newspapers fueled the flames of
hysteria, and a palpable sense of dread hung heavy in the air.
The killer they called Jack the Ripper had transformed London
into his hunting ground. And then he vanished.
(01:11):
But did he truly slip away, disappearing into the fog and
shadows? Or did he walk among them
undetected, shielded by privilege, cunning, or the cruel
hand of fate? Over a century later, the
mystery endures, and new theories dare to Pierce The Veil
of time. Modern science now offers a
tantalizing glimpse into the past, a chance to unmask the
(01:34):
face behind the legend. Could new DNA evidence,
extracted from the very fabric of history, finally reveal the
identity of history's most infamous murderer?
Tonight we delve into the labyrinth of suspects and
theories, exploring the shockingrevelations that may bring us
closer than ever to the truth. The police investigation into
(02:00):
the Ripper murders was a desperate struggle against the
limitations of Victorian era forensics.
In a time before DNA testing andfingerprinting as we know it
today, investigators were forcedto rely on flawed eyewitness
accounts and circumstantial evidence.
The White Trouble Police, thoughnot lacking an effort, were
overwhelmed by the sheer scale and brutality of the crimes is
(02:23):
simply lack the resources and manpower to melt a citywide
manhunt, a task that proved as elusive as the killer himself.
Over the course of the Ripper's reign of terror, detectives
interviewed hundreds of suspects, chase countless leads,
but the river remained a phantom, a ghost haunting the
(02:44):
labyrinth alleyways of Whitechapel.
Many names emerge from the shadows, each with their own
proponents, their own dark allure.
But tonight we will focus on themost prominent suspects, the
compelling theories, and the tantalizing whispers of modern
DNA that offer a chilling glimpse into the Ripper's
(03:05):
potential identity. Let us begin now the exploration
of the suspects, the Butcher or Barber theory.
The Ripper's actions spoke a language of anatomical
(03:25):
knowledge, a familiarity with cutting flesh that hinted at a
chilling profession. The precision of the wounds, the
swiftness of the attacks, some lasting no more than 5 to 10
minutes, suggested someone very comfortable with the blade,
someone who worked with it regularly.
Perhaps this theory cast a long shadow over those whose trades
(03:48):
involve sharp instruments in knowledge of the human form.
Potential suspects. Aaron Kosminski, a Polish Barber
and asylum inmate, has long beenone of the primary suspects in
this case. We'll talk about him more later.
John Pfizer AKA Leather Apron Before the name Jack the Ripper
(04:13):
struck fear into the hearts of Londoners, whispers circulated
about a mysterious figure known as Leather Apron, a man said to
terrorize and extort prostitutesin Whitechapel.
Several sex workers claimed to have been threatened by a man
wearing a leather apron, and thepress, in pursuit of
sensationalism, seized upon thisimage, fueling anti-Semitic
(04:36):
tensions. Piser, a local Jewish boot maker
who wore a leather apron for hiswork, became a convenient
scapegoat, a target for the city's fear and prejudice.
Piser was arrested at his home on September 10th, 1888 by
Detective Sergeant William Thicke.
The discovery of blood stained aprons at his residence only
(04:58):
deepened the suspicion, but Piser maintained his innocence
and his alibi proved his claims.He'd been staying with family
members at the time of Marianne Nichols murder on August 31st,
1888. Witnesses confirm that he was
not in the area when the crimes occurred.
(05:19):
Pfizer was ultimately cleared ofthe crimes.
A victim of circumstance and prejudice.
He even sued a newspaper for libel after they wrongly branded
him as the killer. The leather apron scare faded,
but the true killer, the one whowould become known as Jack the
Ripper, remained shrouded in mystery.
(05:41):
Our next theory is the medical professional theory because of
the Rippers precise incisions, the removal of the organs and
calculated brutality of the mutilations often performed in
near complete darkness. This pointed towards a chilling
(06:02):
possibility that the killer had medical knowledge and a deep
understanding of human anatomy. This theory LED investigators to
consider those with medical training, including doctors,
medical students and even surgeons.
Potential suspects under the medical professional theory
(06:23):
include Sir William Gull, who was actually the Queen's
physician. His name is often whispered in
conspiracy theories suggesting aroyal cover up to protect the
monarchy. Montague John Druid, a lawyer
and teacher with suspected medical training.
