THE CASEBOOK George The Man Who Hutchinson’s Wasn’t There “Turn on the Christer Holmgren defensive” issue five Benedict Holme December 2010

Jack the Ripper studies, true crime & L.V.P. social history Evolving Theories WIldE Ideas &Corey Browning enters the jungle and Tom Wescott gets Decadent THE CASEBOOK The contents of Casebook Examiner No. 5 December 2010 are copyright © 2010 Casebook.org. The authors of issue five signed articles, essays, letters, reviews December 2010 and other items retain the copyright of their respective contributions. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this publication, except for brief quotations where credit is given, may Contents: be reproduced, stored in a retrieval It’s Christmas Time pg 3 On The Case system, transmitted or otherwise cir- culated in any form or by any means, Subscription Information pg 5 News From Ripper World pg 93 including digital, electronic, printed, On The Case Extra George Hutchinson’s mechanical, photocopying, recording or Feature Story pg 95 “Turn on the defensive” any other, without the express written Benedict Holme pg 6 On The Case Puzzling permission of Casebook.org. The unau- The Darker Side of Evolution Conundrums Logic Puzzle pg 100 thorized reproduction or circulation of Corey Browning pg 20 On The Case Back Story this publication or any part thereof, Mary Kelly and the Decadents Feature Story pg 102 whether for monetary gain or not, is Tom Wescott pg 45 Ultimate Ripperologists’ Tour strictly prohibited and may constitute copyright infringement as defined in The Man Who Wasn’t There Hull pg 103 Christer Holmgren pg 55 CSI: domestic laws and international agree- Graffito pg 110 ments and give rise to civil liability Undercover Investigations and criminal prosecution. Book Reviews pg 66 From the Casebook Archives Elizabeth Jackson pg 114 Collectors Corner The views, conclusions and opinions Expert Advice pg 91 Scenes of Crime H Division pg 115 expressed in articles, essays, letters and other items published in Casebook Examiner are those of the authors and Editor in Chief Don Souden Assistant Editors: Debra Arif, do not necessarily reflect the views, Publisher Stephen P. Ryder Ali Bevan, Andrew Firth, Mark Ripper conclusions and opinions of Casebook. for Casebook.org Acknowledgements: org, Casebook Examiner or its editors. Features Editor Jennifer Shelden Rob Clack, Jane Coram, Mike Covell Design David Pegg & Suzi Hanney It’s Christmas Time…There’s No Need to be Afraid Jennifer Shelden

s this lands in your inbox it is Christmas cracker in 1848 as a way Day (so called because it was when the that time of year again when of selling sweets. Beef and goose were poor opened their Christmas Boxes) Awe get festive. That is, it’s traditional meats to eat at Christmas became a public bank holiday with the Christmas time and time to sit down but this changed in the passing of the Bank Holidays Act of with the family for a lovely bit of turkey with the introduction of turkeys to the 1871. Meanwhile the Christmas stock- and a mince pie… and perhaps the odd festive dinner scene, although it wasn’t ings, traditionally filled with fruit such glass of wine (or two). As the thrice until the 20th century that it was intro- as an orange, were introduced in the number one Christmas hit ‘Do They duced to the plates of those who were 1870s. Know It’s Christmas’ says “there’s no not wealthy. Prince Albert, Queen I can only imagine what it must need to be afraid at Christmas time we Victoria’s husband, brought the tra- have been like for the everyday people let in light and we banish shade”. On dition of the Christmas tree, from his in Whitechapel at this time in 1888; on hearing this song again and again in native Germany, to the Royal house- 15th December they were over a month every shop I enter I wonder about how hold and the British public. from the last of the Ripper’s grisly and the residents of Whitechapel would Meanwhile, Charles Dickens’s terrible crimes, the murder of Mary have been feeling in December 1888. timeless classic A Christmas Carol, Kelly. The murder of Rose Mylett was As we gear up for Christmas we written in 1844, is still a staple for yet to occur, happening as it did on 20th think of traditions. We think today what we all imagine Christmas to be December. This murder, together with that Christmas as we know and love it about. One little girl is said to have those of the autumn, must have had in 2010 was ‘invented’ in the Victorian worried on Dickens’s death that Father an impact on the Christmas spirit of era. Indeed many traditions in Britain Christmas himself had died. Just how those in , particularly the poor originate from this time. Sir Henry much of the Victorian Christmas the of Whitechapel, who may have won- Cole invented the Christmas card in poor of Whitechapel would have seen dered if the holiday would bring the 1843. By the 1880s, sending cards is debatable. They were at least enti- Ripper out to kill again, as it had done had become popular; in part due to tled to two days off work (but not nec- on the August Bank Holiday all those the introduction of a reduced half essarily paid days). The Christmas months before. It would certainly have penny postage stamp. Tom Smith, a Day itself was considered a common- been a sad occasion for the families of resourceful confectioner, invented the law holiday in , but Boxing those whose loved ones had perished

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 3 at the hands of , and find themselves horribly murdered at first victim of Jack and to have been if we needed reminding some of the the hands of an unknown assailant and killed on Boxing Day (26th December) women were mothers. It would seem their names added to the Whitechapel 1887, the year before the so-called Father Christmas would be unable to Murders case file. The tide of opin- autumn of terror. Of course, there is give those children the gift they would ion would say that these were not the little evidence that anyone died in such want the most. Ripper’s victims, but still, the streets a way on Boxing Day 1887, she seems Still, as it is Christmas time, we were not safe. The women already on to be a press invention, the Fairy part will, with the benefit of hindsight, note the bottom rung of society would find of her name having nothing more than that there was no need to be afraid that they were still in great peril walk- seasonal connotations concocted by of Jack the Ripper striking again at ing the streets of London. some humbug or other. Christmas time. Indeed, the last of the As a side note it must be pointed Well, one thing I am sure of is so-called canonical victims was killed out that some say the first of the that Jack the Ripper is now long dead, nearly two months previously, and Ripper’s killings did indeed happen at the injustice of his evasion of capture, 1889 would see those murders attrib- Christmas time, making this a very sadly, remaining with us forever. This uted to Jack the Ripper’s hand ceased. good reason in fact, to be afraid at was not perhaps the most cheery of But alas, as the residents entered the Christmas time. Fairy Fay was said festive editorials but I will end by new year of 1889, women still would by some press reports to have been the saying… …Seasons Greetings & Happy New Year to you all from everyone at the Casebook Examiner.

It’s Christmas Time… There’s No Need To Be Afraid Don’t Miss A Single Great Issue of Casebook Examiner Subscribe now for a whole year six big issues! for only For less than a night at the movies or a And remember, you will not$9 only be Go to www.casebook.org/examiner dyspeptic dinner for two at a fast-food getting the best in JtR fact and fiction, for full subscription details. restaurant you will get a year’s worth along with LVP true crime and social of informative articles, entertaining history articles, but the money will be features and all the exciting news in going to a suitable charity. A winning the field. combination that can’t be beat.

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 5 Full of Devices: George Hutchinson’s “Turn on the defensive” Benedict Holme

It looked more like the work of the

than of devil a man. I had heard a great deal about the , but I declare to God I had never expected to see such a sight as this. The whole scene is more than I can describe. I hope I may never see such a sight as this again. John McCarthy issued this statement not long after …seeing the grossly mutilated corpse of lying in the room he rented to her for 4/6 per week. With these few words McCarthy tells us more about Jack the Ripper than do many of the full-length volumes writ- ten on the Whitechapel Murders. He not only manages to convey the horror of the Ripper’s crimes, but the fear and sense of helplessness felt by those who lived within his shadow. The killer, of course, was never identified. Yet more then a century after his crimes stunned the world, the hunt for Jack the Ripper continues. Amongst those who have been ‘put in the frame’ is Montague John Druitt, the barrister and teacher who committed suicide a month after the Kelly murder. Artist Walter Sickert is another who has fallen under suspicion, so too has American quack herbalist . Royal physician Sir is another, as is Kelly’s former live- in lover Joe Barnett, as well as wealthy Liverpudlian cotton merchant James Maybrick, philanthropist Dr Barnardo, John McCarthy lunatic , poisoners George Chapman and Neil Cream, and let us not forget Jill the Ripper!

George Hutchinson’s “Turn on the defensive” Benedict Holme This list is by no means exhaus- A few hours later, fellow prosti- The inquest was convened on 12th tive. Indeed, one could with little diffi- tute and near-neighbour Mary Ann November, three days after Kelly’s culty add another fifty or sixty names. Cox saw Kelly in the company of a murder. Satisfied that the jury had But the one common denominator is shabbily dressed man at 11:45 pm; she heard sufficient evidence to determine that there exists not a shred of evidence was heavily intoxicated, and her short, the cause of death, the cor- to connect any of them to the crimes of stout companion carried a quart can oner, Roderick MacDonald, terminated Jack the Ripper. Some, however, would of ale. Over the next hour, as Mrs Cox the hearing within the day. Within argue that the most likely candidate flitted in and out of Miller’s Court, she hours, the hopes of a beleaguered has been under our noses all along, heard Kelly serenading the man with police force were buoyed when a man, hiding in plain sight, eluding the gaze Irish songs. When Mrs Cox returned ‘apparently of the labouring class but of police and authors alike because he home for the night at a little after 3 with a military appearance’, entered failed to match the preconceptions as am, the light in Kelly’s room had been Commercial Street police station and to the type of man the killer was likely extinguished and there was no noise. related an extraordinary statement, to have been. In order to explore this Another witness, Sarah Lewis, the contents of which merits full inclu- proposition, it is necessary to return had an altercation with her husband sion here: to Mary Kelly, the final of the so-called earlier that night and decided to spend About 2 am 9th I was coming by canonical five victims, and to the events the remainder of it in Miller’s Court Thrawl Street, Commercial Street, and of 8th-9th November, 1888. where her friends the Keylers lived. On saw just before I got to Flower and A prostitute and alcoholic, 25-year- approaching the narrow passage that Dean Street I saw the murdered woman old Mary Jane Kelly occupied a small, connected the court with Street Kelly. And she said to me Hutchinson sparsely furnished ground-floor room in she noticed a man standing alone on will you lend me sixpence. I said I cant Miller’s Court, Dorset Street. She had the opposite footway who appeared to I have spent all my money going down shared this room with her lover, fish be fixated with the court. He wore a to . She said Good morning porter Joseph Barnett, for some eight black “wideawake” hat, dark clothes, I must go and find some money. She months, but the couple had rowed ten and was reportedly “not tall, but went away toward Thrawl Street. A days prior to the murder and Barnett stout”. Lewis slept fitfully that night man coming in the opposite direction moved into Buller’s boarding house, and at approximately 3:45 am heard to Kelly tapped her on the shoulder Bishopsgate. Barnett last saw Kelly a cry of “Oh Murder!” emanate from and said something to her. They both alive when he called on her during the somewhere nearby. As she disclosed at burst out laughing. I heard her say early evening of 8th November. Although the inquest hearing, however, she paid alright to him. And the man said you he was unable to give her any money, it little attention because “such cries will be alright for what I have told you. they parted on good terms. were common in the district”. He then placed his right hand around

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 8 her shoulders. He also had a kind of the middle. Button boots and gaiters Kelly’s remains, which he did the fol- a small parcel in his left hand with a with white buttons. Wore a very thick lowing morning. In the meantime, he kind of strap round it. I stood against gold chain white linen collar. Black accompanied detectives on a search of the lamp of the Queen’s Head Public tie with horse shoe pin. Respectable the district for the Astrakhan-wearing House and watched him. They both appearance walked very sharp. Jewish suspect. As with so many initially then came past me and the man hid appearance. Can be identified. promising leads, however, it came to down his head with his hat over his The witness introduced himself nothing. Then, on 13th November, in a eyes. I stooped down and looked him as George Hutchinson, a temporar- piece clearly at odds with Abberline’s in the face. He looked at me stern. They ily unemployed labourer who lived at initial confidence in Hutchinson, the both went into Dorset Street I followed the Victoria Home for Working Men, Echo reported: them. They both stood at the corner of a lodging house situated a few hun- From latest inquiries it appears the Court for about 3 minutes. He said dred yards from the Miller’s Court that a very reduced importance seems something to her. She said alright my crime scene. Duly impressed by the to be now — in the light of later investi- dear come along you will be comfort- able He then placed his arm on her shoulder and gave her a kiss. She said …had occasionally she had her handkercheif he then pulled his handkercheif a red one out given her ‘a few and gave it to her. They both then went up the court together. I then went to shillings.’ the Court to see if I could see them, but could not. I stood there for about three quarters of an hour to see if they came labourer’s assertions, Abberline wrote gation — attached to a statement made out they did not so I went away. a brief report to his superiors in which by a person last night that he saw a Description age about 34 or 35. he stated his opinion that the account man with the deceased on the night of height 5ft6 complexion pale, dark eyes was true. In addition to the details the murder. Of course, such a statement and eye lashes slight moustache, curled contained within the main body of should have been made at the inquest, up each end, and hair dark, very surley the statement, Hutchinson informed where the evidence, taken on oath, looking dress long dark coat, collar and Abberline that he had known Kelly could have been compared with the cuffs trimmed astracan. And a dark for three years and had occasionally supposed description of the murderer jacket under. Light waistcoat dark given her ‘a few shillings.’ Hutchinson given by the witnesses. Why, ask the trousers dark felt hat turned down in was requested by police to identify authorities, did not the informant

