Jack the Ripper identified after DNA breakthrough | Today Show Australia

Summary

In a groundbreaking discovery, historian Russell Edwards reveals that DNA found at a crime scene has identified Jack the Ripper as a Polish man named Aaron Kosminski. This man, suffering from schizophrenia, immigrated to London in 1881 and worked as a barber-surgeon, which gave him anatomical knowledge crucial for the murders. Edwards details how this revelation was made possible through the DNA of a victim's descendant, and discusses the steps necessary for the legal recognition of the case. Despite the shocking breakthrough, closure for the victims' families is still being sought.

Takeaways

• 😀 The mystery of Jack the Ripper, a notorious serial killer, has captivated people for over a century.
• 😀 DNA found at one of the crime scenes has led to a 100% match, revealing the identity of the killer.
• 😀 The murderer was identified as Aaron Kosminski, a Polish immigrant who moved to Whitechapel in 1881.
• 😀 Kosminski was 23 years old at the time of the murders and suffered from schizophrenia.
• 😀 Kosminski had anatomical knowledge, which was important for carrying out the gruesome murders.
• 😀 A document from 1891, the Mlaw memorandum, identifies Kosminski as a strong suspect with homicidal tendencies.
• 😀 Russell Edwards, a historian, was instrumental in making this discovery after obtaining a shawl at the crime scene.
• 😀 The shawl belonged to one of the Ripper's victims, Catherine Eddowes, and helped confirm Kosminski’s identity through DNA analysis.
• 😀 A relative of Kosminski’s older brother and a descendant of Catherine Eddowes provided the crucial DNA for matching.
• 😀 The discovery is significant but needs further legal steps to be officially recognized and accepted in court.

Q & A

Who is the person behind the infamous name 'Jack the Ripper'?

The person identified as Jack the Ripper is Aaron Kosminski, a Polish Jewish man who moved to Whitechapel in 1881 at the age of 23.

What was Aaron Kosminski's background, and what condition did he suffer from?

Aaron Kosminski suffered from schizophrenia, and his occupation was a hairdresser or barber surgeon, which meant he had anatomical knowledge, important in understanding the nature of the murders.

What document first strongly suspected Kosminski as Jack the Ripper?

The Mlau Memorandum, written in 1891, mentioned that Kosminski had strong homicidal tendencies and was a prime suspect. It also highlighted his auditory hallucinations and solitary behavior, indicating his schizophrenia.

How was the DNA evidence tied to Kosminski?

In March 2007, a shawl that was purported to be from one of the murder scenes, specifically Catherine Eddowes' crime scene, was discovered. DNA from the shawl was matched to descendants of both Kosminski's family and the victim's family.

How was a living relative of Aaron Kosminski involved in solving the case?

The great-great-great-granddaughter of Kosminski's oldest brother played a role in the investigation, providing crucial assistance, although it was the descendants of Catherine Eddowes' family who ultimately provided the DNA match.

What legal steps need to be taken for the discovery to be recognized legally?

Russell Edwards and his team need to request permission from the Attorney General to go to the High Court, and then from the High Court to the Coroner’s Court, to conduct a second inquest into the case and officially recognize the identity of the murderer.

Why is there a need to stop the spread of false suspects related to Jack the Ripper?

There is a desire to stop the spread of false suspects and speculation, as only three suspects are considered viable in the case. The name 'Jack the Ripper' itself was popularized by a journalist and has no direct connection to the actual murderer.

What has been the reaction of the descendants of the victims?

The descendants of Catherine Eddowes, especially her great-great-great-granddaughter, have expressed emotional responses, seeking closure. Many want the truth to be recognized officially and for the case to be closed to avoid further misrepresentation.

What motivated Russell Edwards to start investigating the Jack the Ripper case?

Russell Edwards was motivated by a 2007 news report about the sale of a shawl allegedly linked to the fourth murder victim, Catherine Eddowes. His mother's call brought his attention to it, sparking his interest in solving the case.

What was the significance of the shawl found in the investigation?

The shawl found at the scene of Catherine Eddowes' murder was significant because it contained DNA that ultimately provided the match to both Kosminski's and the victim's descendants, helping confirm Kosminski's identity as Jack the Ripper.