137 Years Later, Jack the Ripper’s Infamous Letter Haunts London

On September 27, 1888, a letter addressed to the Central News Agency changed the course of criminal history, introducing the world to the name Jack the Ripper. Scrawled in red ink and signed with a chilling moniker, the letter continues to evoke fear in the hearts of many, 137 years after its arrival. It began with a taunt, stating, “Dear Boss, I keep on hearing the police have caught me but they won’t,” marking the first time the public and police encountered the killer under this notorious name.

The author of the letter, widely believed to be an imposter rather than the actual killer, displayed an unsettling flair for theatrics. In the same correspondence, he ominously promised to “clip the ears” of his next victim, a threat he chillingly followed through on with the murder of Catherine Eddowes. This self-constructed identity transformed the unknown murderer into a theatrical figure, elevating a series of brutal killings into an international sensation.

Following the emergence of the letter, the police were already investigating a string of murders in London’s impoverished East End. The term “Jack the Ripper” not only branded the killer but also intensified the public’s terror. The investigation would eventually be focused on five victims, known as the canonical five, whose brutal deaths left an indelible mark on history.

The Canonical Victims

The first recognized victim was Mary Ann Nichols, discovered on August 31, 1888, in Buck’s Row, Whitechapel. Her throat had been slashed in a manner so severe that her head was nearly severed, and her abdomen bore a deep jagged wound. Following her, Annie Chapman was found on September 8, 1888, in a backyard on Hanbury Street, with her throat cut and her intestines disturbingly placed over her shoulder. This murder sparked widespread panic in the area.

The killer struck again on September 30, 1888, with the murders of Elizabeth Stride and Catherine Eddowes. Stride’s body was discovered with her throat cut but without the usual mutilations, leading authorities to speculate that the murderer may have been interrupted. Just 45 minutes later, Eddowes was found with her throat slashed and her face mutilated. The killer had removed her kidney and a portion of her womb, prompting chilling theories that he possessed medical knowledge.

The final canonical victim, Mary Jane Kelly, was murdered on November 9, 1888. Her body was discovered in her own room in Miller’s Court, showing horrific mutilation that suggested the killer had spent considerable time with her. The brutality of these crimes underscored the vulnerability of the impoverished women targeted, fueling speculation that the killer may have been a doctor or butcher.

Despite extensive investigations and a massive manhunt, the identity of Jack the Ripper was never uncovered. This failure has left a legacy of fear and intrigue, making it one of history’s most significant unsolved mysteries.

A Legacy of Fear

Today, more than a century later, the name Jack the Ripper continues to haunt popular culture, inspiring countless books, films, and conspiracy theories. The case represents not just a series of horrific murders, but also the societal issues of the time, including poverty and the plight of women in Victorian London.

While various theories about the killer’s identity have emerged, ranging from a local butcher to a surgeon, the truth remains elusive. The crimes unleashed a wave of terror in London that reverberates to this day, reminding us of the dark shadows lurking within society.

The infamous letter, a mere stroke of a pen, ultimately transformed a murderer into a legend. The mystery surrounding Jack the Ripper persists, captivating those who seek answers to the chilling questions left behind. As the search for truth continues, the fear and fascination surrounding this case endure, a testament to the lasting impact of unsolved mysteries on the human psyche.