George Hutchinson’s “Turn on the defensive” Benedict Holme come forward before? [Emphasis paint-by-numbers amalgamation of appears to be placed is that of a young added.] press and public scare-mongering on woman, an associate of the deceased, There can be no doubt that the subject of the Ripper’s appearance. who states that at about half-past 10 Hutchinson’s statement “engendered In the immediate aftermath of the o’clock on Thursday night she met the a feeling of scepticism”, as another dis- murder of , rumours murdered woman at the corner of cerning journalist observed. Why, if abounded that the killer was a sinis- Dorset-street, who said to her that he was so closely acquainted with the ter Jew with a surly countenance nick- she had no money and, if she could deceased, did he procrastinate for three named “Leather Apron”. This mental not get any, would never go out any days rather than alert the authorities picture was later revised to incorpo- more but would do away with herself. the moment he heard of the murder? rate musings that the killer was an Soon afterwards they parted, and Grave misgivings must also be enter- upper-class doctor who carried his a man, who is described as respect- tained about the elaborate descrip- instruments of death in a black bag. ably dressed, came up, and spoke tion of the “suspect” he detailed within Hutchinson’s description of the man in to the murdered woman Kelly and his police statement. Is it likely, or the Astrakhan coat incorporated all of offered her some money. The man even possible, to notice and memorise these elements. Is it likely that the real then accompanied the woman to her a man’s eyelashes, horseshoe tiepin, killer would attire himself in a manner lodgings. [Emphases added.] white-buttoned gaiters, and linen that pandered to all these suspicions, It is next to impossible to dis- collar within a fleeting second or two despite the fact that it was likely to miss such strong similarities with in miserable weather conditions and both deter his intended victims and Hutchinson’s narrative as pure coin- darkness? Victorian gas lamps emitted attract attention from the worst pos- cidence. The Victoria Home closed a negligible amount of light, and gas sible quarter, namely muggers, plain- its doors to anyone not in possession mantles would only replace the naked clothes police officers and over-zealous of a daily or weekly pass at 12:30 flame in 1891, three years after the vigilantes? am (some accounts give 1 am). Why, murders, and yet Hutchinson claimed There are also indications that he then, did Hutchinson embark on a to have recorded all that he alleged as “borrowed” from earlier accounts that thirteen-mile hike from Romford, in the suspect passed for a brief moment appeared in the papers in the immedi- the small hours, and in pugnacious in close proximity to this lamp, despite ate aftermath of the murder, such as weather conditions, when he knew for his claim to be concentrating on the the following article from the Evening certain that the doors would be closed man’s face at the time. News: by the time he arrived? When taken as a whole, the There are conflicting statements as Having loitered outside Kelly’s description reads suspiciously to when the woman was last seen alive, home for fully 45 minutes, he then like a stereotypical bogeyman, a but that upon which most reliance claimed to have “walked about all

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 10 night, as the place where I usually suspect had a heavy moustache and a but were they correct to do so? One sleep was closed” — an inexplica- dark complexion, and as Bob Hinton crucial and oft-overlooked piece of evi- ble decision considering the extent observed in (1998), these dence suggests otherwise. of his alleged journey from far-flung are essentially polar opposites to the Sarah Lewis, it will be remem- Romford, and the fact that there were “pale” complexion and “slight” mous- bered, had noticed a man standing plenty of other lodging houses in the tache that had appeared in the initial opposite the court at 2:30 am that district that didn’t adopt the closed- police version. night: He was not tall — but stout — door policy of the Victoria Home. With the embellished press had on a black wideawake hat . . . the Moreover, it makes no logical sense for accounts of 14th November serving to man standing in the street was looking Hutchinson to have cited the closure of injure further Hutchinson’s already up the court as if waiting for some- his “usual” lodgings as the reason for tenuous credibility, it fell to The Star one to come out. his decision to “walk about” all night, to impart the news a day later that the Compare this with Hutchinson’s for had he really spent “all” his money, statement was “now discredited”, thus own account of his movements: I then he would not have been able to gain underscoring the final judgement on went to the Court to see if I could see entry in any event. Hutchinson’s credibility as a witness. them, but could not. I stood there for It is likely that these consider- Publicity-seekers are the scourge about three quarters of an hour to see ations and others weighed heavily on of any police investigation, but are if they came out they did not so I went the minds of the investigating police, especially undesirable when they away. and Hutchinson was apparently dis- insinuate themselves into high pro- Such is the level of compatibility missed in consequence. From the 13th file murder inquiries. The police had between the two accounts that we may November, a heavily embellished ver- been deluged with a great many of reasonably conclude that Hutchinson sion of the account appeared in the them during the investigation into was truthful, at the very least, about newspapers. The Astrakhan suspect the Whitechapel murders — Matthew his whereabouts for that moment in had acquired yet more conspicuous Packer and Emmanuel Violenia being time. He could not have been a tradi- accessories, including a pair of kid two notable examples — and separat- tional time-waster or publicity-seeker, gloves and a red stone seal attached to ing the wheat from the chaff in terms unless we accept that his false account his watch chain, none of which served of eyewitness evidence had taken of his movements just happened to to enhance the credibility of an already up a good deal of time. Superficially, conform almost precisely to the move- suspiciously detailed description. But Hutchinson’s dubious statement ments of a real person seen close to the perhaps more striking were the vari- and subsequent press contradictions crime scene. Having tentatively estab- ous contradictions that undermined belonged in this category, and the lished his identity as the loitering man his police statement. Suddenly the police apparently consigned him there, seen by Sarah Lewis, we should not

George Hutchinson’s “Turn on the defensive” Benedict Holme assume that the entirety of his account a policeman about it. However, in the Police patrolled a meticulously must also be true. The more pressing absence of any record of a policemen delineated beat in 1888 London, and concern of why he happened to be there alerting his superiors to the existence had Hutchinson approached a PC as remains wholly unverified. of a potentially important eyewitness he claimed, the individual in ques- It is only when we remind our- sighting, we must treat this claim with tion could have been identified and selves that Hutchinson approached extreme caution. severely admonished for his failure to the police just after the termination of the inquest — where the bulk of eye- witness evidence, including Lewis’s, first became public knowledge — that an altogether different hypoth- esis becomes viable; one that suggests very strongly that Hutchinson did not “delay” coming forward. Indeed, it would appear that he never had any intention of making himself known until he was forced to do so — by Sarah Lewis’s evidence. He realised that he’d been seen at the crime scene by an independent witness, and came forward with an “eyewitness” account of his own, designed both to vindicate his presence there and deflect suspi- cion in a convenient direction — the generic, sinister Jew with obligatory black parcel. In an effort to explain his failure to come forward earlier, Hutchinson informed journalists that he “fan- cied” he saw the Astrakhan suspect in Petticoat Lane on the Sunday subse- quent to the murder, and that he told The discovery of Mary Kelly’s body

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 12 take immediate action with regard to tentative gauge, we may assume that the Ripper. Besides the Sarah Lewis Hutchinson and his alleged sighting. Kelly was murdered roughly 45 min- “coincidence” and Hutchinson’s own In all likelihood, this untraceable neg- utes after Hutchinson’s alleged depar- suspicious account of his actions and ligent officer was another figment of ture, at which time he was engaging in movements, the annals of true crime Hutchinson’s imagination, designed to perhaps the only conceivable activity are awash with examples of serial explain away his inertia in the imme- that could not be either verified or con- offenders resorting to very similar diate aftermath of the Kelly murder. tradicted — “walking about”. strategies. Had Hutchinson really approached a In other words, despite his fixation John Eric Armstrong, nicknamed policeman on Sunday, Abberline et al. with — and close proximity to — the the baby-faced , targetted would have known about him well in scene of a crime shortly before its com- prostitutes much like his Victorian advance of 6 pm the next day. Little mission, he had no alibi for the likely counterpart, albeit in Detroit. His wonder then that he chose to regale the time of death. He had, in effect, the reign of terror finally came to an end press, and not Abberline, with the tall only “alibi-disposal” excuse available. when he introduced himself to police tale involving the Sunday policeman. It is difficult to envisage a genuinely under the guise of a helpful witness Press versions of Hutchinson’s homeless individual exposing himself who had discovered the body of Wendy account also include the claim that he to the elements, risking hypother- Jordan. was ultimately persuaded to visit the mia and sapping potentially crucial Initially, Armstrong’s account Commercial Street police station by stamina reserves when he could have was considered crucial information; fellow lodgers, but what a remarkable secured at least a roof over his head that was, until it happened that other coincidence that these “lodgers” just in an alley or stairwell. Alternatively, witnesses had seen a man (almost happened to advance this suggestion if he was a publicity seeker who lied certainly Armstrong himself) at the very soon after the termination of the about his very presence there that disposal location. He might well have inquest and widespread public con- night, would it not have been a neck- protested on the grounds that he was sumption of the aforementioned Sarah saving priority to state his precise simply observed doing precisely what Lewis sighting? whereabouts and thus provide a genu- he claimed in his account to the police Perhaps most damaging to ine alibi for the 3:45 to 4 am period? were it not for the fact that his unmis- the “publicity-seeker” theory is Inevitably, the foregoing cannot takable physical particulars matched Hutchinson’s press claim to have help but invite speculation that those of other witnesses from previous “walked about all night” after leav- Hutchinson resorted to these tactics murders. He was linked to other mur- ing Dorset Street at 3 am. Taking the to conceal his personal involvement ders in the series and shortly thereaf- “murder” cry heard by neighbours in Kelly’s death, and by extension, ter, the game was up. Sarah Lewis and Elizabeth Prater as a the other murders attributed to Jack Armstrong’s tactics may well have

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 13 proved successful were it not for the reminiscent of Hutchinson’s behaviour killer Nathaniel Code made the mis- fact that historical precedent worked in the wake of Kelly’s death. take of targeting victims with whom against him. The behavioural trait of Fictional suspects have also become he was closely associated. Criminal offenders injecting themselves into the ultimate suspicion-deflecting tool of profiler Brent E. Turvey described their own investigations under a false killers willing to play the false coopera- what occurred after Code was seen at guise was well known by the 1990s tive hand. Soham killer Ian Huntley the crime scene by a neighbour: when Armstrong was caught, whereas informed the police of a “suspicious” After the bodies were found, in 1888, policing in general was in its man who poked around in the bins and Nathaniel Code approached investigat- infancy, let alone policing into serial drove a dirty red Fiesta, while back- ing officers and introduced himself as killers. They can hardly be blamed, packer killer Ivan Milat’s false eye- the victim’s grandson. Code stated that therefore, for failing to entertain the witness account (with replacement he had received a call from William prospect of Jack the Ripper waltz- “suspects”) was initially chalked up to Code on the evening prior to the mur- ing into a police station requesting an photographic memory. Oddly enough, ders at approximately 10:30 pm or 11.00 interview. some researchers have suggested the pm in which William Code asked him Nowadays, such behaviour can same in defense of Hutchinson’s own to come to his residence complaining even be predicted, as it was in the super-detailed account! that there were people hanging round case of the Green River killer. FBI After learning that he’d been his house. Code said he went to his criminologist and profiler John E. caught on CCTV camera in the com- grandfather’s house at approximately Douglas advised the task force that the pany of one of his victims, the notorious 2.00 am on the morning of August 5th. offender was likely to inject himself “gay-slayer” Colin approached Nathaniel Code stated that after his into the investigation, through self- his solicitor and made his faltering grandfather let him into the house, he preservation, bravado, or a desire to be attempt to play the co-operative wit- checked the house and the surrounding apprised of police progress (or indeed, ness hand. He claimed that he was area for suspicious persons, then left on a combination of the three). Gary the last man to see the victim alive, his bicycle. He returned once to check Ridgway was eventually captured in and that he left the victim in the com- the outside again, then rode his bicycle 2001 thanks to preserved DNA evi- pany of another man, essentially lying home. dence, but it subsequently emerged to “legitimise” incriminating evidence Nathaniel Code agreed to accom- that he had approached investigating linking him to the crime scene and fab- pany police to the station to give a state- authorities in mid-1984 with “informa- ricating the existence of another man ment since he was, apparently, the last tion” pertaining to a victim with whom in attempt to deflect suspicion in a person to see his grandfather alive. he was acquainted — a pre-emptive false direction. Code currently languishes on move that may be considered eerily In Shreveport, Louisiana, serial Lousiana’s death row.

