Who was Jack the Ripper?
Jack the Ripper is the infamous nickname given to an unidentified serial killer who operated in the Whitechapel district of London during the late 19th century, specifically in 1888. The case is shrouded in mystery and remains one of the most famous unsolved criminal cases in history. The killer is known to have murdered at least five women, most of whom were prostitutes, in a particularly brutal manner, which involved throat-cutting and mutilation.
The victims, often referred to as the "canonical five," include Mary Ann Nichols, Annie Chapman, Elizabeth Stride, Catherine Eddowes, and Mary Jane Kelly. The graphic nature of the crimes and the media frenzy that surrounded them captivated the public, leading to widespread fear and speculation. The notoriety of Jack the Ripper has been fueled by various theories regarding his identity, ranging from local butchers and doctors to members of the royal family.
Numerous books, documentaries, and films have been produced exploring the Ripper's identity, the social conditions of Victorian London, and the police investigations that failed to capture him. Despite the passage of over 130 years, the true identity of Jack the Ripper remains one of the greatest historical mysteries, inspiring ongoing research and debate among historians, detectives, and thriller enthusiasts alike.