Jack the Ripper is one of, if not the most, famous serial killer. While names like Ted Bundy and John Wayne Gacy come near the top of the list you must consider that their murders took place during the 1970s while Jack the Ripper killed his victims in 1888! Despite the murders being so long ago he still holds such infamy. This is because of the type of murders that took place and because his (or her) true identity has never been discovered.
Jack the Ripper was a serial killer in London in 1888. It is known with certainty that he murdered 5 victims, as the murders all had the same traits. At the same time, another 6 murders took place that he may or may not have conducted, however, the type of murder and circumstances are different enough that it can leave doubt. He clearly had a MO. Jack would murder on the weekends only between 12 am and 6 am and always alcoholic prostitutes in the poor area of London; easy prey.
While there were a number of suspects it was never clear who was guilty of these crimes. While it may never be known, some things are clear. Police were able to build a profile that Jack the Ripper was likely a male, single, living alone, with a steady weekday job. Psychologists believe that he was likely abandoned by his mother at a young age resulting in his attitude towards women. By the lacerations conducted it was clear the murderer had knowledge of anatomy and so was likely a butcher or medical student/doctor.
There are a number of suspects that fit the bill but none could be pinned with the murder. As time has gone on strange conspiracy theories have emerged as well; that it was Winston Churchill’s dad, or the author of Alice in Wonderland, or in fact a woman and not a Jack at all!
Whoever committed these terrible crimes got away with it. Luckily today in a time that has improved technology and forensic capabilities it is unlikely that if Jack was alive today he would have the same good fortune.
