Modern science continues to unlock the secrets of the past, and in one of the most notorious unsolved cases in history, forensic genetics may have finally cracked it. A recent genetic analysis has pointed to a compelling suspect in the Jack the Ripper murders—using DNA evidence extracted from a 19th-century crime scene artefact.
This breakthrough not only demonstrates the power of forensic genetics in solving historical mysteries, but also underscores the potential for DNA to reshape how we understand history, crime, and even our own ancestry.
The Case: A 130-Year-Old Cold Case Reopened
Jack the Ripper’s grisly murders terrorised London’s East End in 1888, and despite over a century of speculation, the killer’s identity remained unknown—until now.
Researchers analysed mitochondrial DNA from a shawl said to belong to one of the Ripper’s victims, Catherine Eddowes. Through comparison with living descendants, scientists matched the DNA to Aaron Kosminski, a historical suspect long believed to be involved but never formally charged.
How Forensic Genetics Cracked the Case
The DNA analysis, led by Dr Jari Louhelainen, used advanced techniques to extract degraded genetic material from the century-old shawl. Two separate DNA matches were found:
- One to the descendant of the victim
- One to the matrilineal relative of Aaron Kosminski
The type of DNA used—mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)—is the same kind analysed in CircleDNA’s ancestry reports, as it’s passed down through the maternal line.
Scientific and Ethical Controversy
While many hailed this as the solution to the Jack the Ripper mystery, not all experts are convinced. Concerns remain over:
- The provenance of the shawl
- Possible contamination
- The limitations of mtDNA, which cannot uniquely identify individuals
Even Sir Alec Jeffreys, inventor of DNA fingerprinting, urged caution before declaring the case closed.
What This Means for Genetic Science and You
This case is a powerful reminder of the potential of genetic science—not just for criminal justice, but for ancestry, health, and personal discovery.
At CircleDNA, we use similar technology to help you explore your:
- Maternal ancestry
- Genetic health risks
- Inherited traits
The Bigger Picture: From Cold Cases to Personal Discovery
Whether it’s uncovering a cold case or learning more about your unique biology, DNA testing can reveal powerful truths. While Jack the Ripper’s mystery may be nearing its end, the journey to self-understanding through genetics is only just beginning.
References
Adam, D. (2019, March 15). Does a new genetic analysis finally reveal the identity of Jack the Ripper? Science. https://www.science.org/content/article/does-new-genetic-analysis-finally-reveal-identity-jack-ripper
Wikipedia contributors. (2024). Jack the Ripper suspects. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_the_Ripper_suspects
New York Post. (2025, February 15). Jack the Ripper’s identity revealed after DNA breakthrough, historian says. https://nypost.com/2025/02/15/world-news/jack-the-rippers-identity-revealed-after-dna-breakthrough-historian/
