Jack The Ripper Murders--Finally Solved?

[TapTap]

One of my favorite authors-Patricia Cornwell might have the answer:Is This Jack?

 

[Fausto]

It's an interesting premise, but I have my doubts. DNA isn't super-stable over the period of time we're talking about here, they're working with very tiny amounts anyway (from letters, stamps and such), and they don't have a definitive sample from Sickert since he was cremated.

Interesting for a book, but I bet it'd get tossed out of a courtroom.

 

[Aceshigh]

I saw an interview with Donald Rumbelow, the retired Scotland Yard detective who is probably the biggest expert on the Jack the Ripper cases. They mentioned the Patricia Cornwell theory and he said she doesn't have a clue and her theory is totally baseless.

 

[iamwiz82]

lets see here, taking DNA from letters sent over 100 years ago that have been handled by scores of people. That doesnt exactly sound like a good way to get DNA samples.

 

[bunker]

I like the prince theory better myself. Makes for better sensationalism.

 

[TapTap]

I saw that interview.
I also remember reading his theory about the son of a prominent politician-later sent to an institution where he eventually committed suicide-being a suspect being labeled as "convienient"

 

[iamwiz82]

there are about 30 suspects each of which make convincing stories if you hear them seperate from the others. Thats the mystique of the Ripper murders, it could have been anyone.

 

[bunker]

My favorite theory.

 

[Beau]

I thought the theory behind "From Hell" was pretty good, too.

 

[Alphazero]

I don't buy it. Here's some more of what Patricia Cornwell has to say. Some very serious flaws in her case, in my opinion:

1. Lots of circumstancial evidence.

1. Physical evidence is based purely on the letters, which are not directly related to the murder scenes.

1. No witnesses in a series of five murders when all of London was going ape about it.

1. Motive is too weak and vague - there were plenty of weird guys out there, and many people didn't like prostitutes.

1. No explanation as to why he started and stopped during the Autumn of 1888.

1. None of the other suspects talked about over the years is even mentioned.

Looks like she's just trying to pin it on him. He's connected to the letters, maybe. But that's all I care to believe for now.