New DNA evidence has revealed the identity of Jack the Ripper as Aaron Kosminski, a Polish barber, more than 130 years after the brutal murders that terrorized Victorian London.
Historian and author Russell Edwards claims that DNA from a shawl found with one of the Ripper’s victims, Catherine Eddowes, matches both Eddowes’ descendants and Kosminski’s relatives.
The shawl, purchased by Edwards at an auction in 2007, underwent forensic testing that allegedly provided a perfect DNA match, leading Edwards to conclude that Kosminski was responsible for the killings.
Kosminski was a suspect during the original police investigation into the murders of five women in Whitechapel in 1888, known as the “Canonical Five”: Mary Ann Nichols, Annie Chapman, Elizabeth Stride, Mary Jane Kelly, and Catherine Eddowes. However, police at the time lacked sufficient evidence to arrest him.
Edwards detailed his findings in his book Jack the Ripper: The Definitive Reveal, in which he stated, “He is no longer just a suspect. We can hold him, finally, to account for his terrible deeds. My search is over: Aaron Kosminski is Jack the Ripper.”
DNA Test Debunks Previous Jack the Ripper Suspect
Prior to recent DNA testing, investigators had believed a different man was Jack the Ripper. A former police volunteer unearthed medical evidence last year that led her to believe the 19th-century serial killer was Hyam Hyams.
Sarah Bax Horton had named Hyams as the man she claimed was responsible for the murders of at least six women in or near Whitechapel, east London, between August and November 1888. However, new DNA analysis has since pointed to a different person.
Legal efforts underway for new inquest
The new evidence has prompted Edwards to seek legal action. He has hired a legal team to apply for a fresh inquest into the death of Catherine Eddowes, aiming to have Kosminski legally named as the killer.
Under British law, the Attorney General must approve any request for a new inquest. A previous application was denied in 2022 due to insufficient evidence, but Edwards’ team argues that the DNA findings provide grounds for reconsideration.
Jack the Ripper has been identified using DNA from a shawl found at one of the murder scenes. His name is Aaron Kosminski, who at the time was a 23 year old immigrant, a Polish barber and long-time suspect.
The match was made using a shawl found at the scene of Catherine… pic.twitter.com/PcFUw9xh43
— The Great Gats🐝 (@TheGr8_GatsBee) February 13, 2025
Descendants of both Eddowes and Kosminski support the legal efforts. Karen Miller, the great-great-great-granddaughter of Eddowes, provided the DNA sample that matched her ancestor’s blood on the shawl. She expressed hope that a formal inquest would finally deliver justice for the victims.
Families of victims and suspect support the move
“The name Jack the Ripper has become sensationalized, it has gone down in history as this famous character.” Miller said. “What about the real name of the person who did this? Having the real person legally named in a court which can consider all the evidence would be a form of justice for the victims.”
She added, “We have got the proof, now we need this inquest to legally name the killer.”
Other descendants of the victims echoed this sentiment. Sue Parlour, related to victim Mary Ann Nichols, emphasized the importance of closure for the victims’ families.
Jack the Ripper has been identified as Aaron Kosminski—a Polish barber—through a 100% DNA match from a shawl found at Catherine Eddowes' 1888 murder scene.
Kosminski’s great-great-grandniece provided the DNA, and legal teams are now seeking an inquest to officially name him the… pic.twitter.com/6AKEGyu2kp
— Pubity (@pubity) February 13, 2025
Kosminski’s descendants also support the move. Amanda Poulos, Kosminski’s great-great-great-niece, stated she is open to establishing the truth about what happened.
Coroner open to inquest
East London coroner Nadia Persaud indicated that while she would not oppose a new inquest, she believes it may not change the original verdict of “wilful murder,” apart from potentially identifying the perpetrator.
Edwards, however, remains firm in his pursuit. “A second inquest is the only way of confirming what happened. As we now have identified the true murderer with a wealth of evidence putting the man we named as the Ripper in the frame, we want justice to be served,” he said.
If the Attorney General grants permission, the case will be reviewed by a High Court judge, potentially closing one of history’s most infamous cold cases with modern science.
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