MYSTERY SOLVED?

DNA Evidence Might Reveal Jack the Ripper's Identity

The genetic material, found on a victim’s shawl, reportedly underwent genetic testing.

Researchers claim they might have identified infamous serial killer Jack the Ripper after analyzing genetic material on a victim’s shawl, according to Science. They claim in a new paper that DNA analysis indicates Aaron Kosminski, a long-deceased barber who was a main suspect for the grisly slayings, may be the murderer. These researchers analyzed a shawl, purportedly found next to Catherine Eddowes body in 1888, which had blood and semen on it. The semen is thought by some to have belonged to the killer. They compared what’s called mitochondrial DNA, which is passed down solely from one’s mother, to one of Kosminski’s living descendants. The paper claims that the DNA is a match, per Science. Critics have questioned whether the shawl is viable evidence, claiming there is no proof it was alongside Eddowes’ body, and that it might have been contaminated over time.