Jack the Ripper

Before looking at specific suspects, let's summarize what is known about Jack the Ripper from forensic surgeons and possible eyewitnesses.

From the testimony of the various eyewitnesses which police took most seriously, certain probabilities emerge about the killer. One must keep in mind the word probable since eyewitness accounts, particularly under conditions of dim lighting, are notoriously inaccurate in certain details even when offered by honest competent eyewitnesses.

The following is a list of probabilities about the Ripper:

• A white male
• Average or below average height
• Between 20 and 40 years of age in 1888
• Did not dress as laborer or indigent poor
• Had lodgings in the East End
• Did have medical expertise, despite 1-2 opinions to contrary
• May have been foreigner
• Right-handed
• Had a regular job since the murders all occurred on weekends
• Was single so that he could roam streets at all hours

Developing persuasive cases about Jack the Ripper suspects has become a profitable cottage industry for at least one hundred years. Many of these books promote one suspect or another as the "real Jack the Ripper." Usually the author conveniently compiles "evidence" that fits his pet theory and denigrates or ignores facts that don't support that theory. Given the vast number of suspects and books promoting particular suspects, a reader must be very skeptical of any new "final solutions" to the crimes.

Despite the thousands of hours of work on this case, there is not yet one suspect for which a strong unimpeachable case can be made. One remains hopeful that someday a suspect will emerge with better credentials than the ones currently promoted.

With those caveats in mind, certain suspects have garnered more interest than others and will be listed in this chapter. A few major suspects will be dealt with briefly in subsequent chapters.