Jack the Ripper: The Whitechapel Murders

The Whitechapel Murders

The Victims

Mary Ann Nichols

Mary Ann Nichols, the first victim, was found on August 31, 1888, in Buck's Row. Her throat had two deep cuts, suggesting she was killed after her throat was cut. She was approximately 1.58 meters tall, with dark brown hair. She wore a blue dress, black woolen stockings, men's boots, and a black straw bonnet.

Annie Chapman

Annie Chapman, the second victim, was found on September 8, near a door in the backyard of Hanbury Street. Her throat had two large cuts. She was 47 years old, 1.52 meters tall, with dark hair and blue eyes.

Elizabeth Stride

Elizabeth Stride was killed early Sunday, September 30. Her body was found in Dutfield's Yard. She died by decapitation. She was 42 years old, approximately 1.57 meters tall, and had dark hair, pale skin, and gray eyes. She was missing two front teeth.

Catherine Eddowes

Catherine Eddowes was found in Mitre Square only 45 minutes after the discovery of Elizabeth Stride's body. She was not only slain but also disemboweled with a large cut. She was 40 years old and had dark hair. Her clothes were old.

Mary Jane Kelly

Mary Jane Kelly was found horribly mutilated in Miller's Court on November 9. Her body had a cut that ran from the throat to the spine. She was 20 years old, approximately 1.70 meters tall, and had blue eyes. She was engaged in prostitution.

Description of the Killer

The killer was a loner who worked alone, without the help of an accomplice. He almost always killed on weekends and was thought to be a butcher. He was a terrifying murderer: cold, dangerous, and very effective.

Suspects

• John Druitt: A teacher who committed suicide. However, serial murderers rarely commit suicide.
• George Chapman: A Polish man who worked in Whitechapel in 1888.
• Walter Sickert: A 28-year-old painter who was very curious about everything related to Jack the Ripper.
• George Hutchinson: The man who provided a profile of the murderer to the police. He was considered a prime suspect, but his true identity remains unknown.

Letters and Graffiti

Jack the Ripper sent letters to the police, including the infamous "Dear Boss" letter and the "From Hell" letter, mentioning a "red necklace" as his most beautiful offering. The letters often included postscripts like, "Catch me if you can." Graffiti on a wall near a murder scene read, "The Jews are the men that will not be blamed for nothing." The police ordered the graffiti removed to avoid social unrest.