Jack The Ripper

Compared with other serial killers, “Jack the Ripper” of Britain was not the most prolific murderer; yet, like Ted Bundy in the United States, he has become a criminal icon and a standard by which to measure other killers. In 1888, the Ripper killed at least five London prostitutes, and more likely the death toll was closer to 10 to 15—no one knows for sure, but he promised through missives to the British media that he would not stop until he had killed 20 victims.

The killer's interest in mutilation of the corpses set him apart from others who also preyed on prostitutes at the time. The Ripper was very adept at eviscerating his victims and removing their organs. His first victim was murdered on Easter Monday in London's Whitechapel, and he clearly derived sexual gratification from her dismemberment. Once the victim was killed according to his sexual fantasy, the Ripper proceeded to examine her body parts. He was not pressed for time in the case of Jeanette Kelly and had at least 2 hours to thoroughly complete his task. Her throat was cut to the spinal column, nearly severing the head. Her ears and nose had been removed and placed on a severed breast in an effort to create a face. The other severed breast lay on the nightstand covered with her kidneys and heart. Close by was the right thigh, on which rested the liver. Her sexual organs were never recovered. This practice was common with most of his victims.

“Jack” enjoyed taunting police and newspapers and sent letters written in victims' blood vowing death to all prostitutes. He even sent a victim's kidney to a citizen's vigilante committee formed to catch him. Jack the Ripper was never caught, and many theories currently abound as to the actual identity of the killer.