Famous Victorian Killer Could be Any One of Us
In the year 1888, a terrifying serial killer stalked the streets of the Whitechapel district of London. Through his brutal and perhaps cannibalistic murders, he became a figure of terror anywhere newspapers were circulated. But despite the great fervor that surrounded these crimes, Jack the Ripper was never caught and remains at large to this day.
Theories continue to this day as to the true identity of Jack the Ripper. Accusations have been levied at notable medical professionals, aristocrats who lived near or visited the area, and even members of the British royal family. However, most of these theories contain the flaw that those accused were eventually confirmed to have died, while the body of Jack the Ripper has never been found. Less popular theories include the idea that he may have been someone besides the few hundred individuals of the relevant time period and region of whom we know.
Eighty years after the final murder directly tied to Jack the Ripper, the British government declared the case closed and, in a highly-publicized funeral, buried an empty coffin beneath a headstone simply labeled ‘Jack the Ripper.” However, the very next day, the unthinkable happened: a murder was performed with a knife by an unknown assailant in London, proving that Jack the Ripper remained at large. Speculation immediately began once more, with many eyes turning towards those who had attended the funeral. After all, perhaps he had waited until it had been assumed that his spree had ended forever before he began to kill again.
It’s easy to speculate on the identity of Jack the Ripper, as only a few traits are known about the mysterious murderer. It is known that he is male (probably), English, good with a knife and a serial killer. If you know anyone, including your closest loved ones and family members, who fits at least one of these criteria, locate the constable immediately, as they may be Jack the Ripper. However, make absolutely certain that the officer you report this to has none of these traits, or else they may be Jack the Ripper themselves.
While Jack the Ripper is among the most famous, many great criminals and monsters have escaped justice over the years. Anyone you pass on the street might be Elizabeth Bathory, the noble who butchered her own servants. Any dog or other canine you see, including one who lives in your own home, might be the Beast of Gevaudan, cleverly disguised to hide from the authorities. And if you have any large rocks in your yard, take a moment of your time to check its background to make absolutely certain that it is not the Chicxulub meteor which mercilessly murdered the entirety of the dinosaur population.
Peter Tkaczyk is a fourth-year writing major who definitely does not stalk the streets of London in a bowler hat. You can reach them at [email protected].