His death by drowning in the Thames in December of 1888,
(06:44):
shortly after the Rippers final killing, fueled speculation that
he was in fact the killer and was driven to suicide by his
guilt. Thomas Neil Cream, a convicted
serial killer and doctor, thoughhe was imprisoned during the
River murders, didn't hold much weight.
(07:06):
Our third theory is the royal conspiracy theory.
Some believe that the River's crimes were rooted in a dark
conspiracy, a web of secrets andlies reaching into the highest
echelons of society. The most prominent theory
centers on Prince Albert Victor,Duke of Clarence, who was Queen
(07:27):
Victoria's grandson. Prince Albert Victor, a
controversial figure in his own right, was known for his wild
behavior and alleged associationwith prostitutes.
Rumors swirled about his involvement in various scandals,
including one with a prostitute.Some theories suggest that the
ribomers began after the prostitute became pregnant with
(07:50):
the prince's illegitimate child,and she and others who knew
about the affair were killed to silence them.
Some theorists claim Prince Albert Victor suffered from
syphilis, which might have affected his mental health and
drove him to commit the murders.Some even suggested that the
royal family orchestrated a cover up to protect the
(08:13):
monarchy's reputation. It's crucial to remember here
that there is no concrete evidence to link Prince Albert
Victor to the Ripper murders. These theories emerged long
after the events, often based onspeculation and innuendo.
Such accusations should be viewed within the context of
time when anti royal sentiment was prevalent.
(08:35):
Other suspects have been proposed and most do not
consider the royal connection a credible theory.
Sir William Gull, again his nameresurfaces, implicated in
allegedly carrying out the murders on behalf of the royal
family. JK Stephen, a tutor to Prince
Albert. Victor.
Some theorized he also had a role in silencing the women who
(08:58):
posed a threat to monarchy. Our 4th theory is that of the
serial killer, a lone madman. It's the most straightforward
and perhaps the most chilling theory that posits Jack the
Ripper was alone. He was deranged and driven by
(09:21):
inner demons and a thirst for violence.
This theory suggests a man consumed by paranoia,
schizophrenia or psychopathy. Potential suspects under the
Lone Madman theory include AaronKosminsky.
Again, his name reappears. His documented mental
(09:43):
instability raised suspicions. Kosminsky suffered from paranoid
schizophrenia, experiencing auditory hallucinations and had
violent outbursts. He was actually committed to
Colney Hatch Lunatic Asylum in 1891 for threatening his sister
with a knife, and this was shortly after the Ripper murder
(10:04):
stopped. Records describe his fear of
eating food prepared by others, likely due to delusions of being
poisoned. Another suspect includes
Montague John Druitt. His mental instability and
suspicious death after the finalRipper killing made him a good
(10:24):
candidate for this theory. James Kelly, an escaped lunatic
asylum patient with violent tendencies, is also believed to
have traveled between London andthe US around this time.
Our fifth theory is the artist theory.
The Ripper's action, some believe, had an artistic
(10:45):
anatomical interest, a fascination with the human form.
This theory suggests the killer might have been a painter or
even a sculptor, drawn to the beauty and the horror of the
human body. The pose, nature of the victims,
the precise mutilations, all could be seen as the work of a
twisted artist. Potential suspect includes
(11:09):
Walter Sickert, who was a famousBritish artist obsessed with the
Ripper murders. He even painted scenes depicting
the crimes. Some letters attributed to the
Ripper contain artistic sketchesadding fuel to this theory.
A very interesting theory is our6th theory, the woman, also
(11:31):
known as the Jill the Ripper theory.
A radical departure from the traditional narrative.
This theory posits that the killer was a woman, perhaps a
midwife or a vengeful female seeking retribution.
This would explain how the murderer went unnoticed, as a
(11:52):
woman, would have been less suspicious moving around
Whitechapel covered in blood, and would have been more readily
trusted by prostitutes. A potential suspect in this
theory was named Mary Percy or Mary Piercy, a woman who had
murdered her lover's wife in a strikingly similar fashion to
(12:14):
the Ripper killings. This theory, although
intriguing, lacks substantial evidence.