George Hutchinson’s “Turn on the defensive” Benedict Holme In both the Code and Ireland cases, to increase the anxieties of a serial — a sense of superiority over their we see the same objectives emerging. killer who, like many of his ilk, pre- pursuers. Some are fascinated with An attempt to explain their presence ferred to keep apprised of the investi- law enforcement, while others seek at a crime scene, as reported by others, gation. Naturally, if Hutchinson was only to be kept apprised of police prog- and the creation of a fictional suspect one such offender and knew full well ress; to make what would be described to confuse police — in Ireland’s case, that he had been seen on previous in gambling terminology as a “feeler it was the “other man”, and in Code’s, occasions, it would have been peril- bet”: They are unsure whether or not the non-existent “suspicious persons”. ous to risk a subsequent identification they have the best hand so they make One might argue that Hutchinson from Sarah Lewis, especially given a pre-emptive move — a bet, a gamble had little to fear from being identified the proximity of Hutchinson’s lodg- — to find out where they are, and if …it would have been perilous to risk a subsequent identification… as the man on the street. Loitering was ings to Miller’s Court. If Lewis and the bluff is called, they simply remind no crime, after all. That defense, how- Lawende (and indeed the authorities that they took the lead ever, would only prevail until other eye- if fell victim to the in being cooperative. “I called you, witnesses from previous murders were Ripper) were able to identify the same remember?” were the words attributed asked to look Hutchinson over in an individual, it could have spelt disaster to John Armstrong. identity parade — an outcome which for Hutchinson. Even the practice of prior surveil- Hutchinson had every reason to fear. As these comparison cases illus- lance has proved very popular among The latest eyewitness descrip- trate, however, fear need not have been serial offenders, with Ted Bundy, tion (that of a shabby man last seen the sole or even primary motivation for Dennis Rader and Robert Napper all talking to ) was Hutchinson’s decision to inject himself adopting the strategy to devastating suppressed at the City solicitor’s into the investigation. Many offend- effect, and when contemplating the request, a ploy that was guaranteed ers come forward out of pure bravado sheer level of detail in Hutchinson’s

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 15 account, it is perhaps worth reflecting of Catherine Eddowes lay directly en “The Juwes are the man that will not on the case of Australian backpacker route between Mitre Square and the be blamed for nothing”, chalked in the murderer Ivan Milat, whose brother, Victoria Home. entry of a house of Jewish tenements – Alex, submitted an extremely detailed The senior members of the these signify little by themselves but, eyewitness account to police. Before Metropolitan and City police interpreted taken together, begin to make a persua- the truth emerged, it was at one the message, which read “The Juwes sive case.” stage suggested that the author must are the men that will not be blamed for If George Hutchinson were indeed have been endowed with a “photo- nothing”, as an attempt to incriminate responsible for at least the murders graphic memory” — an argument still members of the Jewish community, of the “Canonical Five”, his none-too- advanced by defenders of Hutchinson’s who were in many respects the popular subtle depiction of a sinister Jewish- statement today. scapegoats at the time. Notable adher- looking suspect observed in Kelly’s Fortunately in the Milat case, ents to this theory included Sir Charles company may be considered a mere a more credible account was even- Warren, Sir Henry Smith and Donald extension of his earlier efforts to impli- tually made by psychologist Dr. Swanson. More recently, author Martin cate the Jewish community in the Richard Basham, who according to Friedland expressed the view that the crimes. Patick Bellamy’s account of the Milat murders were intended, in part, “to The actual identity of the man case, observed that “to retain such throw as much suspicion as possible on who introduced himself to the police as detail could also mean that he might the Jewish community”, and historian have been a part in the events that he Philip Sugden has also argued that the recalled so well”. The “events”, in this police interpretation was the correct none-too case, included the binding and gagging one, and observed the following with of two female victims in two vehicles. regard to the Ripper’s apparent deter- -subtle At the very least, one can com- mination to implicate a Jewish hand in bine a knowledge of the Whitechapel the “Double Event”: depiction murders and a familiarity with other The murder of historical cases to construct a very Elizabeth Stride next to of a sinister plausible argument for Hutchinson’s the International Working possible culpability. In addition, he Men’s Educational Club, the apparent Jewish- lived in the heart of the murder dis- hailing of an accomplice by the name trict, and the location of the “ Goulston “Lipski”, the murder of Kate Eddowes looking Street Graffito” and accompanying close to another club (the Imperial) apron remnant pilfered from the corpse frequented by Jews, and the message suspect

George Hutchinson’s “Turn on the defensive” Benedict Holme George Hutchinson remains shrouded There has been at least one more remote that the individual we seek will in mystery. An extensive trawl through recent attempt to compare the signa- ever be traced, but one name in par- the census records produces no viable tures, and on this occasion it included ticular seems promising. When Joseph candidates from the surprisingly lim- a 1911 census entry. Unfortunately, Barnett provided the inquest with ited number of “George Hutchinsons”. and for all the good intentions of the details of Kelly’s history, he stated A man named Reginald Hutchinson researchers involved, the fact that no that her previous boyfriend was one claimed in 1992 that his father, George original documents were consulted on Joseph Fleming, then a plasterer by William Topping Hutchinson, was this occasion ensured that the com- trade. Kelly’s nearest neighbour had the witness in question, and that the parison could never be considered on also heard the name. According to her, Astrakhan man he described was actu- a par with the Iremonger analysis in Fleming was a constermonger who ally Lord Randolph Churchill, but terms of professionalism and accuracy used to “ill-use” Kelly for living with neither the biographical data nor the of results. Barnett instead of him. signatures appear to tally with what Reginald, moreover, claimed that It has since emerged, thanks little we know of the elusive “witness” his father was a plumber who was largely to the indefatigable efforts of from 1888. “rarely, if ever, out of work”. This tal- researchers such as Mark King and The most thorough comparison lies well with the 1891 census records Chris Scott, that Fleming’s career and of the signatures was conducted in which place his father in Warren mental health took a downward spiral early 1993 by Sue Iremonger, a pro- Street in London’s West End working shortly after the murders. He was sent fessional document examiner who has as plumber, but is considerably at odds from one institution to another, and applied her expertise to various Ripper with both the original Hutchinson’s ended his days in Claybury Mental documents of contentious author- claim to have been a temporary out-of- Asylum, where he was listed as a ship. In addition to giving the deci- work labourer, and the press accounts pauper lunatic. Medical notes attest sive thumbs-down to the suggestion describing him as a “groom” by trade. to his paranoid delusions and gen- that James Maybrick had written the Perhaps he moved elsewhere, eral “mania”. For reasons that aren’t notorious Ripper “diary”, she also con- or died prior to the recording of the explained, he was also recorded as cluded that George W.T. Hutchinson 1891 census, but a third possibility having a particular aversion to being was unlikely to have signed any of the is that “George Hutchinson” was an “questioned”. His most persistent delu- three signatures appended to the 1888 alias. Certainly, there are examples sion was that men “used formerly to witness statement. Her findings were aplenty of serial killers using pseud- pursue him” with the intention of kill- submitted to the World Association of onyms, even fairly obscure ones, and ing him. Several biographical details Document Examiners (WADE) confer- false names abounded in the Victorian appear to tally with what little we ence in June 1993. East End. If true, the chances are very know of Hutchinson:

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 17 • Fleming was alleged by Barnett to have • An earlier, botched attack on seamstress The London police have cele- met Kelly in Pennington Street in 1885, Ada Wilson was committed in Mile End, brated the retirement of their chief by while Hutchinson claimed to have known in extremely close proximity to Fleming’s stumbling upon the first clue which her for three years (i.e. commencing childhood home, where he was once looks as if it could possibly lead to in 1885). arrested for burglary, having monitored anything. Unless the story told by the the house for some time prior to the man Hutchinson is made out of whole • Fleming moved into the Victoria Home offence. Her description of her attacker cloth-a question which it ought not to in August of 1888 (when the murders matched Sarah Lewis’ description of the take a competent detective two hours to started). Hutchinson was also a resident loitering man almost precisely. settle-there is now a shadow of hope of at that address, as discussed earlier. capturing the miscreant who has been As the matter stands, one can committing so much butchery. But, in • Fleming was in the habit of giving her only speculate with regard to both the meantime, it would be just as well money, again according to Barnett, Hutchinson’s true identity and his to keep a sharp eye upon Hutchinson while Hutchinson claimed to have given motivation for coming forward with himself. He may be a convenient person her a “few shillings” on occasions; a lofty so “extraordinary” an account. We can to have about at a critical stage of the sum if Hutchinson was simply a casual state with some confidence, however, investigation which is soon to follow. acquaintance. that one particularly astute Evening The man popularly known as “Jack the Star journalist may have come closer Ripper” is full of devices, and it would • Fleming was described as a costermon- to the truth than he realised when he not be surprising if it were found neces- ger, and a man of that occupation living made the following observation: sary later to put Hutchinson in his turn in the East End would be accustomed on the defensive.” to embarking on “country rounds” to Romford. Hutchinson claimed to have vis- ited that town on Thursday 8th November. “…it would not be surprising if it were found necessary later to put Hutchinson in his turn on the defensive.”

George Hutchinson’s “Turn on the defensive” Benedict Holme Biography Benedict Holme

enedict Holme was born in October 1983, and has been Ba professional actor for the last seven years. His primary area of research has been maritime history, where his focus was on the human aspect of the Titanic and Lusitania disasters. He co-wrote an article on Titanic survivor Rhoda Abbott, and has appeared as a consultant for a French documentary on that tragedy, addressing the issue of “pre- monitions” allegedly experienced by some passengers and crew. He has since become avidly interested in the history of the East End and the Whitechapel murders, and this is his first article on the subject.

