By Abby Knox, Staff Writer

After over 100 years, the identity of one of the most infamous serial killers in London, Jack the Ripper, has been identified last week through a 100% positive DNA match .

Following the brutal murders and mutilations of five women in the East End of London back in 1888, genetic tests point to 23-year-old barber Aaron Kosminski as the killer.

The case was believed to have been unsolvable because of many factors, including Jack the Ripper being one of the first cases ever investigated by police, the lack of DNA technology during the period and conflicting witness statements. 

Over the years, multiple theories have circulated regarding who could have committed such heinous crimes, with there being nine main suspects. However, with the recent DNA match that was found connecting the murder of Catherine Eddowes to Kosminki, this long-awaited case may soon come to a close. 

The man behind this newfound identification is author and historian Russell Edwards. Edwards first identified Kosminski as Jack the Ripper in his 2014 book, “Naming Jack the Ripper.”

The DNA that became an essential piece of evidence was found on a shawl. This shawl was found at the crime scene of the killer’s fourth victim, Eddowes. When the shawl was tested for evidence, semen was found on it, but no name had ever been placed on the DNA until now. 

It was not until 2007 that Edwards bought the shawl at the auction. He and his team of forensic scientists then proceeded to do numerous DNA tests on it.  

A mitochondrial DNA analysis—a technique that examines the genetic material found in the mitochondria of a cell—was conducted. This testing allows scientists to trace a person’s maternal family line. The DNA found on the shawl was linked to a relative of Kosminksi’s sister. 

 Kosminski fits the profile of the suspected killer as he spent some time in the mental hospital. Psychologists believe he was experiencing paranoid schizophrenia because it was recorded that he often heard auditory hallucinations. 

Along with the mental health issues, it was known that Kosminski had a great hatred for women, especially those that worked as prostitutes. He also exhibited homicidal tendencies. 

As for what is next, Edwards is working with some of the descendants of victims as well as the relatives of Kosminski to ask the attorney general for an inquest to officially name Aaron Kosminski as the killer.

Previously, Edwards had requested an inquest but the then—Attorney General, Sir Michael Ellis, denied it, saying that there was not sufficient evidence. 

Karen Miller, the great-great-great-granddaughter of Eddowes, said having the killer’s name in official records would bring justice to victims who weren’t able to get justice so long ago.