Jack the Ripper case solved, according to new book and new DNA evidence (UPDATED)
The case of Jack the Ripper has been solved, according to a new book called "Naming Jack the Ripper". In that book, author Russell Edwards claims the Ripper's identity was Aaron Kosminski - a schizophrenic, immigrant hairdresser in his 20s who was a suspect at the time. Edwards' theory comes on the heels of many others. This time it's based on forensic DNA. ...
The case of Jack the Ripper has been solved, according to a new book called " Naming Jack the Ripper". In that book, author Russell Edwards claims the Ripper's identity was Aaron Kosminski - a schizophrenic, immigrant hairdresser in his 20s who was a suspect at the time. Edwards' theory comes on the heels of many others. This time it's based on forensic DNA.
"We based this analysis on the shawl from the crime scene of one of the victims"
Forensic specialist Jari Louhelainen was able to extract DNA from a bloody shawl belonging to Ripper victim Catherine Eddowes that he says proves that Aaron Kosminski was the Ripper.
"We were able to compare mitochondrial DNA from semen stains shawl to the descendant of Aaron Kosminski, and make the match"
Two stains were identified on the shawl: one blood and one semen. Using mitochondrial DNA, and a maternal descendant of the victim, researchers identified the blood as that of the victim. And then working with a genealogist, author Edwards located a maternal descendant of the suspect, Kosminski, and Louhelainen made the match to the semen.
While he is confident in his results, Louhelainen does acknowledge that there is still room for doubt.
"Because this is mitochondrial DNA can't be as sure as we would be with the modern DNA"
UPDATE -- Surprise, surprise: "Scientist who claims to have identified notorious killer has 'made serious DNA error'"