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 19 The Darker Side of Evolution Corey Browning

volution is a term usually associ- How does a killer such as this evolve? ated with the higher side of life. I think the time is ripe to investigate EIt is a scientific term, appealing what lies behind the black veil of “Jack to biologists around the world. Charles the Ripper.” Darwin, author of the Origin of Species, Narcissism has been explored in in his journey around the world never serial killers since the time of met with the darker sides of evolution. Ted Bundy and others. I believe Normally, we think of how the body the serial murderer Jack the adapts to life in normal situations, “sur- Ripper should get equal atten- vival of the fittest” Darwin called it. tion in this respect. However, how Often we look at the phrase in a posi- can we explain a murder spree tive light. However, evolution may, in before defining how the chain of some contexts, be a negative thing. In murders commenced, and why he acted fact, adaptation occurs to make some- the way he did? What shaped his MO? thing more adept. What if we look at Why did he kill in the first place? Some London in 1888 as a jungle, and the will say this path is not worth exploring Whitechapel killer, a mere organism and that psychology is an imprecise art. trying to survive? How would the killer I, however, say otherwise. In a murder adapt to his changing circumstances? case such as this, everything is worth

Sigmund Freud

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 20 exploring. In this essay I will present a many behavioral psychologists. There Jack the Ripper killed six women, possibility regarding two topics. I will are many approaches in psychology and the well known divide this essay into two parts. The and the behavioral approach basi- “Macnaghten Five,” and he shaped first shall explain my theory regarding cally states that we are the products his modus operandi and his signature the evolution of the modus operandi. of learning and associations. Take the through trial and error. Ripperologist The second will be explaining my work of the famous psychologist John Lynn Cates once said to me: theory regarding the possibility that B. Watson; he believed that what we “I’m glad you listed similarities Jack the Ripper may have suffered feel and do depends on connections and and differences. I think we can take any from narcissistic personality disorder. associations we have made (Watson two random murders (mix and match and Ryaner, 1920). He believed every- C5, torsos, Martha, Frances, Alice) and Part one thing we do is caused by learning. One you will find both.” On December 31, 2009, I started a poll day a friend of mine found an article However similar they are, do on Casebook.org called “Battle Ground.” written in the Journal of Investigative they connect, can they fit a pattern? The question asked was: “Jack the Psychology and . A murder series without an author, in Ripper a serial killer, or not?” I offered The article depicted the “evolution- this case the Whitechapel murders (not four choices; single serial killer, two ary theory” even down to the number just the C5, but all the murders classi- killers, three killers, and more than of victims I believe “Jack” killed. fied in that file plus the torso murders), three killers. The results showed that The eleven murders in Whitechapel is like a jigsaw puzzle. We must try to out of the 22 Ripperologists who voted, from 1888-1892 were compared to a sort through them to figure out which only 13 voters choose option one. So 1981-1995 cohort of 3339 homicide murders fit the pattern and which do only 59.09% of the voters believed a cases from Washington State’s HITS not. How do we solve a puzzle? Well we serial killer was on the prowl. I hope (homicide investigation and track- fit together pieces that match. I view that this analysis will help dust some ing system) database. The analysis this connective tool as the signature. doubt off the candidacy of the victims revealed that the signature displayed How do we connect the puzzle of Jack previously agreed to be the most likely in six of the Whitechapel murders is the Ripper? I think rather than relying victims of Jack the Ripper. extremely rare.1 That said, I believe wholly on anatomical evidence (as is It seems right to start off by pre- 1 “The Jack the Ripper Murders: A Modus Operandi usually done) it would benefit us more senting a theory that I presented a and Signature Analysis of the 1888-1891 Whitechapel to observe closer three aspects of the while ago. I believe Jack the Ripper Murders,” Robert D. Keppel, Joseph G. Weis, murders, the first being the method is a good example of how the brain Katherine M. Brown and Kristen Welch, Journal of operation, or modus operandi. This learns and evolves—trial and error so of Investigative Psychology and Offender Profiling 2 is what is easily connected; however, to speak. This is a pattern observed by (2005) p. 2 we are walking blindly in the dark if

The Darker Side of Evolution Corey Browning we don’t look further. Next we need to In 2009, fellow Ripperologist Lynn to their vehicle. Without any words the look at the signature, what is constant Cates and I were discussing this theory man took out a pistol and began firing. in all murders? The throat wound, and he asked me “Do you have a model After five shots he left. Ferrin died from abdominal mutilations, the body being for this”, I said “Yes, Jack the Ripper.” five shots and Mageau survived being posed so that the skirt is raised above Later, however, I realized that, if pos- shot four times. I find it worth noting the knees, and theft, this is the sible, I needed to find a detailed model. that in 2002 Mike Mageau identified signature. Lastly, to connect all this I found one in late November: the story the assailant as Arthur Leigh Allen. we need a time index. These mur- of the California murderer called “the The murder weapon was a 9mm semi- ders start abruptly and occur within Zodiac.” This case is well known to automatic pistol. normal intervals (with this I mean many. This may serve as the perfect Next, on September 27, 1969 within a logical sequence, not chosen model for my theory. I wrote this after the Zodiac killed again, using a dif- at random), then stop, so any murder the discovery: ferent MO all together. The victims that happens a year or so out of context On December 20th 1968, a couple were Cecelia Ann Shepard and Bryan (either before or after) must be taken parked on a gravel parking area Calvin Hartnell. The couple was killed with great care, for it would be specu- along Lake Herman Road were mur- on a shore line of Lake Berryessa. They lation to include it in the pattern. That dered. The victims were David Arthur were lying on a blanket when Shepard is not saying it isn’t possible, but it Faraday and Betty Lou Jensen. The noticed a man in an “unusual costume” would be safer to stick to the murders killer approached the car and shot with a gun walk up to them. He tied that fit the criteria noted before, that the rear right window out, apparently them together with a plastic clothes occurred within a logical time frame. trying to force them out of the vehicle. line and began stabbing them. Hartnell What I am presenting below is not He shot Faraday in the head at point was attacked first, then Shepard. After evidence to suggest that these mur- blank range as he emerged and then the attack the killer walked casually ders may not have been political in shot Jensen five times in the back as away from the scene leaving them to origin, or done by separate individu- she fled. The murder weapon was a .22 die. Shepard was stabbed five times als, but rather pointing out that from semi-automatic pistol. in her front and back, and died on the the whole range of murders labeled the On July 4, 1969, the Zodiac struck 29th from her injuries, and Hartnell Whitechapel Murders, only two pat- again, this time attacking the couple was stabbed six times in the back, but terns emerge, and more times than Darlene Elizabeth Ferrin and Mike survived. not, the patterns are connected. The Renault Mageau in a secluded park- The last victim was unusual. It first pattern I perceive is that of the ing lot in Blue Rocksprings Park. A car was one man, named Paul Lee Stine. Ripper murders, and the second per- pulled up next to them and a man with a He was killed on October 11, 1969, at tains to the torso murders. flashlight exited the car and proceeded the intersection of Washington and

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 22 Cherry Street. He was shot point blank in the head by a 9mm semi-automatic pistol. In the end this is not all of whom I believe the Zodiac killed. My list also includes the murders of George Domingos and Linda Faye Edwards, also the early victim Cheri Jo Bates. These murders have a lot to do with my opinions regarding the Whitechapel murders. The Zodiac killer showed the same behavior that is seen with Jack the Ripper. That is, shaping his behav- ior through past experiences. A very important clue to the evolution of this killer’s MO is the weapon choice. It is obvious he chose to return to the 9mm semi-automatic pistol in the end. However, this killer had a very dif- ferent motivation than that seen in the 1888 murders. Keep in mind that this is not what is being observed: the observation is the relation between the two pertaining to the MO. He also shows the experimentation that is seen in the Ripper murders. Before I move on I would like to conclude with a few comments made by Ripperologist Michael Hawley who truly understands this theory and what it offers. Here are a few com- Zodiac Killer Wanted Poster ments he has allowed me to present.

The Darker Side of Evolution Corey Browning What I am intrigued about with address the victimology first. Jack the killers, their theories included mostly Corey’s hypothesis are the patterns. Ripper expressed a very specific victim the killer’s motivation. However, some The purpose of science is to discover type. That would be women, usually of their early ideas were spot on. In this patterns in nature (inductive reason- aged from 39-47 (excluding Kelly) and letter to the Medical News on October ing), and then attempt to explain those of the lowest dregs of society. All of his 13th, the writer puts emphasis on the patterns with the known empirical evi- six victims had been or were prosti- scale of violence in violent crime.3 dence (deductive reasoning). There are tuting themselves around the streets Sexual perverts of this character three patterns fitting the evidence in of East End London at one point or never begin by the commission of crimes this hypothesis that resonate with me, another. (I am not saying that they of such frightful atrocity [That being 1) learning from experience, 2) con- were all “on the job” on the night of the murder of Catherine Eddowes], but forming to the aggressive form of nar- their death.) They had reputations as yielding to impulses to do slight injury cissism, and 3) a pattern in mutilation. heavy drinkers and lived in generally to their victims, find, as time goes on, The narcissism pattern of loner, patho- the same area (around Whitechapel that it is necessary to practice greater logical lying, paranoia, and psychologi- Road). Many of the canonical victims and greater cruelties, to arouse their cal episodes reminds me of Ted Bundy. were seen to live at least once near or desires and gratify passion, until a He could certainly put on a nice game on . This leads stage like the present is reached. Such face in public, but listening to the sur- me to believe that Jack the Ripper was has with probability been the history of viving Bundy victims showed an evil a local. Looking at the geographic pro- the present murderer. person during his episodes. file of the victims tells me their killer This is very important to anyone Lastly, again quoting Mike, as he lived in the same area they did, mean- making a grouping of the victims. states here what I offer: ing not just in London, but either There is always a pattern in these types . . . and I’ve stated this before, the Parish of St. Mary Whitechapel, of murders. By design, not one murder casebook.org is the next best thing county of Middlesex, , or St. will fall out of this pattern of evolution, to scientific peer review, just as you George in the East.2 All victims were unless the opposite process, devolution are demonstrating. The response to a attacked in the same principal target occurs. This of course is the process in hypothesis like Corey’s should not nec- areas, those associated with that of a which killers begin to lose control, fall- essarily be, “Oh, I am now convinced lust murderer. ing in somewhat of a downward spiral. and I agree”, but “Here is a plausible In 1888, the doctors and police 3 Medical News, October 13, 1888, p. 431. Written hypothesis, and now let’s work with it”. investigators had a vague view of the by “Howard A. Kelly, Assoc. Prof. Obst. Univ. of I believe that before trying to con- psychological implications of serial Penna” which was signed at the bottom of the letter. nect the murders of those six unfortu- 2 This the result of a geographic profile developed by It was originally produced in the Philadelphia Press, 3 nates of Whitechapel it is only right to Wesley English. (English W. 2010) October, 1888.

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 24 Not being able to control how they per- robbery, and arson. Stage two includes Four. It is also possible, that Eddowes form an act playing out their fantasy. aggravated assault and murder (with wouldn’t be there at all, assuming that They also begin to lose control over no fantasy being present). Stage three she was the product of a failure, so the their fantasies. This isn’t possible in includes, again, murder; however, the killer could experience the gratifica- this case for it is evident that the killer violence increases dramatically. This tion not gained in the murder earlier didn’t reach that stage and it is likely is the stage at where the fantasy most that day in Dutfield’s Yard. However, that he never would have. As I was likely emerges. Stage four includes can we explain this evolution in great saying, by design, a murderer would murder with organ theft and extensive detail? Perhaps taking a trip back into commence his murders with increas- mutilation. Stage five, being the most that autumn of terror some 100 years ing elaboration. The fantasy would be severe, includes extreme mutilation ago may reveal some striking clues to seen to somewhat increase, at differing and the loss of controlled impulses. this dark and bloody evolution. rates due to their success. This can be With the Whitechapel murders as a compared to climbing a ladder, each whole, here is the placement of 14 of August 7, 1888: step would advance the fantasy and the murdered women Martha Tabram the method of submission would per- Shaded in blue are the victims I The Press Association says:--About ten fect itself with each successful murder. ascribe to Jack the Ripper. Stride is minutes to five o’clock, this morning, Trying to categorize these steps, or highlighted for one reason; this murder John Reeves, who lives at 37, George- shall we call them stages, I will present was the slip up. Earlier, I said that the yard-buildings, Whitechapel, was a scale rating the murders by the traits victims would not fall out of the order coming downstairs to go to work when seen in them. There are five stages, of escalation by design, meaning that he discovered the body of a woman one being before the fantasy is played if everything went according to the lying in a pool of blood on the first- out, and five being the fantasy fully plan, Stride’s placement wouldn’t be floor landing. Reeves at once called in acted on. Stage one includes assault, in Stage Two but most likely in Stage Constable 26 H, Barrett, who was on

The Darker Side of Evolution Corey Browning beat in the vicinity of George-yard, and Jack the Ripper may have murdered six to the stomach. The others, nine to Dr. Keeling of Brick-lane, was commu- her whilst she slept. If this is so, then the throat (notice a familiar pattern?) nicated with, and promptly arrived. it is possible he had not yet developed and eight to the private parts, of which He immediately made an examina- the confidence to approach the victim. one of those eight was more of a gash tion of the woman, and pronounced I believe the reason she was stabbed than a puncture.4 The killer was obvi- life extinct, and gave it as his opinion to death instead of what we commonly ously in a rage. However, the target that she had been brutally murdered, associate to be the Ripper’s MO was areas remain the same in all the mur- there being knife-wounds on her breast, due to inexperience. Anyhow, the tran- ders. This is his signature. stomach, and abdomen. sition from cuts to slices is not a large Before I move on I believe it is August 7, 1888, The Echo, London one. He killed her with, what at the right to try to explain certain aspects time may have seemed like a foolproof that I am observing in this evolution. …the transition from cuts to slices is not a large one.