There are no witnesses that havetestified any concrete proof to
support the Jill the Ripper theory, Our 7th theory, the
Freemason conspiracy theory, another speculative theory
(12:36):
delves into the realm of secret societies, suggesting that the
murders were ritualistic killings carried out by the
Freemasons. But the motive possibly to
silence women who possess dangerous secrets, new things
about some of their wealthy customers.
Some point to the symbolic cuts and missing organs as a sign of
(12:59):
a Masonic execution. Potential suspects in this
theory include again, Sir William Gull.
His name resurfaces frequently linked to Masonic conspiracy
theories. Lord Salisbury.
Some believe high-ranking officials within the Prime
Minister's inner circle had a hand in covering up the murders.
(13:20):
And finally, a fan favorite theory is that of HH Holmes.
This theory is driven by fan fascination if you will.
It connects the Ripper to an American serial killer known as
HH Holmes. HH Holmes was born Herman
(13:43):
Webster Mudget, while law enforcement has never really
seriously considered him a suspect in the Jack the Ripper
murders. A rather intriguing theory
fueled by speculation and circumstantial evidence suggest
a possible connection. This theory was popularized by
Jeff Mudgett. Holmes, Great great grandson,
was written a book and been featured in TV series exploring
(14:06):
this possibility. Proponents of this theory point
to some circumstantial evidence,a similar modus operandi.
Both Holmes and the Ripper killed and mutilated their
victims, and some believe there are similarities in their
methods. The timeline.
Holmes was in London around the time of the Ripper murders.
(14:28):
His handwriting. Some claim that Holmes
handwriting resembles that of the Ripper.
Letters and possible eyewitness accounts.
Some eyewitness descriptions of the Ripper mention an American
suspect who could fit Holmes's description.
However, again, it's crucial to note the following There is a
(14:49):
lack of concrete evidence for this theory.
There is nothing to definitivelylink Holmes to the Ripper
murders. The evidence presented is
largely circumstantial and open to interpretation.
There's also conflicting evidence.
Some evidence contradicts the theory.
For example, records suggest that Holmes was in the US during
(15:11):
some of the Ripper murders. And of course, skepticism.
Most Ripperologists and historians do not take this
theory seriously. It's considered a fringe theory
with little basis in fact. While the idea of HH Holmes
being Jack the Ripper is intriguing, it remains a highly
speculative theory. There is no reliable evidence to
(15:33):
support it, and it's largely based on circumstantial evidence
and conjecture. It's important to remember that
the Ripper murders remain unsolved, and many theories have
been put forward over the years,some more plausible than others.
The HH Holmes connection falls into the latter category.
(15:55):
Now let us turn our attention tothe modern era, where whispers
of DNA evidence have reignited the Ripper case, offering a
tantalizing glimpse into this 130 year old mystery.
In 2014, a shawl believed to have belonged to one of the
Ripper's victims, Catherine Eddo's surfaced forensic
(16:18):
analysis claimed to have found mitochondrial DNA on the shawl,
matching that of one of the primary suspects.
Mitochondrial DNA passed down through the maternal line is
more stable over time than the nuclear DNA, offering us a
potential window into the past. Who was the potential suspect?
(16:40):
None other than Aaron Kosminsky.The Polish Barber Karen Miller,
age 53, A three times great granddaughter of Catherine
Eddo's, also provided her DNA soit could be matched to her
ancestors. Blood on the Shaw.
In 2019, the same claims about the link between Aaron
(17:01):
Kosminsky, CNA, and Catherine Eddo Shaw were repeated.
Could this DNA evidence be the breakthrough that finally
unmasks the face of Jack the Ripper?
Before we draw any conclusions, we need to dive deeper into the
life of Aaron Kosminsky and examine how he fits into this
(17:22):
narrative. Aaron Kosminsky, a Polish
immigrant Barber, has long been a prime suspect in this case.
His name continues to echo throughout the years.
Kosminsky was born in Poland andimmigrated to London in the
1880s. He worked as a Barber in
(17:43):
Whitechapel, the very heart of the Rippers hunting ground.
