New DNA Evidence Could Finally Identify Jack the Ripper

UNDATED — A significant breakthrough in historical crime investigation occurred when historian Russell Edwards claimed to have identified Jack the Ripper, the notorious serial killer who terrorized London‘s Whitechapel district in 1888. Using advanced DNA testing, Edwards believes Aaron Kosminski, a Polish barber known for his mental health struggles, is the infamous murderer.

The revelation comes nearly 120 years after a series of gruesome killings that claimed the lives of at least five women: Mary Ann Nichols, Annie Chapman, Elizabeth Stride, Catherine Eddowes, and Mary Jane Kelly. Each of the victims had their throats slit and displayed horrific post-mortem mutilations, fostering widespread fear and fascination.

Edwards indicated that a blood-soaked shawl, allegedly linked to one of Eddowes’ murder scenes, provided a DNA match to a direct descendant of Kosminski’s sibling. This evidence, Edwards claimed, leads to a 100% conclusive match with the killer’s identity. He purchased the shawl in 2007, having believed it was at the murder scene.

His research has been controversial, with previous scrutiny over the limitations of DNA testing from such an old piece of evidence. However, Edwards’ assertions appear to be gaining ground, particularly with the recent support from geneticists following new DNA analysis.

Kosminski was 23 years old during the Ripper murders and spent the last 28 years of his life in a mental asylum due to schizophrenia. Historical records reveal he had expressed violent tendencies and a particular disdain for women, particularly those in the sex trade, leading police at the time to suspect his involvement.

Crucially, Edwards and descendants of the Ripper’s victims are now seeking an official inquest in the UK High Court to legally confirm Kosminski’s identity as Jack the Ripper. Karen Miller, a descendant of Eddowes, spoke passionately about the need for justice. “It has all been about him, this iconic name, but people have forgotten about the victims who did not have justice at the time,” Miller asserted.

The Jack the Ripper murders have inspired countless theories, books, and films and remain one of modern history’s most perplexing criminal mysteries. As Edwards’ new findings challenge long-held beliefs and spark renewed interest in the case, the question remains: will a legal declaration of Kosminski’s guilt finally provide the closure sought by the victims’ families?

Sources for this report include NewsNation, Penguin Books, and the Jack the Ripper Museum.