My opinion is the first victim taken by way to murder, with the same inten- The evolution of the modus operandi is Jack the Ripper was Martha Tabram. tions, mutilation of the victim. In the a great example of stimulus generaliza- I believe this murder (along with pos- end this proved wrong, the frenzied tion, or the process in which a response sibly being the start of his murder stabbing of Tabram would have left the (the adaptation of submission) spreads spree) may have been a crucial point murderer soaked with blood, this neg- from one specific stimulus (being in the evolution of his MO. My rea- ative reinforcement caused his modus blood-soaked) to other stimuli that soning for this is that at 3:30, Alfred operandi to evolve as he adapted to resemble the original. This behavior Crow noticed (what he described as) a a more efficient way of causing sub- 4 Dr.Killeen’s report at the inquest was incomplete “tramp” sleeping on the first landing of mission. She was stabbed thirty-nine discussing only the torso wounds. An article in the the George Yard building. At approxi- times, of which twenty-one were Daily News, August 10, 1888 mentions the wounds to mately an hour and ten minutes later, directed at the organs. To be precise, the lower body, and the wounds to the throat. In the John Saunders Reeves found Tabram five to the left lung, two to the right report on September 5th, wrote that dead lying in a pool of blood, and on the lung, one to the heart (cause of death), the throat, abdomen, and the private parts were the same landing. It occurred to me that five to the , two to the spleen, and target areas.

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 26 that I will describe later (and with are so complex that we don’t even know junction of Hanbury Street and Bakers this murder) is called “operant condi- exactly what goes on completely when Row they encountered police constable tioning,” or conditioning that results we learn, because of how many factors Jonas Mizen, 55H, and alerted him from one’s actions and the results they are involved. of their discovery. Around this time, cause. (Watson and Ryaner, 1920) police constable John Neil, 97J, found This term fits loosely with the theory. August 31, 1888: the body and signalled by lantern for However, human behavior is much Mary Ann Nichols assistance from police constable John more complex than that of conditioned No arrest has been made in connec- Thain, 96J. They were soon joined by responses to conditional stimuli. This tion with the murder of Mary Ann Dr. Llewellyn. At first, all that was term fits perfectly with animals and Nicholls. Her remains were buried yes- noticed were the cuts to the throat; the young children; however, thought pro- terday afternoon. The body, enclosed in skirt covered the abdominal mutila- cesses become extremely complex with a solid-looking coffin, was conveyed by tions, which would be discovered later age. Then we advance to what is called hearse to Ilford Cemetery, where it was that morning. The mutilations would cognitive learning, which is learning interred. be discovered at the Old Montague through mental processing. However, September 7, 1888 Street workhouse infirmary mortuary this is still too simple to explain such . by John Spratling, warrant behaviors by learning. Complex learn- No. 53457 of J division. He was called ing is a vague term that may apply At 3:40 A.M, on August 31, 1888, a to Bucks Row at 4:30 as the blood was to any type of learning, plus the fac- body was discovered in Buck’s Row being washed away. tors that weigh on the learnt informa- by a carman who gave the name of This murder is a great example of tion, whether the learnt material was Charles Cross, while walking to work. how I think the Ripper’s MO was evolv- intended to be learned or not. With When he first spotted the body he ing. Looking at the anatomy of the body, complex learning, factors such as expec- thought that it was a tarpaulin. Upon we can tell he was still enraged and tancies, strategies, cognitive mapping, realizing that it was not a tarpaulin, slashing about haphazardly, slashing reinforcement values, chemicals (stim- but the body of a woman, he called for with both transverse and sagittal cuts. ulants and depressants) in the brain, the assistance of Robert Paul. At first, We know this from Llewellyn’s post environmental conditions, associations, Cross thought he felt a faint heartbeat mortem report, featured in the inquest positive and negative transfer weigh in and said “I think she’s breathing, but testimony reported in the Times: on the process at which they learn the it is little if she is.” Upon reaching the There were no injuries about the information, how the information is decision to leave the corpse to find a body until just about the lower part of stored, and the result of how they inter- police constable, he arranged the skirt the abdomen. Two or three inches from pret the information. Thought processes for decency, and the two left. At the the left side was a wound running in

The Darker Side of Evolution Corey Browning a jagged manner. The wound was a very deep one, and the tissues were cut through. There were several incisions running across the abdomen. There were three or four similar cuts run- ning downwards, on the right side, all of which had been caused by a knife which had been used violently and downwards. the injuries were form left to right and might have been done by a left handed person. All the injuries had been caused by the same instrument.5 At this point the killer discovered he likes to kill, so assuming now he kills not only to release his rage, but also because he feels sexual release from it, I believe his motive is also evolv- ing. This discovery would increase his willingness to go to greater lengths to murder and take more risks. This is a behavior called “reinforcement value,” or the preference for certain types of reinforcement over others. This type of learning is different from others that are observed. The killer would not consciously notice this change in his motivation. This form of learning is called latent learning, (Tolman and Honzic 1930) which is learning that is not immediately expressed with an 5 These details differ some from the report (ref MEPO 3/140 F239.) by Insp. Spratling. Mary Ann Nichols’ Wounds © Jane Coram

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 28 overt response. This murder was the September 8, 1888: was found dead in stepping stone in thought of the evolving Annie Chapman the backyard of No.29 Hanbury Street mind of the killer. This evolution is put Early on Saturday morning a shortly before 6 am by John Davis. The in physical form with the mutilations. ghastly murder was perpetrated near body lay about a foot away from the In the accompanying illustration, drawn Spitalfields Market, under circum- stone steps leading into the hallway by Jane Coram, we can tell exactly what stances which have led the police to the of No.29. She was killed by cuts to the direction the evolution was taking, and belief that the author of the diaboli- throat, two of them to be precise, and can predict what the next stage would cal outrage was the same person who the abdomen was mutilated; however, be. During this murder he learned that ten days ago cruelly killed Mary Ann the concentration of the wounds were with differing degrees of control, he can Nicholls, in Buck’s-row. more precise than those seen in the achieve greater and greater pleasures. I September 10, 1888. murder at Buck’s Row. As Dr. George can also see that his confidence was still The Daily Telegraph. Bagster Phillips stated during the in its infant stage by the multiple throat inquest into Chapman’s death: wounds. Also, the fact that she was At approximately 5:30 am, September The abdomen had been entirely killed almost directly underneath “New 8, 1888, a woman by the name of laid open: the intestines, severed from Cottage” may show (contradicting the Elizabeth Long noticed a couple lean- their mesenteric attachments, had been multiple wounds to the neck) a slight ing hard against the shutters of No. 29 lifted out of the body and placed on the confidence growing. It is also apparent Hanbury Street. She overheard the con- shoulder of the corpse; whilst from the that his method of obtaining submission versation. She heard the man say “Will pelvis, the uterus and its appendages was evolving. It is obvious for two rea- you?” and the woman reply “Yes”. Long with the upper portion of the vagina sons that he asphyxiated Polly Nichols: believed she is certain of the time of the and the posterior two thirds of the one being again the post-mortem report incident because she heard the clock on bladder, had been entirely removed. No by Dr. Rees Ralph Llewellyn “slight lac- the Black Eagle Brewery on trace of these parts could be found and eration of the tongue” and the last being strike the half hour just as she turned the incisions were cleanly cut, avoiding that neither Mrs. Emma Green (noted onto that street. On September 12, the rectum, and dividing the vagina was her word, she was a “self-proclaimed Long was taken to a mortuary where low enough to avoid injury to the cervix light sleeper”) nor her two sons and her she viewed the body of a woman who uteri. Obviously the work was that of daughter heard a noise until she was was murdered that very same day (the an expert- of one, at least, who had such awakened by police. It is worth noting 8th) and concluded that the deceased knowledge of anatomical or pathologi- that she went to bed at 11:00. This is the was the women whom she had seen cal examinations as to be enabled to beginning of the development of his per- that morning. The deceased would later secure the pelvic organs with one sweep manent modus operandi. be identified as Annie Chapman. of the knife, which must therefore must

The Darker Side of Evolution Corey Browning have at least 5 or 6 inches in length, is suggested by the organ theft. He gate to Dutfield’s Yard, with her throat probably more. still cuts the throat twice as a precau- cut. Her face pointed toward the wall of This murder is like the turn- tionary measure but his confidence is The International Working Men’s Club. ing point of his MO. If we keep to the increasing drastically. The area of the The back of her right arm and wrist had simple explanations of operant con- crime is very risky, showing that he is on it clotted blood and the left hand held ditioning, the conditioned response to indeed growing more confident. tightly a packet of cachous. There was a being saturated with blood would be not to stab or cut at all. However, this is obviously not the case. The transi- His fantasy tion from stabbing to throat severance and a single abdominal wound would was becoming come in steps, and the learning behind this transition is very complex. The more prominent… first would be seen in the murder of Mary Ann Nichols. The killer would September 30, 1888: silk handkerchief around her neck that try to shape his method of forcing sub- “double event”, appeared slightly torn. The tear corre- mission and the method by which he Elizabeth Stride & sponded exactly with the wound to the divided the abdominal cavity. This Catherine Eddowes throat. The handkerchief was tightly change of method would be through his Two more women murdered in wrapped around the deceased’s neck. The expectancies, or his belief in his abil- Whitechapel and Aldgate. Savage cause of death was a hemorrhage caused ity to perform an action and to get the butchery and mutilation. The crime in by the partial severance of the left carotid desired reward or result, experience, Whitechapel. artery. The wound was odd, compared to and the circumstances that would October 1, 1888. The Daily Telegraph. the others, as described at the inquest by shape each case, be it environmen- Dr George Bagster Philips: tal factors (lighting, location, build- The murder of Elizabeth Stride is one The cut through the tissues on the ing placement) or the differing risks of of the most controversial events in right side was more superficial, and discovery. This is the point where he Ripperology. She was found dead at trailed off to about two inches below the started to experiment. Instead of slash- (according to Louis Diemschutz) exactly right angle of the jaw. The deep vessels ing and stabbing he now cuts once, 1 am. The problem with this murder is on that side were uninjured. From this a longitudinal cut, started from the there were no abdominal mutilations, it was evident that the hemorrhage was navel up to the breast bone. That his not even a scratch. She was found on her caused through the partial severance of fantasy was becoming more prominent left side about five feet away from the the left carotid artery.

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 30 A major argument against the the killer commenced the cut differs he turned her round & threw her down candidacy of Stride as a Ripper victim from the others as well. In all the other on the footway & the woman screamed is the nature of the throat wound. The cases (except Kelly’s) the cut was com- three times but not very loudly. wound itself and the manner in which menced while the victim lay on their After the sighting, Schwartz it was performed is odd compared side on the ground. The killer most walked off after he thought the attacker to the other four cases. First of all it likely held their chin and commenced yelled “Lipski” (an anti-Semitic slur was formed left to right, and became the cut again left to right, resulting developed after the notorious murder superficial as it trailed off below the in a thoroughly deep wound from ear of Mirian Angell by a man named right angle of the jaw. Meaning that on to ear. In Stride’s case the victim was Israel Lipski), and feeling that he was the left side the wound was the deep- standing (at least at first) and the being followed by another man seen at est, partially severing the left carotid killer pulled her back while he reached the scene, he ran as far as a railway artery, then as it moved towards the his arm around the neck to perform arch. The man “following” Schwartz right it became superficial and trailed the cut. Also, a tear on the scarf corre- is known by Ripperologists as “pipe- downwards. Also, the wound was most sponded exactly with the wound to the man” and the attacker as “broad shoul- likely performed while Elizabeth Stride throat and it being made of silk would ders” due to the descriptions given by fell. This opinion is reached for a couple indeed complicate the performance of Schwartz. of reasons. One being the depth of the this cut. I do believe she was a victim. I cut, she was found lying on her left The most important witness to believe that what Schwartz saw may side with her legs facing the yard gate date regarding this murder is Israel have been a misinterpretation of some- and her face towards the club wall. The Schwartz, who saw an incident at (as thing else. I note that he was scared, scarf around her neck was tight with he recalls) 12:45. As described by Chief scared enough to flee, so he probably the knot pulled tightly to the left. This Inspector Donald S. Swanson in his was panicking and may not have seen means the killer pulled her by the scarf report on October 19, 1888: what had actually taken place and with his left hand, pulling her into the 12:45 am 30th- Israel Schwartz saw something or someone totally dif- yard. The killer then proceeded to per- of 22 Helen Street, backchurch Lane ferent. There was a study done by the form the cut with his right hand and stated that at the hour on turning into television show Date Line on percep- she fell which resulted in the nature of Berner St. from Commercial Road & tion. They sent a person into a busy the cut. This accounts for the appear- had got as far as the gateway where the New York intersection to ask for direc- ance of a dull knife with a slightly bev- murder was committed he saw a man tions. Now the study was done with eled tip being used in this case, while stop to speak to a woman, who was each test subject giving directions to in truth, the knife was most likely just standing in the gateway. The man tried two separate people each time, both as sharp as in the other cases. The way to pull the woman into the street, but switching at about the midway point