Kosminsky was one of several suspects considered by the
police at the time. In 1891, Police Inspector Donald
Swanson wrote in his notes that a witness had positively
identified Kosminsky as the Ripper but refused to testify,
(18:04):
preventing legal action. The witness was likely Joseph
Lewind, who saw a man with Catherine Eddos shortly before
her murder. However, the limitations of
technology and forensic testing at the time prevented any
charges from being filed. Kosminski's proximity to the
crimes, his connection to the Freemasons and his documented
(18:27):
mental instability all fuelled suspicion.
Kosminsky was known to have suffered from paranoid
schizophrenia, experiencing auditory hallucinations and
violent outbursts. He was committed to Colony Hatch
Lunatic Asylum in 1891 or threatening his sister with a
knife shortly after the Ripper murders ceased.
(18:48):
The claims surrounding the DNA evidence found on Catherine
Edoche Shaw in 2014 and 2018 areprimarily tied to Russell
Edwards, an amateur sleuth and author who purchased the shawl
privately in 2007. He collaborated with a molecular
biologist to conduct the DNA analysis.
(19:09):
Here's the summary of their claims.
In 2014, Edwards published a book and announced that the DNA
found on the shawl matched that of Aaron Kosmetsky.
In 2019, Edwards and Doctor Alu Helenan, the molecular
biologist, conducted further DNAtesting, claiming to have
(19:31):
confirmed the 2014 findings. They also claim that the DNA
evidence suggested the killer was a man with brown hair and
brown eyes, matching an eyewitness account from the
time. However, the claims regarding
the DNA evidence are not withoutcontroversy.
The chain of custody of the shawl has been questioned,
(19:52):
raising concerns about potentialcontamination.
Furthermore, the DNA sample itself was small and degraded,
making definitive conclusions challenging.
Some experts have criticized themethodology used in the DNA
analysis, while others have defended it, so the debate
continues. Recently, in February of 2025,
(20:16):
both Vice and the UK's Daily Mail published articles claiming
that the true identity of Jack the Ripper.
Has 100% been confirmed as Polish Barber Aaron Kosminsky.
Descendants of victim Catherine Edos and descendants of Aaron
(20:37):
are now backing legal efforts todelve deeper into the new DNA
evidence linked to Kosminsky, seeking to finally attach a name
to the killer. An official inquest, which has
to be raised and accepted by theAttorney General, is required to
potentially put an end to this century old mystery.
If permission is granted, this new inquest will be opened based
(21:00):
on the new DNA evidence. So where does that leave us?
Does the DNA evidence definitively identify Kosminski
as Jack the Ripper? The scientific community remains
divided. While the DNA evidence offers a
tantalizing clue, it is not universally accepted as
conclusive proof. The Ripper's identity, despite
(21:21):
the passage of time and the advancements in forensic
science, remains a subject of intense debate.
The very nature of the crimes, the lack of physical evidence at
the time, and the passage of over a century have created a
mystery that may never fully be solved.
The mystery of Jack the River continues to fascinate and
(21:43):
horrify us even after 130 years.Those drawn to true crime, like
myself, are driven by a desire to know who committed these
heinous acts. We seek a form of justice for
the victims, a resolution to thehaunting questions that linger.
(22:04):
Aaron Kosminsky might be the answer to that age-old question,
but a shadow of doubt still lingers.
The true face of this killer might remain forever hidden in
the dark alleyways of Whitechapel's history.
Unless the official inquest is accepted by the Attorney General
and the river case is officiallyreopened based on this new
(22:25):
evidence, only time will tell. So keep your eyes open wide and
listen for updates as I believe there will still be more to come
in the future and we might yet see this mystery solved for now.
Thank you for listening to the special presentation and limited
series of Macabre Dark History Podcast.
(22:49):
Stay tuned for more Macabre features in the future.
We're together. We will uncover the darkest
parts of history.
Welcome back to Macabre, a dark history podcast, a macabre
feature on Jack the Ripper Episode 3, Unmasking a killer.
Together we will journey into the heart of Victorian London's
terror. For 10 weeks in the autumn of
1888, terror gripped the gas litstreets of Whitechapel.
(00:26):
A faceless predator lurked in the shadows, striking with
surgical precision and vanishinginto the night.
