DNA Breakthrough in Jack the Ripper Case

The notorious Jack the Ripper case may soon see new developments more than a century after the infamous murders gripped London. A relative of one of the victims is calling for a fresh inquest following a recent DNA breakthrough that could provide long-awaited answers.

A Modern Twist in a Historic Mystery

The 1888 murders attributed to Jack the Ripper have haunted historians, criminologists, and the public for more than a century. The case involved the brutal killings of at least five women in London's Whitechapel district. Despite countless investigations, the true identity of the Ripper has remained one of history's most enduring mysteries. However, recent advancements in DNA analysis have reignited hope for uncovering the killer's identity.

Karen Miller, a descendant of Catherine Eddowes — one of the Ripper's victims — is demanding a new inquest after forensic experts uncovered DNA linked to a suspect. Miller described this breakthrough as a chance to achieve "a form of justice" for her ancestor and the other victims, according to CBS News.

The DNA Discovery

The pivotal evidence comes from a stained shawl reportedly found near Catherine Eddowes' body. Jack the Ripper sleuth Russell Edwards purchased the shawl at a 2007 auction and enlisted the help of Dr. Jari Louhelainen, a senior lecturer at Liverpool John Moores University, to analyze it.

Louhelainen extracted mitochondrial DNA from blood stains on the shawl, which matched Karen Miller, a direct descendant of Eddowes, confirming the victim's blood was on the garment. Louhelainen reported a 99.2% match on the first DNA strand, and a perfect 100% match on the complementary strand.

Further analysis of semen stains on the shawl led to a DNA match with a descendant of Aaron Kosminski, a 23-year-old Polish barber who was a key suspect at the time of the murders. Kosminski had long been one of six individuals suspected of the crimes but was never charged due to insufficient evidence. The new DNA findings provide a compelling link between Kosminski and the Ripper murders, bolstering theories of his involvement.

Miller, alongside Edwards, has demanded a formal inquest into the unsolved killings, citing the DNA evidence as sufficient grounds for reopening the case. Miller emphasized the importance of focusing on justice for the victims, stating, "The name Jack the Ripper has become sensationalized. ... People have forgotten about the victims, who did not have justice at the time. Now we need this inquest to legally name the killer" as reported by CBS News.

Kosminski's descendants have also shown support for the inquest, with one family member expressing relief at the possibility of finally uncovering the truth.

The Controversy Around Historical Evidence

While the DNA findings are promising, critics argue the shawl's origin is questionable since there is no proof the shawl was actually at the crime scene, and even if it was, potential contamination over the decades cannot be dismissed. Additionally, the research has not been published in a peer-reviewed journal, leaving the claims unverified and the methodology unexamined.

Approval for a new inquest ultimately rests with the attorney general. Two years ago, then-Attorney General Michael Ellis rejected the request, stating the evidence was insufficient to warrant reopening of the case. Supporters, however, believe advancements in forensic science could shed new light on this historical mystery.

The Push for a New Inquest

Miller's call for a new inquest highlights the enduring impact of the Ripper case on victims' families. While the crimes are often sensationalized in popular culture, Miller emphasized the human cost of these tragedies. "It would mean a lot to me, to my family, to a lot of people to finally have this crime solved," she told CBS News.

A renewed investigation could not only bring closure to the descendants of the victims but also set a precedent for how cold cases are approached with advancements in forensic science. As the call for justice gains momentum, the world watches to see whether history's most infamous unsolved case will finally reveal its secrets.

References: Jack the Ripper victim's relative demands new inquest after possible DNA breakthrough: "A form of justice" | 126 years later, notorious serial killer Jack the Ripper ID'd? | Jack the Ripper finally identified, forensic scientists claim