The Darker Side of Evolution Corey Browning of each session. In the end, the result it a rule that it should be exactly the of the study showed that almost 90% of same each time he signs that note? If the subjects tested never distinguished you had someone sign a piece of paper between the two separate people. His twice and examined each signature, sighting was at 12:45 and the body was you would likely discover that the found at 1am which gives us a fifteen second looked to be a rough likeness minute time frame, and Schwartz prob- of the other. This is because of human ably calculated the time after he fled, nature. No matter how much we try not as he fled, so I believe a better esti- to perfect something, human nature mation of the sighting would be 12:45- always intervenes. 12:50. Within that time she walked into At approximately 1:45 am, police Dutfield’s yard. Upon leaving I believe constable Edward Watkins (City of the Ripper tried yet another method, London Police) found the body of using partially the same MO but not Catherine Eddowes in a corner of approaching the victim, rather he blitz Mitre Square, City of London. He ran killed her. After this, Louis Diemschutz into Kearley and Tonge’s warehouse rode into the yard. In the near darkness opposite the murder site to find assis- he didn’t see the Ripper and entered tance from watchman George James the club adjacent to the yard to alert Morris. While Morris ran into Aldgate his fellow members. In the end, before for assistance, Watkins stood with the Dr Frederick Brown Louis Diemschutz, Morris Eagle, and body until the arrival of police con- Isaac Kozebrodsky re-entered the yard, stable Holland. It is worth noting that The intestines were drawn out to a the killer slipped away unnoticed. Watkins passed through the square at large extent and placed over the right Before I move on to the Eddowes 1:30 and saw nothing unusual. shoulder -- they were smeared over murder, I wish to explain a prob- I believe the killer still had the urge with some feculent matter. A piece of lem presented regarding this and to mutilate after the bungled Stride about two feet was quite detached from other murders. It has been suggested killing. The abdominal injuries seen in the body and placed between the body that this murder was a rough imita- this case are very similar to those of and the left arm, apparently by design. tion of the murders of August 31 and Annie Chapman. However, the degree The lobe and auricle of the right ear September 8th. However, I look at of violence is increased as is expected. were cut obliquely through. There was it this way. I look at it as I look at a As described in the post mortem report a quantity of clotted blood on the pave- signature. If someone signs a note, is by Dr. Frederick Gordon Brown: ment on the left side of the neck round

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 32 the shoulder and upper part of arm, November 9, 1888: and fluid blood-coloured serum which Mary Jane Kelly had flowed under the neck to the right Yesterday a seventh murder, the most shoulder, the pavement sloping in that horrible of the series of atrocities attrib- direction. . . . uted to the same hand, was committed The abdominal walls were divided in Whitechapel. As in all the previous in the middle line to within a quarter instances, the victim was a woman of of an inch of the navel. The cut then immoral character and humble cir- took a horizontal course for two inches cumstances, but she was not murdered and a half towards the right side. It in the open street, her throat having then divided round the navel on the left been cut and the subsequent mutila- side, and made a parallel incision to tions having taken place in a room the former horizontal incision, leaving which the deceased rented at No. 26, the navel on a tongue of skin. Attached Dorset-street. to the navel was two and a half inches November 10, 1888. of the lower part of the rectus muscle on The Daily Telegraph. the left side of the abdomen. The inci- sion then took an oblique direction to It was on a rainy dawn that Elizabeth the right and was shelving. The inci- Prater heard the cry of “Oh Murder!” sion went down the right side of the below her home above No.13 Miller’s Dr Thomas Bond vagina and rectum for half an inch Court at 4 am. She had been awak- behind the rectum. ened by her pet cat, “Diddles,” walking table next to the bed. Once he gath- There seems to be very little con- across her neck. She took no notice of ered himself to look over the pile, he trol in this murder and this is easily the cry. Later that morning at 10:45, saw the twisted remains of Mary Kelly explained with the earlier failure in Thomas Bowyer was sent by John lying on the bed, the floor underneath Berner Street. He attacked the facial McCarthy to collect past due rent the bed covered with blood. region first (we know this because there from Mary Jane Kelly. He knocked on Described in horrifying detail, was no fecal matter in those wounds) her door, but, receiving no response Dr. Thomas Bond wrote in the post and cut haphazardly. However, I he pushed aside the curtain to view mortem report: believe he calmed and then commenced inside. What he saw next horrified him The whole of the surface of the the abdominal mutilations. for years. The first thing he noticed abdomen and thighs was removed were two pieces of viscera lying on the and the abdominal cavity emptied of

The Darker Side of Evolution Corey Browning its viscera. The breasts were cut off, this, coupled with the possibility that 1888, the Whitehall torso was found on the arms mutilated by several jagged she had screamed “Oh murder!” before the New building site. wounds and the face hacked beyond her death, weighed upon the killer’s June 2, 1889, the only torso victim to recognition of the features. The tis- wish to continue the spree? Perhaps be identified, Elizabeth Jackson, was sues of the neck were severed all round this was the last, a surprising end to a found. This victim is also known as the down to the bone. The viscera were string of horrors? Battersea torso. The fifth, the Pinchin found in various parts viz: the uterus I am of the opinion that those Street torso, was found under a rail- and kidneys with one breast under the are the only (known) victims of Jack way arch on September 10, 1889. The head, the other breast by the right foot, the Ripper. However, what about the last possible known torso victim of the liver between the feet, the intestines Torso murders, or Alice Mackenzie, this series is the torso of Salamanca by the right side and the spleen by the Ada Wilson, Frances Coles or others? Alley, found on June 8, 1902. In early left side of the body. The flaps removed How can we distinguish them from the 2010, I participated in a discussion on from the abdomen and thighs were on murdered victims above? Well I will the Casebook about whether or not a table. explain my thinking starting with the Elizabeth Jackson was a Ripper victim. I believe the reason the kill- Torso murders. I made a comparison of the wounds ing was done inside was because the and circumstances surrounding the opportunity presented itself and the Thames Torso Murders murders of Elizabeth Jackson to two Ripper took full advantage of it. The (1886-1902) of the canonical five, that being Annie deviation from outdoors to indoors is Some historians have tried to connect Chapman and Catherine Eddowes. not significant anyway, but is rather a these murders with those of Jack the The comparison showed that the natural progression of his MO. The cir- Ripper. There were possibly six known murder of Jackson was very different, cumstances provided all he needed to victims to this murder spree. I am of almost alien, to the two proclaimed advance his fantasy. He had the time the opinion that the murderer was a Ripper victims. Various portions of he needed, and the circumstances were serial killer; however, I don’t believe he Elizabeth Jackson’s body were found in perfect. There may be a hint of rage in was Jack the Ripper. Before I explain the Thames between May 31 and June this murder because of the fact that this, I wish to put forth some details of 25, 1889. The most important find- she was killed in the early morning of the case. The first possible torso was ing was on June 4, 1889. One package the day of the Lord Mayor’s celebra- found in November of 1886, outside of containing portions of a woman’s body tion. I also find it worth noting that Montrouge Church in . Later on was found by two boys, as witnessed there was evidence of a struggle with May 11, 1887, the Rainham Mystery by John Regan. At 10:30 am, standing this murder. The cuts on her arm are Torso was found on the banks of the along the bank of the Thames, Regan likely defensive wounds and perhaps Thames in London. Then on October 2, noticed a couple of boys “throwing

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 34 stones at an object in the water”. The killer seems to have methods of the stabs to the throat. The only way When one of the boys pulled the pack- transportation that were not at Jack this murder would fit into the pattern age out of the water, and realizing the the Ripper’s disposal. would be with a psychological term contents of the package were that of called spontaneous recovery. This human remains, contacted the Thames He seems to try at great lengths to happens after a certain thing called River Police division. Almost simul- dispose of the body, which in the extinction occurs. Spontaneous recov- taneous to the discovery by the two Ripper’s case just left them where ery is the sudden reappearance of an boys was the finding of another pack- they died. extinguished response. This response age by fifteen-year-old Isaac Brett, of and the stimulus that may have trig- 7 Lawrence Street in Chelsea. When We don’t even know how he killed gered it will be explained later. By taking a walk along the Thames near them and it is safe to say the theory, this explanation is possible, the Albert Bridge, Battersea, Britt method of forcing submission would that a stimulus triggered a response decided to take a bath. Upon submerg- be almost completely different from (murder) and the stimulus disappeared ing himself in the water he noticed a that of Jack the Ripper. with the outcome being extinction of parcel tied with a bootlace. Later that the conditioned response. Upon return day the second package was taken to The Torso murders take place over of the stimulus spontaneous recovery Sergeant William Briggs of V divi- a wide space of time, years in fact, occurs and his murderous tendencies sion. The parcel contained a thigh, while the Ripper murders were very return. Like I said, according to theory, wrapped in the right hand corner of a spontaneous and ended abruptly. this is possible, but human behavior lady’s ulster was a band, marked “L.E. is much more complex than this. We Fisher”. This led to the identification Mackenzie, Coles, would have to factor in circumstances of Elizabeth Jackson. Now the injuries others. like cognitive thought processes, of Jackson were very different than I don’t include them in the analy- abstract problem solving, success rate, those of the Canonical victims and sis above for one reason: they don’t and many more factors. the method the killer used to silence fit into the pattern of evolution. Alice With Frances Coles, the reason she Jackson was different. She was dis- Mackenzie is the one exception, how- is not a very likely candidate is the fact posed of in the Thames and the timing ever. Her mutilations bear a striking that there were no abdominal mutila- coincided with the other proclaimed similarity to those of the earlier vic- tions. Found alive by Police Constable torso murders. These four points make tims of Jack the Ripper. Murdered on Ernest Thompson, 240 H, this lack of the comparison between the three July 16, 1889, the method of forcing mutilation could be explained by yet murders listed above difficult: submission was almost identical to the again being interrupted. However, why previous murders, the exception being were there no murders after this? The

The Darker Side of Evolution Corey Browning date is curious as well, two and a half used criminal profiling. Remember not the place for that. years after the murder of Kelly! This the letter sent to Sir Robert Anderson Narcissism, as you will find out, murder is too different to be connected regarding the likely characteristics is neither a motive nor a psychologi- to the others in this essay. ascribed to Jack the Ripper: cal ailment. It is not the cause for the So there it is, a description of the The murderer must have been a murders, but as I will later explain, it evolution I see in the six murders. man of physical strength and great may have contributed to what I think Also we have discussed some of the coolness and daring. There is no evi- the initial motive was—that being other murders. However, we have not dence that he had an accomplice. He uncontrollable rage. I believe this ini- answered the question, “Why did he must in my opinion be a man subject tial motive was what drove him to kill?” What sparked such a quick kill- to periodic attacks of homicidal and kill Martha Tabram on that landing ing spree and what ended it? What was erotic mania. The character of the in George Yard buildings. However, I the state of mind of Jack the Ripper mutilations indicate the man may be in also believe he may have gained what that induced him to kill? a condition sexually, that may be called I call his secondary motive, that being Satyrasis. . . . sexual gratification from playing out a Part two Dr. Bond goes on to give an opin- fantasy. Before starting part two, I want to ion on the psychological state of the Narcissism is a term coined by offer this. Some will say that crimi- Ripper. That said I believe it is worth- Sigmund Freud. He was a psychoana- nal profiling is a dead end—that it is while to accept profiling tentatively lytic psychologist who believed that we worthless, or of marginal worth, as an as it may help with this investigation. unknowingly reveal part of our pre- investigative tool. However, it may be Keep in mind, though, this is not a conscious thoughts through our dark- noted that signature analysis is the profile of Jack the Ripper. This is not est desires and fantasies. He developed only crime assessment technique that a listing of traits that I believe can the term after Narcissus, who in Greek is allowed in a U.S. court. Criminal be attributed to the murderer. This is mythology was a pathologically self- profiling is not, as some think it to be, not to say I haven’t profiled Jack the obsessed man who fell in love with him- a tool to catch a criminal; rather, it is a Ripper: I have, and the said profile is self by looking at his reflection in a pond. way to narrow down a suspect list. Do based on many key characteristics Narcissism is commonly referred to as we forget that even Dr. Thomas Bond found in the murders. But this essay is self love. This definition is too simple Narcissism is a term coined by Sigmund Freud.

