What? Sleuth Claims that DNA Discovered on Shawl of One of Jack the Ripper's Victims Has Proven the Identity of the Infamous Serial Killer, 126 Years After the Crimes

via @moxiemom and @jackmcoldcuts, Whoah.

It's a long article, so I don't know if you want to read it, or if this is a "spoiler," but I'll put the killer's name in white font:

Aaron Kosminski, the schizophrenic hairdresser and immigrant long the prime suspect. Obviously, this madman (committed soon after the Ripper murders, IIRC) isn't an "interesting" suspect like, say, the Heir Presumptive to the British Throne was, but he always seemed pretty likely. And now a sleuth says they know it's him -- or at least that he touched Catherine Eddowes' shawl shortly before her butchering.

Actually, the amateur detective thinks he can prove the shawl wasn't Eddowes', but rather Kominiski, which he brought to the seen of the crime.

Incidentally, he was committed for, among other things, a penchant for "self-abuse," so, you know: Take it easy out there, guys.

Update: A commenter remarked upon how easy it was to get away with murder, way back when.

John Mulaney, probably my favorite current comedian, discussed this in his show New In Town, which is great, and available streaming on Netflix.

posted by Ace at 08:00 PM

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