Five women, Mary Ann Polly Nichols, Annie Chapman,
Elizabeth Stride, Catherine Eddos, and Mary Gene Kelly, fell
victim to a savagery their livesextinguished with brutal
(00:46):
precision. Their bodies, mutilated and
displayed, became grotesque messages and a Citigroup by
fear. Newspapers fueled the flames of
hysteria, and a palpable sense of dread hung heavy in the air.
The killer they called Jack the Ripper had transformed London
into his hunting ground. And then he vanished.
(01:11):
But did he truly slip away, disappearing into the fog and
shadows? Or did he walk among them
undetected, shielded by privilege, cunning, or the cruel
hand of fate? Over a century later, the
mystery endures, and new theories dare to Pierce The Veil
of time. Modern science now offers a
tantalizing glimpse into the past, a chance to unmask the
(01:34):
face behind the legend. Could new DNA evidence,
extracted from the very fabric of history, finally reveal the
identity of history's most infamous murderer?
Tonight we delve into the labyrinth of suspects and
theories, exploring the shockingrevelations that may bring us
closer than ever to the truth. The police investigation into
(02:00):
the Ripper murders was a desperate struggle against the
limitations of Victorian era forensics.
In a time before DNA testing andfingerprinting as we know it
today, investigators were forcedto rely on flawed eyewitness
accounts and circumstantial evidence.
The White Trouble Police, thoughnot lacking an effort, were
overwhelmed by the sheer scale and brutality of the crimes is
(02:23):
simply lack the resources and manpower to melt a citywide
manhunt, a task that proved as elusive as the killer himself.
Over the course of the Ripper's reign of terror, detectives
interviewed hundreds of suspects, chase countless leads,
but the river remained a phantom, a ghost haunting the
(02:44):
labyrinth alleyways of Whitechapel.
Many names emerge from the shadows, each with their own
proponents, their own dark allure.
But tonight we will focus on themost prominent suspects, the
compelling theories, and the tantalizing whispers of modern
DNA that offer a chilling glimpse into the Ripper's
(03:05):
potential identity. Let us begin now the exploration
of the suspects, the Butcher or Barber theory.
The Ripper's actions spoke a language of anatomical
(03:25):
knowledge, a familiarity with cutting flesh that hinted at a
chilling profession. The precision of the wounds, the
swiftness of the attacks, some lasting no more than 5 to 10
minutes, suggested someone very comfortable with the blade,
someone who worked with it regularly.
Perhaps this theory cast a long shadow over those whose trades
(03:48):
involve sharp instruments in knowledge of the human form.
Potential suspects. Aaron Kosminski, a Polish Barber
and asylum inmate, has long beenone of the primary suspects in
this case. We'll talk about him more later.
John Pfizer AKA Leather Apron Before the name Jack the Ripper
(04:13):
struck fear into the hearts of Londoners, whispers circulated
about a mysterious figure known as Leather Apron, a man said to
terrorize and extort prostitutesin Whitechapel.
Several sex workers claimed to have been threatened by a man
wearing a leather apron, and thepress, in pursuit of
sensationalism, seized upon thisimage, fueling anti-Semitic
(04:36):
tensions. Piser, a local Jewish boot maker
who wore a leather apron for hiswork, became a convenient
scapegoat, a target for the city's fear and prejudice.
Piser was arrested at his home on September 10th, 1888 by
Detective Sergeant William Thicke.
The discovery of blood stained aprons at his residence only
(04:58):
deepened the suspicion, but Piser maintained his innocence
and his alibi proved his claims.He'd been staying with family
members at the time of Marianne Nichols murder on August 31st,
1888. Witnesses confirm that he was
not in the area when the crimes occurred.
(05:19):
Pfizer was ultimately cleared ofthe crimes.
A victim of circumstance and prejudice.
He even sued a newspaper for libel after they wrongly branded
him as the killer. The leather apron scare faded,
but the true killer, the one whowould become known as Jack the
Ripper, remained shrouded in mystery.