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 36 and vague to explain the disorder in the murders. Although he blamed his injections of dramorphine and heroin. normal settings. However, it is good neighbors for the murders, he was He would then sign their death certifi- to remember that the results that will eventually charged and convicted of cates listing the cause of death as old be described below are the extremes of the crimes. age. He then would write false medical the disorder and that, normally, nar- The next example is the American records showing that the patients had cissistic people are not dangerous. serial killer Ted Bundy, who is the health issues. He was caught when Dr. There have been many cases of most important example of a narcissis- Linda Reynolds expressed her concern Narcissistic serial killers in history. In tic serial killer. Obviously, he, like Jack to John Pollard (the coroner of south my research of narcissistic disorders I the Ripper, had a need to completely Manchester district) of Shipman’s high have come upon three who are worth force submission upon his victims and mortality rates. He told authorities mentioning here. The first is a Jack he also, like Jack the Ripper, showed that he enjoyed the power over life and the Ripper suspect himself (of course that after submission, a sexual fantasy death and may have killed more than he most likely wasn’t the Ripper), followed. He had a unique victimology. 215 patients. He never admitted to the Dr. Thomas Neill Cream. Aside from He killed females, aged 15-25. Many murders and hanged himself on his being a Ripper suspect, he had his of them were college students. He 58th birthday. own murder tally that led to his death would lure them to his car using tac- Before I continue, I feel it is right by hanging. He was a registered tics such as wearing a fake arm cast or to present the DSM-IV diagnosis crite- (November 12, 1872) medical student posing as a police officer. Afterwards, ria for narcissism. The DSM-IV-TR is at McGill College in Montréal and he would bludgeon them (before being the current diagnostic and statistical graduated with honors on March 31, accused of the murders, a crow bar was manual of the American Psychiatric 1876. He nearly killed Flora Elizabeth found when he was pulled over—but Associate that classifies, defines, and Brook when performing an abor- he escaped after the arrest) and then describes mental disorders. The DSM- tion on her. He may have killed Kate strangle them to death. He would then IV-TR defines nine points to consider Gardener with chloroform. In August engage in necrophilia. Only one victim to diagnose a patient with narcissistic of 1880, Julia Faulkner died under of his didn’t show the hallmark signs of personality disorder. This is the diag- suspicious circumstances. His method blunt-force trauma and signs of stran- nostic criteria: of operation was giving what he called gulation. Bundy said his desires were A pervasive pattern of grandiosity his “elixir” medicine for epilepsy mixed simple: control and mastery. (in fantasy or behavior), need for admi- with strychnine. He killed prostitute The third and last example I ration, and lack of empathy, beginning Matilda Clover with a nux vomica will use is the serial killer Harold by early adulthood and present in a poison. He gave tours of the crime Shipman. He was a doctor who killed variety of contexts, as indicated by five scenes, bragging of his knowledge of many of his old patients with deadly (or more) of the following:

The Darker Side of Evolution Corey Browning Has a grandiose sense of self- narcissism, an aggressive form of often charming and seductive, many of importance (e.g., exaggerates achieve- the original personality disorder. them graced with a glib tongue and a ments and talents, expects to be Malignant narcissism is a combination worldly manner. recognized as superior without com- of narcissism and antisocial traits, and Narcissism wasn’t defined until mensurate achievements); individuals afflicted with it may need the late 1980s. It is an impulsive is preoccupied with fantasies of abnormally higher levels of psycho- behavior. Malignant narcissists suffer unlimited success, power, brilliance, logical gratification from their accom- from uncontrollable behaviors like beauty, or ideal love; plishments. A person diagnosed with rage. Signs of narcissism include obses- believes that he or she is “special” narcissism experiences a multitude of sive compulsive disorder, pathological and unique and can only be under- traits. Those traits include aggression, lying, and paranoid traits. stood by, or should associate with, paranoia, envy, greed, power lust, Those with narcissism can also other special or high-status people (or and lack of empathy. Narcissists view suffer from borderline syndrome and institutions); others as playthings to be used and paranoid schizophrenia. There are few requires excessive admiration; then discarded. Filled with self love signals or warning signs to a psycho- has a sense of entitlement, (i.e., and seeking admiration, the narcissist logical breakdown, in which anger is unreasonable expectations of especially is someone who is in need of a particu- pent up and is maladaptive and may be favorable treatment or automatic com- lar kind of gratification, what psychol- triggered by a sudden change in one’s pliance with his or her expectations); ogists call the “narcissistic supply.” I environment or life. I believe Jack the is interpersonally exploitative,( i.e., find it worth noting that narcissists are Ripper to be the victim of a psychologi- takes advantage of others to achieve his constantly envious of others and seek cal episode. or her own ends); to harm or destroy the causes of their I believe he was a necro-sadist6 lacks empathy: is unwilling to rec- frustration. Narcissism is thought to killer, and his primary intention in his ognize or identify with the feelings and be caused by severe mental or physical killings, was mutilation. His preferred needs of others; pain in childhood at the hands of a pow- MO was the approach, manipulation of is often envious of others or erful, idealized mother/father figure. the victims, taking them (or maybe their believes that others are envious of him Those with narcissism believe they leading him) to a spot deemed secure or her, and, have the right to manipulate, exploit, enough for the take out, in which he cut shows arrogant, haughty behav- and be unnaturally cruel to others. their throat and engaged in mutilation. iors or attitudes. However, a narcissistic individual is Jack the Ripper probably had an I believe Jack the Ripper was one often seen by others only through the absent father, but a controlling and of the many serial killers suffering very carefully crafted image of them- 6 I use the term necro-sadist because the victims from the mental disorder of malignant selves. Narcissistic individuals are were already dead prior to the subsequent mutilations.

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 38 dominant mother. I believe his mother victims, dehumanizing and defeminiz- 1) What evidence is there to suggest put him through severe mental pain, ing them. He probably even stood in Jack the Ripper had narcissistic became a prostitute and her atten- the crowds attracted by his kills. I don’t personality disorder? tion was diverted away from him, thus point to any suspect in this theory, nor 2) What ritual act, if any, or constant he became emotionally troubled and say he stopped killing with Kelly; these variable in the crimes point to OCD? detached. Having no way to release things, I believe, may never be known. 3) Why did Jack the Ripper leave such these pent up emotions, he set small So then why would I claim Jack a wide space of time between the fires and killed small animals, and may have been a narcissist? The proper murders of September 30th and found a level of dominance of his own question should be how would a narcis- November 9th? How could this be and enjoyed it. In later adulthood he sistic Jack the Ripper act? Well, I have explained with NPD? would work alone, experiencing trem- set an outline of questions to challenge 4) How can I explain how Jack started ors of rage which kept him from normal this theory. killing? Why would he first kill society. He had low openness, so he had Martha Tabram? Did his attitude a difficult time adapting to social or per- towards his killing experience sonal change. When change happened, change throughout the murders? it sparked his murderous tendencies. I 5) Can his fantasy, mutilation of a do not know what this sudden change …why dead victim (necro-sadism), relate to was. He hated woman, all of them, and NPD? If so how? in each prostitute he saw his mother in would 6) The big one, Would a narcissistic them, ignoring him, abusing him, and killer be capable of committing the thus creating an immense disgust for I claim crimes of Jack the Ripper? women prostitutes. This change also sparked anxiety, tension, and irritabil- Jack may Question One ity, which was his primary motive. First, for question one; I would have to have figure out if a narcissistic killer would So he killed be disorganized or organized. I believe he first killed to release all been a This particular killer exhibits both that pent-up emotion, because of his traits. His locations are risky, daring, state of alexythymia (i.e. not being narcis- and he must be hasty to avoid detec- able to express his emotions) but found tion. He is cold and calculating, possi- he enjoyed killing. He took pride in sist? bly being able to calm himself rapidly. his “work,” taking trophies from his This is evident in the Eddowes murder.

The Darker Side of Evolution Corey Browning He gets away leaving no evidence and he eviscerated them, but it is a possi- lifestyles and alexythymia. without a trace he disappears. This bility. Another reason might be to take The last point I will adduce on the may be due to the fact that narcissists trophy items to relate to the murders. subject of narcissism, is that it is evi- are very careful not to get caught. He The Lusk Letter, if genuine, is another dent that Jack the Ripper had a need is nonexistent in the eyes of the police example of this “self glorification.” I to completely incapacitate his victims and wasn’t suspected. He, being a will elaborate later. and gain their instant submission. narcissist, walks away from his mur- In the main body of part two I This is a key characteristic that follows ders to clean up, and then returns to described Jack the Ripper as having a well with his being a narcissist. This bask in his glory. From the few traits “low openness.” I get this from the five- also fits the requirements of a profes- expressed in his murders, I find it safe factor personality model developed by sional killer, however, this is unlikely. to assume that he operated in an orga- the psychologists Costa and McCrea nized manner.7 in 1989. This model is used to deter- Question Two Next I would need to find a steady mine personality traits using the five The next question is a hard one. I motive. This is pure speculation and factors. Openness is one of them. The have not found much evidence to say cannot be guessed. I have presented a other four are neuroticism, extraver- whether or not Jack the Ripper was logical possibility above: that he first sion, agreeableness, and the last being compulsive-obsessive. The fact that murdered out of rage, but then because conscientious. Now these traits are the clothes in Number 13 Miller’s of a sexual fantasy he developed. visible to some degree in all humans. Court were folded neatly on a chair Further, can the simple fact that However, whether they manifest a low is not itself helpful in determining Jack the Ripper stole organs from the or rather high level of that trait will this. The main reason that I suspect bodies, evisceration, be explained by affect the degree of presence of the Jack the Ripper may have been obses- narcissism? I think so. Narcissists are trait. Let’s take neuroticism for exam- sive compulsive is that in the murder over-achievers. They love to bathe in ple. If you score high on this trait, it will of Mary Kelly, the placement of the self-glorification. When they feel they cause a chronic negative effect which viscera is odd. He placed the organs have made a reward-worthy accom- often includes anxiety, fearfulness, around the body in what seems to be a plishment, they need an object to show tension and so on. Openness, occur- ritualistic fashion and lowered the arm off or establish proof of their deed. I ring in a high degree, is obvious, so I into the empty abdominal cavity. This am not saying this is the reason why won’t explain that further. However, if was done in various murders, appar- 7 This of course doesn’t mean he had anatomical your openness trait is low, it will cause ently by design. However, there is not knowledge, but rather that the murders were difficulty adapting to social or per- enough evidence to put this theory to premeditative and performed in a fairly organized sonal change, low tolerance or under- the test, at least not just yet. manner. standing of different points of view or

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 40 Question Three police force patrolling the slums and Ripper with sexual sadism. This is not There is a gap between the murders alleyways of Whitechapel at the time. the case. The victims, in this case, are on September 30th and November 9th. This would reflect heavily on his self- neither alive nor suffering. What sat- I have many ideas why a narcissis- esteem. It would be at an all time high. isfaction could Jack the Ripper get out tic killer would stop. Jack the Ripper This would do either of two things, of that? No, this killer liked to disfig- became public enemy No.1 after the increase his murderous tendencies, or ure, demolish, and destroy females. “double event” so that alone could put them at a halt. He liked to kill them quickly and ruin stave off his desire. Also, the flood of their appearance to his satisfaction. Ripper letters had begun along with Question Four He was a lust murderer, a postmortem full press coverage of the murders—he The next question would be almost mutilator, a killer who attacks parts was an international sensation. The impossible without a subject to study to his satisfaction. However, he muti- events that autumn flooded the papers from. His attitude could have changed lated them for a reason did he not? So in all corners of the world, with many with the increase in press and local what was he, a narcissist or a sexual myths already setting their roots in the attention his murders got. His fan- killer? Perhaps he was somewhere in soils of Ripperology. The name, though tasies would grow sharper. In the between? Yes, he enjoyed his work, like not coined by him, gave his killings a previous part of this essay I explained I said, but if the sole reason for mutila- unique place in history. By September the evolution of his modus operandi tion was to gain public attention, why 30th he wasn’t just an unknown killer in great detail. The fact that Martha did he go to such lengths to mutilate anymore; he was Jack the Ripper. Tabram was stabbed to death, instead the cadavers? Here is a problematic This may also be the motive behind of the later, more common throat cut- situation that needs to be explained the Lusk letter8, I might add. He didn’t ting, tells us a few things. It tells us to make progress. Was he a narcis- name himself Jack the Ripper, so per- they were dealing with an inexperi- sist, feeling gratification from power haps he sent the to enced killer. I claim inexperienced over the victim through control? Was Lusk, not signing it with the notori- because this is the only case where he a sexual killer, seeking gratification ous signature. Back to the point, this stabbing was the attack preference, through sexual means (mutilation)? delay may also be due to the massive and that he had not yet had many vic- One aspect must predominate over the 8 However, this topic is highly debatable and it tims, if any. other. I believe to answer this riddle is pure speculation to propose that this letter and we need to look at the sexuality of the kidney sent with it were authored by the killer, Question Five narcissistic individuals. Sex is, in a even more to say that the kidney portion was from The fantasy: the most investigated narcissist’s eye, just a way to gain con- Catherine Eddowes. It is a possibility, but it is only and complex aspect of a murderous trol and dominance. They view their that. individual. Many associate Jack the sexual partners as objects to satisfy

