Relative of Jack the Ripper victim Pushes for Fresh Inquest After DNA Discovery!

A descendant of one of Jack the Ripper’s victims is calling for a new inquest into one of history’s most infamous serial killers, igniting renewed interest in a case that has baffled investigators for over a century. The push for judicial review comes in the wake of compelling DNA evidence suggesting that the brutal murderer was a Polish barber named Aaron Kosminski.

The murky slums of Whitechapel, London, were plunged into terror in 1888 as a series of grisly murders shook the community. Jack the Ripper, as he became known, evaded capture, leaving a legacy of fear and speculation. Endlessly debated, his identity has been attributed to many figures—ranging from politicians to common tradesmen.

In a remarkable twist, Russell Edwards, a researcher and sleuth who has spent years studying the Ripper’s case, announced in 2014 that he believed he had identified the killer through DNA extracted from a shawl found at the scene of the murder of Catherine Eddowes, the Ripper’s fourth victim. The shawl, according to history, became significant because of its potential ties to both victims and the murderer.

Dr. Jari Louhelainen from Liverpool John Moores University was enlisted to isolate DNA segments from blood stains on the shawl. Test results indicated a strong familial connection. “The first result showed a 99.2% match,” Louhelainen explained, emphasizing the subsequent DNA strand test which returned a perfect 100% match. The blood was confirmed to belong to Karen Miller, Eddowes’ direct descendant. Adding another shocking twist, DNA from semen stains on the shawl matched with descendants of Kosminski, further implicating him in the nefarious deeds.

Miller, clearly moved by the developments, stated that the quest for justice for victims like her ancestor had long been overshadowed by the sensationalism surrounding the Ripper’s legend. “People have forgotten about the victims, who did not have justice at the time,” she lamented. Her perspective highlights the often-neglected narrative of the victims, urging for the true identity of the killer to be recognized in a legal setting.

The call for an inquest into the 135-year-old case does not come without controversy. Critics point out that Edwards’ claims have not been subjected to peer review, leaving their scientific methodologies open to scrutiny. Authorities had previously shut down similar requests for a re-examination of the case, citing insufficient new evidence. As it stands, the attorney general holds the power to approve such inquiries, a truth that puts the onus back on governmental actors.

Kosminski was born in Poland in 1865, fleeing anti-Semitic violence with his family and eventually resettling in the East End of London. His life took a tragic turn as he struggled with mental health issues, culminating in a life spent in and out of institutions. Witness accounts from the time suggest he was connected to the scenes of the murders, but inadequate evidence meant he was released without charge after being briefly detained.

While some may doubt the veracity of the new evidence, the calls for justice grow louder, underscored by sentiments from both Miller and Kosminski’s descendants. Amanda Poulos, a remote relative of Kosminski, expressed a desire for clarity, stating, “I’m more than happy to finally establish what really happened.”

As the dialogue surrounding the Ripper case intensifies, there remains a profound desire for closure on this dark chapter of London’s history. The repercussions of these latest findings could reshape not only legal perspectives but also deepen society’s understanding of the enduring impact of the Ripper’s terror. With family members advocating for an official review, the momentum for justice is building. Will the attorney general be swayed to reopen this historic investigation? Only time will tell, but for now, the streets of Whitechapel continue to echo with the unresolved stories of those who suffered at the hands of the Ripper.