(05:41):
Our next theory is the medical professional theory because of
the Rippers precise incisions, the removal of the organs and
calculated brutality of the mutilations often performed in
near complete darkness. This pointed towards a chilling
(06:02):
possibility that the killer had medical knowledge and a deep
understanding of human anatomy. This theory LED investigators to
consider those with medical training, including doctors,
medical students and even surgeons.
Potential suspects under the medical professional theory
(06:23):
include Sir William Gull, who was actually the Queen's
physician. His name is often whispered in
conspiracy theories suggesting aroyal cover up to protect the
monarchy. Montague John Druid, a lawyer
and teacher with suspected medical training.
His death by drowning in the Thames in December of 1888,
(06:44):
shortly after the Rippers final killing, fueled speculation that
he was in fact the killer and was driven to suicide by his
guilt. Thomas Neil Cream, a convicted
serial killer and doctor, thoughhe was imprisoned during the
River murders, didn't hold much weight.
(07:06):
Our third theory is the royal conspiracy theory.
Some believe that the River's crimes were rooted in a dark
conspiracy, a web of secrets andlies reaching into the highest
echelons of society. The most prominent theory
centers on Prince Albert Victor,Duke of Clarence, who was Queen
(07:27):
Victoria's grandson. Prince Albert Victor, a
controversial figure in his own right, was known for his wild
behavior and alleged associationwith prostitutes.
Rumors swirled about his involvement in various scandals,
including one with a prostitute.Some theories suggest that the
ribomers began after the prostitute became pregnant with
(07:50):
the prince's illegitimate child,and she and others who knew
about the affair were killed to silence them.
Some theorists claim Prince Albert Victor suffered from
syphilis, which might have affected his mental health and
drove him to commit the murders.Some even suggested that the
royal family orchestrated a cover up to protect the
(08:13):
monarchy's reputation. It's crucial to remember here
that there is no concrete evidence to link Prince Albert
Victor to the Ripper murders. These theories emerged long
after the events, often based onspeculation and innuendo.
Such accusations should be viewed within the context of
time when anti royal sentiment was prevalent.
(08:35):
Other suspects have been proposed and most do not
consider the royal connection a credible theory.
Sir William Gull, again his nameresurfaces, implicated in
allegedly carrying out the murders on behalf of the royal
family. JK Stephen, a tutor to Prince
Albert. Victor.
Some theorized he also had a role in silencing the women who
(08:58):
posed a threat to monarchy. Our 4th theory is that of the
serial killer, a lone madman. It's the most straightforward
and perhaps the most chilling theory that posits Jack the
Ripper was alone. He was deranged and driven by
(09:21):
inner demons and a thirst for violence.
This theory suggests a man consumed by paranoia,
schizophrenia or psychopathy. Potential suspects under the
Lone Madman theory include AaronKosminsky.
Again, his name reappears. His documented mental
(09:43):
instability raised suspicions. Kosminsky suffered from paranoid
schizophrenia, experiencing auditory hallucinations and had
violent outbursts. He was actually committed to
Colney Hatch Lunatic Asylum in 1891 for threatening his sister
with a knife, and this was shortly after the Ripper murder
(10:04):
stopped. Records describe his fear of
eating food prepared by others, likely due to delusions of being
poisoned. Another suspect includes
Montague John Druitt. His mental instability and
suspicious death after the finalRipper killing made him a good
(10:24):
candidate for this theory. James Kelly, an escaped lunatic
asylum patient with violent tendencies, is also believed to
have traveled between London andthe US around this time.
Our fifth theory is the artist theory.
The Ripper's action, some believe, had an artistic
(10:45):
anatomical interest, a fascination with the human form.
This theory suggests the killer might have been a painter or
even a sculptor, drawn to the beauty and the horror of the
human body. The pose, nature of the victims,
the precise mutilations, all could be seen as the work of a
twisted artist. Potential suspect includes
(11:09):
Walter Sickert, who was a famousBritish artist obsessed with the
Ripper murders. He even painted scenes depicting
the crimes. Some letters attributed to the
Ripper contain artistic sketchesadding fuel to this theory.
A very interesting theory is our6th theory, the woman, also
(11:31):
known as the Jill the Ripper theory.
A radical departure from the traditional narrative.
This theory posits that the killer was a woman, perhaps a
midwife or a vengeful female seeking retribution.
