Watched the programme, & it offers some food for thought, but very little in the way of evidence. I'd be interested to read Christer Holmgrens research - he's not alone in the field having Lechmere/Cross as a prime suspect. Whilst the programme put forward a range of circumstantial evidence, aside from the Nichols murder, it just said Lechmere was in close proximity to the other murder sites. Well, that is true, but so were thousands of others. More compelling evidence is needed to link Lechmere to another victim or site to make him credible.
In addition, one big error is the programme suggested that Lechmere hid the wounds to Nichols. Actually, when they found the body, Lechmere & Paul agreed to pull her clothing down to protect her modesty, as they reported finding the body with the clothing pulled up.
That's the problem Frank, most theories put forward are very convincing and have plenty to make us think until the next one comes along!
This is the biggest problem in many ways. Over 150 suspects have been put forward, & personally I've repeatedly switched preference!
It is believed that a serial killer evolves with each killing, starting out a little timid and becoming more adept with each murder as he grows in confidence. If we apply this to the Ripper, he started out with Tabram and each murder was worse than the one before until he reached the height of his depravity with the total destruction of Mary Kelly's body in her house. I am also convinced that the stereotypical Ripper in frock coat and top hat is unrealistic and as this programme says, was far more likely to be an ordinary local guy who blended into the background
Especially agree with the boldened part. Indeed, one of my favourite Ripper books is The Making of the Myth by John Bennett. It outlines how the common perception(s) of the Ripper (top hat, gladstone bag, medical man, toff etc) have arisen through the development of the story over time.
She is not a canonical Ripper victim but considering the timing, location and nature of her killing, it is very tempting to assume that the same person was responsible for her murder as the other 5
Like many of the others, murdered on a weekend/bank holiday.
Prior to the letters, the murders were referred to as the Whitechapel Murders. Many associated with the case maintained that definition. Prior to tabram, Emma Smith (murdered in April 1888) was included, as were Alice McKenzie, Frances Coles, and 9much less likely to be part of the same series) Rose Mylett (the last 3 were murdered 1889-1891).
Personally I feel Tabram was part of the series. However, I harbour doubts whether Stride was.
In reality Frank you are never going to get a conclusive answer.
There's not going to be any DNA or incontrovertible confession so this thread could well be endless!
Indeed. In fact, there are whole forums (see jtrforums or casebook).
