Ripperologist: Russell Edwards Reveals the Identity of Jack the Ripper
Who was Jack the Ripper? For over a century, this question haunted London, baffled historians, and inspired countless theories. Today, thanks to the relentless work of Russell Edwards, we finally know Jack the Ripper’s real name – and the mystery that once terrorised Whitechapel has been solved.
A London Murder Mystery Solved
The East End of London in 1888 was a place of poverty, fear, and bloodshed. In just a few months, five women were savagely murdered in Whitechapel, their killer vanishing into the night without ever being identified. The question of who Jack the Ripper really was endured for more than 126 years.
Historians speculated. Detectives guessed. Authors imagined. But no one could confirm Jack the Ripper’s identity – until now.
The Clue Hidden in a Shawl
It began in 2007, when Russell Edwards, a businessman and author, bought an unusual item at auction: a bloodstained Victorian shawl. Said to have been found beside the body of Catherine Eddowes, one of the Ripper’s victims, the shawl contained more than silk and mystery – it held proof.
Through scientific analysis, including mitochondrial DNA testing, forensic pattern matching and blood spatter identification, Edwards uncovered the true identity of Jack the Ripper.
Who Is Jack the Ripper? Meet Aaron Kosminski
Russell Edwards’ investigation led him to Aaron Kosminski, a Polish-Jewish immigrant living in Whitechapel at the time of the murders. DNA from the shawl matched both a descendant of Catherine Eddowes and a living female-line descendant of Kosminski himself.
Kosminski was already a named suspect in police records – but without forensic proof, no conviction was possible. Edwards changed that. Using cutting-edge science, he was able to reveal Jack the Ripper’s real name with certainty.
London’s Most Notorious Killer, Unmasked
The shawl contained both blood and semen, preserved through generations. With expert analysis from Dr Jari Louhelainen, mitochondrial DNA was matched to both victim and killer, establishing the shawl’s presence at the scene and confirming Jack the Ripper’s identity.
Even the origin of the shawl – traced to a Russian silk factory – matched Kosminski’s Eastern European roots. This wasn’t theory. This was evidence.
Russell Edwards didn’t just investigate who Jack the Ripper was – he proved it.
Whitechapel, Then and Now
The narrow streets of Whitechapel, once drenched in fear, now echo with history. But the question of who Jack the Ripper really was has gripped London for generations. Thanks to Edwards, we can finally say: Jack the Ripper’s real name was Aaron Kosminski.
Why It Matters
This is not just about solving a case – it’s about ending over a century of speculation. By revealing the identity of Jack the Ripper, Russell Edwards has rewritten history. He has provided truth in a field full of fiction. Today, he is one of the most respected names in Ripperology, backed by peer-reviewed science and recognised in the media worldwide.
Experience the Truth in Whitechapel
Want to explore the streets where the truth was uncovered? Join The Real Jack the Ripper Tour in London, led by Russell Edwards himself – the man who revealed who Jack the Ripper really was.
Book your tour today – and discover Jack the Ripper’s real name where it all began.