This would explain how the murderer went unnoticed, as a
(11:52):
woman, would have been less suspicious moving around
Whitechapel covered in blood, and would have been more readily
trusted by prostitutes. A potential suspect in this
theory was named Mary Percy or Mary Piercy, a woman who had
murdered her lover's wife in a strikingly similar fashion to
(12:14):
the Ripper killings. This theory, although
intriguing, lacks substantial evidence.
There are no witnesses that havetestified any concrete proof to
support the Jill the Ripper theory, Our 7th theory, the
Freemason conspiracy theory, another speculative theory
(12:36):
delves into the realm of secret societies, suggesting that the
murders were ritualistic killings carried out by the
Freemasons. But the motive possibly to
silence women who possess dangerous secrets, new things
about some of their wealthy customers.
Some point to the symbolic cuts and missing organs as a sign of
(12:59):
a Masonic execution. Potential suspects in this
theory include again, Sir William Gull.
His name resurfaces frequently linked to Masonic conspiracy
theories. Lord Salisbury.
Some believe high-ranking officials within the Prime
Minister's inner circle had a hand in covering up the murders.
(13:20):
And finally, a fan favorite theory is that of HH Holmes.
This theory is driven by fan fascination if you will.
It connects the Ripper to an American serial killer known as
HH Holmes. HH Holmes was born Herman
(13:43):
Webster Mudget, while law enforcement has never really
seriously considered him a suspect in the Jack the Ripper
murders. A rather intriguing theory
fueled by speculation and circumstantial evidence suggest
a possible connection. This theory was popularized by
Jeff Mudgett. Holmes, Great great grandson,
was written a book and been featured in TV series exploring
(14:06):
this possibility. Proponents of this theory point
to some circumstantial evidence,a similar modus operandi.
Both Holmes and the Ripper killed and mutilated their
victims, and some believe there are similarities in their
methods. The timeline.
Holmes was in London around the time of the Ripper murders.
(14:28):
His handwriting. Some claim that Holmes
handwriting resembles that of the Ripper.
Letters and possible eyewitness accounts.
Some eyewitness descriptions of the Ripper mention an American
suspect who could fit Holmes's description.
However, again, it's crucial to note the following There is a
(14:49):
lack of concrete evidence for this theory.
There is nothing to definitivelylink Holmes to the Ripper
murders. The evidence presented is
largely circumstantial and open to interpretation.
There's also conflicting evidence.
Some evidence contradicts the theory.
For example, records suggest that Holmes was in the US during
(15:11):
some of the Ripper murders. And of course, skepticism.
Most Ripperologists and historians do not take this
theory seriously. It's considered a fringe theory
with little basis in fact. While the idea of HH Holmes
being Jack the Ripper is intriguing, it remains a highly
speculative theory. There is no reliable evidence to
(15:33):
support it, and it's largely based on circumstantial evidence
and conjecture. It's important to remember that
the Ripper murders remain unsolved, and many theories have
been put forward over the years,some more plausible than others.
The HH Holmes connection falls into the latter category.
(15:55):
Now let us turn our attention tothe modern era, where whispers
of DNA evidence have reignited the Ripper case, offering a
tantalizing glimpse into this 130 year old mystery.
In 2014, a shawl believed to have belonged to one of the
Ripper's victims, Catherine Eddo's surfaced forensic
(16:18):
analysis claimed to have found mitochondrial DNA on the shawl,
matching that of one of the primary suspects.
Mitochondrial DNA passed down through the maternal line is
more stable over time than the nuclear DNA, offering us a
potential window into the past. Who was the potential suspect?
(16:40):
None other than Aaron Kosminsky.The Polish Barber Karen Miller,
age 53, A three times great granddaughter of Catherine
Eddo's, also provided her DNA soit could be matched to her
ancestors. Blood on the Shaw.
In 2019, the same claims about the link between Aaron
(17:01):
Kosminsky, CNA, and Catherine Eddo Shaw were repeated.
Could this DNA evidence be the breakthrough that finally
unmasks the face of Jack the Ripper?
Before we draw any conclusions, we need to dive deeper into the
life of Aaron Kosminsky and examine how he fits into this
(17:22):
narrative. Aaron Kosminsky, a Polish
immigrant Barber, has long been a prime suspect in this case.
