The identity of Jack the Ripper has allegedly been uncovered, according to a historian who claims to have found a 100% DNA match.
Nearly 150 years ago, Jack the Ripper terrorized the streets of London, brutally murdering at least five women, known as the ‘Canonical Five’: Elizabeth Stride, Mary Jane Kelly, Mary Ann Nichols, Annie Chapman, and Catherine Eddowes.
Despite the shocking crimes, the identity of the killer has remained a mystery, even though the individual would have passed away many years ago.
Over time, 16 different suspects have been proposed, with theories ranging from ordinary individuals to even royal figures. These theories have been based on personal connections, diaries, and other artifacts, as noted on The Jack the Ripper Tour’s website.
While evidence has been limited, much has been speculated about Jack the Ripper based on the brutal acts committed against his five confirmed victims.
Historian Russell Edwards has played a significant role in uncovering the identity, after purchasing a shawl belonging to Catherine Eddowes and submitting it for DNA testing. The blood on the shawl was found to match one of Eddowes’ descendants. Further tests on semen found a connection to a distant relative of Aaron Kosminski, a key suspect in the case, as reported by the Mirror.
The claims were made in Edwards’ sequel to his original book Naming Jack the Ripper, titled Jack the Ripper: The Definitive Reveal.
“He is no longer just a suspect,” Edwards wrote. “We can finally hold him accountable for his heinous crimes. My search is over: Aaron Kosminski is Jack the Ripper.”
Reports suggest that Russell Edwards has hired a legal team with the goal of pursuing an inquest following the 100 percent DNA match. Descendants of both Catherine Eddowes and Aaron Kosminski are supportive of this effort, hoping that Kosminski can be legally linked to the murders, bringing clarity to the families involved.
Karen Miller, the great-great-great-granddaughter of Eddowes, shared her thoughts with the Mail, saying, “The name Jack the Ripper has been sensationalized and become a notorious figure in history. But what about the real name of the person responsible? Having this individual legally named in a court, where all the evidence can be considered, would bring justice for the victims. We have the proof now; we just need this inquest to officially identify the killer.”
