Few names in the history of serial killers are as easily recognized as Jack the Ripper.  The name evokes images of Victorian London’s dark alleys, foggy cobblestone streets and the shrill cries of newsboys screaming, “Mutilation!  Whitechapel! Another woman ‘orribly murdered!”

 

For over one hundred years, the Jack the Ripper murders have perplexed us. Stories about the killer have been published in numerous languages—from Russian to Spanish, French to Italian, German to Mandarin and it seems to have piqued many a person’s interest in each of these countries.  To this day, the legend is being told in a multitude of countries.  It continues to scare small children and perplex adults. 

 

But what it is about the case that brings about such perennial fascination? First, we must realize that Jack the Ripper was not the first murderer to ever work in the East End of London.  He is by no means the last.  Perhaps the reason for our interest is because we are still trying to answer the question of the killer’s identity.  The murders ended just as abruptly as they began.  After a spree of murders, it seems as though the killer vanished into thin air, leaving behind few clues to aid us in our search for the killer’s identity.  In short, we are left with the classic case of “whodunit” and this element of mystery enthralls people of all ages. 

 

His victims were few.  They were all women, all prostitutes and all murdered within a mile radius of each other (Bardsley).  There were a multitude of suspects, many of which were dismissed shortly after being named suspects and few that are still suspects to this day.  The witnesses offer scattered information and the evidence is scarce. 

 

Jack the Ripper was a mysterious murderer that terrorized Whitechapel, London. But who was he?  How was he never caught?  We many never know, but it makes for some interesting reading! 

 

Please click on the following links for more information about the case.

 

Victims

Victorian London

Suspects

Modus Operandi

Witnesses

Evidence

Ripper Letters

About the Author

Resources