His name continues to echo throughout the years.
Kosminsky was born in Poland andimmigrated to London in the
1880s. He worked as a Barber in
(17:43):
Whitechapel, the very heart of the Rippers hunting ground.
Kosminsky was one of several suspects considered by the
police at the time. In 1891, Police Inspector Donald
Swanson wrote in his notes that a witness had positively
identified Kosminsky as the Ripper but refused to testify,
(18:04):
preventing legal action. The witness was likely Joseph
Lewind, who saw a man with Catherine Eddos shortly before
her murder. However, the limitations of
technology and forensic testing at the time prevented any
charges from being filed. Kosminski's proximity to the
crimes, his connection to the Freemasons and his documented
(18:27):
mental instability all fuelled suspicion.
Kosminsky was known to have suffered from paranoid
schizophrenia, experiencing auditory hallucinations and
violent outbursts. He was committed to Colony Hatch
Lunatic Asylum in 1891 or threatening his sister with a
knife shortly after the Ripper murders ceased.
(18:48):
The claims surrounding the DNA evidence found on Catherine
Edoche Shaw in 2014 and 2018 areprimarily tied to Russell
Edwards, an amateur sleuth and author who purchased the shawl
privately in 2007. He collaborated with a molecular
biologist to conduct the DNA analysis.
(19:09):
Here's the summary of their claims.
In 2014, Edwards published a book and announced that the DNA
found on the shawl matched that of Aaron Kosmetsky.
In 2019, Edwards and Doctor Alu Helenan, the molecular
biologist, conducted further DNAtesting, claiming to have
(19:31):
confirmed the 2014 findings. They also claim that the DNA
evidence suggested the killer was a man with brown hair and
brown eyes, matching an eyewitness account from the
time. However, the claims regarding
the DNA evidence are not withoutcontroversy.
The chain of custody of the shawl has been questioned,
(19:52):
raising concerns about potentialcontamination.
Furthermore, the DNA sample itself was small and degraded,
making definitive conclusions challenging.
Some experts have criticized themethodology used in the DNA
analysis, while others have defended it, so the debate
continues. Recently, in February of 2025,
(20:16):
both Vice and the UK's Daily Mail published articles claiming
that the true identity of Jack the Ripper.
Has 100% been confirmed as Polish Barber Aaron Kosminsky.
Descendants of victim Catherine Edos and descendants of Aaron
(20:37):
are now backing legal efforts todelve deeper into the new DNA
evidence linked to Kosminsky, seeking to finally attach a name
to the killer. An official inquest, which has
to be raised and accepted by theAttorney General, is required to
potentially put an end to this century old mystery.
If permission is granted, this new inquest will be opened based
(21:00):
on the new DNA evidence. So where does that leave us?
Does the DNA evidence definitively identify Kosminski
as Jack the Ripper? The scientific community remains
divided. While the DNA evidence offers a
tantalizing clue, it is not universally accepted as
conclusive proof. The Ripper's identity, despite
(21:21):
the passage of time and the advancements in forensic
science, remains a subject of intense debate.
The very nature of the crimes, the lack of physical evidence at
the time, and the passage of over a century have created a
mystery that may never fully be solved.
The mystery of Jack the River continues to fascinate and
(21:43):
horrify us even after 130 years.Those drawn to true crime, like
myself, are driven by a desire to know who committed these
heinous acts. We seek a form of justice for
the victims, a resolution to thehaunting questions that linger.
(22:04):
Aaron Kosminsky might be the answer to that age-old question,
but a shadow of doubt still lingers.
The true face of this killer might remain forever hidden in
the dark alleyways of Whitechapel's history.
Unless the official inquest is accepted by the Attorney General
and the river case is officiallyreopened based on this new
(22:25):
evidence, only time will tell. So keep your eyes open wide and
listen for updates as I believe there will still be more to come
in the future and we might yet see this mystery solved for now.
Thank you for listening to the special presentation and limited
series of Macabre Dark History Podcast.
(22:49):
Stay tuned for more Macabre features in the future.
We're together. We will uncover the darkest
parts of history.
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