The Darker Side of Evolution Corey Browning their needs. It has been observed that maybe masked by numerous artificial power over an individual and a need to if narcissists cannot obtain admira- successes [Narcissistically crafted self- sexually gratify himself. tion of any sort, they will resort to sex image perhaps? CB], but these feelings Modern-day investigators have to gain it. A point of interest in this run deeper than the normal neurotic found that narcissism is present in a is that when humiliated, a narcissist feelings of not being good enough. lot of serial killers. Little is understood uses a fantasy to counterbalance it. Essentially, these early life attachments about the disorder because of its very He imagines all the horrible things he which are known as ‘bonding’, set up a nature. It is impossible for a narcissist could do to the source of his frustration map by which the child will in later life to hold himself responsible for any mis- and humiliation. This fantasy can be react to others. In such cases, the chil- takes or transgressions. Charming, glib, developed at a young age. In the article dren do not learn how to interact prop- and a master at upholding a carefully “Evaluating a psychological profile of a erly within their society, and at best, crafted image of himself, the malignant serial killer,” Evan Sycamnias offers turn into mirror images of their isola- narcissist can manipulate and convince this explanation: tors. A prime example of this can be seen the most well respected, experienced The daydreaming, which is in the case of Ed Kemper, whose mother medical professionals in the industry to brought on by an over productive imag- condemned him to the basement of their sympathize with him. Some of the best ination, tends to lead the way into the home at the tender age of ten in fear trained professionals have trouble iden- general fantasy world that the serial that he would molest his younger sister tifying the disorder. As a result, malig- killer begins to live in to protect himself (though he had not given his mother nant narcissists can seem the smartest, from any isolation he is faced with [As any reason to think this). Confused and most grounded and lovable people in I explained, the fantasy is somewhat a angry as to why he was suffering this society. coping mechanism for the narcissist to punishment, he turned to his fantasies, Now to point out some key char- protect himself from humiliation. CB]. which may have started out as ‘normal’, acteristics that the Ripper might have At an early age, if a child is left alone, but with the continued isolation they had: or forced to live in isolation whereby quickly became his dominant world. 1) “The malignant narcissist can little attention is given to them for long Perhaps, at a young age, Jack the manipulate and convince the most periods of time, their minds become the Ripper endured what most serial kill- well respected, experienced medical object of their company, and thus begin ers do in adolescence, and invented this professionals in the industry to sym- the daydreams and the fantasy world sexual fantasy to cope with it. There pathize with him “ (Ressler, Douglas and Burgess, 1990). are many possible explanations for this 2) “that the best trained professionals This kind of isolation tends to breed feel- but I believe the evidence is sufficient have trouble identifying the disorder” ings of inadequacy in some way or other to say that it is possible that a narcis- 3) “can be the smartest, most grounded [sic] in all serial killers. These feelings sistic killer could both harbor a need for and lovable people in society.”

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 42 Question Six signature, and a possible explanation making the image to begin with. I So were the murders attributed to Jack of why he murdered those women. would also like to thank Stephen and the Ripper possibly the work of a nar- This is not a finalized theory, but more Ally Ryder, for they provided me with cissist? Is it possible that a child, with of a possible pathway. A murder is like the experience I would have otherwise the normal narcissistic qualities seen a road and each stop sign represents a never found and it has changed my life in children, developed a fantasy due to problematic situation in that murder immensely. Without these individu- the lack of involvement of his father? spree. I am trying to walk this road and als, I would have never made it this Is it possible that this lack of attention explain some of the problems created far, nor even considered writing upon left him detached and, as an adult, left by these murders. This is just another a subject, that without Casebook.org, I him still cursed with these narcissistic road we can travel, just another theory would never have discovered. traits? Is it possible that this fantasy worth exploring. I offer this as a pos- was broadened into what we see in the sibility, not previously offered, to those Sources: murders, sexual violence? Is it possible interested enough to explore further. that an outer stimulus triggered rage Richard J. Wagman; The New induced violence and that the killer Acknowledgements Complete Medical And Heath tried to counterbalance the rage with I would like to thank first Mike Hawley, Encyclopedia Volume One; that fantasy by performing mutilations who has been a strong friend ever since (Ferguson 1997); p. 1-93. on dead subjects as a way to achieve I joined the Ripper community. He has gratification? I believe it is entirely pos- helped me with my theories, no matter Richard von Krafft-Ebing; sible. It explains why he killed them, how crazy they were, and stood by my Psychopathia Sexualis; p. 57, 62, 67, what happened once he did, perhaps reasoning throughout it all. He has 430. even why he stopped. This, as it once been very encouraging and helpful in was, is no longer just a vague guess or every way imaginable. I would also like Paul Begg, Keith Skinner and Martin assumption of his mental state; it is a to thank Lynn Cates and Dave Gates, Fido: The Jack the Ripper - A to Z; very plausible explanation of why he who helped me transform my butch- (Headline 1996) and (John Blake started killing and what went on for ered paper into a marvelous piece of 2010) the duration of the spree. understandable work. I would like to thank Jane Coram for providing me SAA John E. Douglas; FBI-Freedom Conclusion with the illustration of Polly Nichols’ of information act I. Criminal So what do we have in the end? A chain wound placement and content, and Investigative Analysis: Subject: “Jack of murders that can be linked due to an personally changing it to fit my essay, the Ripper”. (F.B.I July 6, 1988) evolving modus operandi, a constant which required a great amount of work

The Darker Side of Evolution Corey Browning Dr. David Canter; Criminal Shadows; (Authorlink Press, 2000) Psychology and you (3rd edition) McMahon & Romano Biography Journal of Investigative Psychology and Offender Profiling(2005) Volume Corey Browning 2 issue 1. orey Browning, a 17 year old Dr. Sam Vaknin; Malignant Self Love, Ripperologist from Knoxville, Narcissism Revisited [??] CTennessee, has been interested in psychology since his beginning stud- ies of the Ripper crimes in November of 2009. He currently is working towards a degree of psychology and hopes to enroll in the University of Tennessee in Knoxville in the autumn of ’11. He is a talented musician and enjoys creating his own music on the guitar.

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 44 Mary Kelly and the Decadents Tom Wescott In the London of the 1880s & 90s there existed a group of bohemian poets, writers, & artists often referred to as the ‘Decadents’… Oscar Wilde

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 45 more so for their wild and in his recent book, Jack the careless lifestyles than their Ripper: British Intelligence …literary output, only some of Agent? Charles Conder which could be termed ‘revolutionary’. would die of syphilis at Oscar Wilde is arguably the most age 40, Ernest Dowson of famous name of the bunch, but circling alcoholism at age 32, while in orbit around Wilde were, among John Barlas and artist others, Ernest Dowson, John Barlas, Frank Miles eventually Walter Sickert, Francis Thompson, expired in insane asylums. and Frank Miles. The remarkable fact Clearly, the members about these acquaintances is that each of this group were as dis- one of these five men have been pointed turbed as they were gifted. to as Jack the Ripper in the century- But were any of these men plus since the Whitechapel murders Jack the Ripper? The best of 1888. No less astonishing is the fact we can say is that we don’t that this is the first time this extraor- have any good reason to dinary coincidence is being discussed. believe so. But our purpose No doubt this is because the respective here isn’t to determine cases against each of these men have guilt, but to discover why a Claude Reignier Condor to date been unimpressive at best, non- small group of friends have existent at worst; nevertheless, three drawn such suspicion, from so many Our focus here is on the trio of of these artistes have books arguing people, across numerous generations. artist Walter Sickert and the poets for their candidacy, and the fact that We need not spend much time Dowson and Barlas. any five suspects personally knew each with Francis Thompson and Frank other must give a researcher reason to Miles, both modern suspects with little Jack the Blue-blooded pause. or no support outside of their dedicated Bard? Just for good measure, I’ll men- accusers. Miles was even in an asylum John Barlas was discussed at some tion that a friend and travel partner throughout the run of the Ripper mur- length in David A. Green’s excellent of Sickert and Dowson was Charles ders, and Thompson was guilty of ‘In Hours of Red Desire’, published in Conder, the anarchic cousin of Claude nothing more than being yet another Ripper Notes No. 26 in 2006, and more Reignier Conder, the man handed the opium-addicted poet with associations recently in my own, ‘The Cattleman, Ripper crown by author Tom Slemen to prostitutes. The Lunatic, and the Doctor: The

Mary Kelly and the Decadents Tom Wescott Three Suspects of Jabez Spencer attendee. Barlas’ socialist Balfour’, in Casebook Examiner No. ties and activism make it 4. Barlas was born in 1860 and wrote unavoidable that he would under the nom de plume of Evelyn have been quite familiar to Douglas, publishing eight volumes of the members of the club at verse between 1884 and 1893, includ- Berner Street. ing the evocatively titled The Bloody Barlas was briefly Heart in 1885 and Phantasmagoria: associated with the famous Dream Fugues in 1887. His verse drew Rhymer’s Club, having some attention and he gained a minor been sponsored by his celebrity, primarily through his asso- friend, Ernest Dowson. His ciations with Oscar Wilde and Ernest mental health was frag- Dowson. Barlas was a devoted social- ile, pushed to instability, ist, serving as an organizer for the some say, by the head inju- Social Democratic Federation and writ- ries sustained in Trafalgar ing for William Morris’ socialist paper Square. On the morning of Commonweal. He was demonstrat- New Year’s Eve, 1891, he ing in Trafalgar Square in 1886 when stood and fired three shots he was beaten badly by the police; a at the House of Commons, romantic tale, that might or might not suffering from the delusion be true, has him falling — bloodied — that he was an important at the feet of Eleanor Marx-Aveling, figure from the Bible. youngest daughter of Karl Marx and Long-time friend Oscar co-founder of the Socialist League. Wilde bailed Barlas out, Many sources, even reputable ones, but eventually there was erroneously attribute this event to no choice but to read- 1887’s ‘Bloody Sunday.’ mit him to hospital, The Berner Street club was a and he would spend his branch of the Socialist League, with later years in Gartnavel William Morris a regular speaker (and Asylum, Glasgow, where occasional renter of space when needed) he would die at age 54 in Eleanor Marx and Eleanor Marx an infrequent 1914. During his years of

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 47 incarceration, Barlas wrote an autobi- from those who knew him are true, I have been informed on perfectly ography, which has unfortunately not then Barlas was unstable from at least trustworthy authority that the perpetra- survived. 1886. Of all the ‘decadent’ suspects tor of the Whitechapel murders is known Some attribute his madness to discussed here, he is the first to have to the police, having been finally identi- syphilis, contracted from a prostitute had suspicions published about him fied with a certain lunatic, who is now he took in as a lover after leaving his regarding the Ripper murders. confined in a madhouse in Scotland. The wife, whom he habitually abused. If, The following first appeared in murderer is an Oxford graduate, and indeed, he suffered from syphilis in the New York Times of October 23rd, made a certain reputation some ten years 1891, one would not have expected 1897, and was discovered by Wolf ago as a minor poet. He bears a distin- him to have lived so many more years. Vanderlinden, who published it in guished name, which has been repeated However, if the stories handed down Ripper Notes No. 23. to me, and is famous in Scottish history in connection with a young woman who saved a King’s life in a heroic way. The ‘Ripper’ had a wife who was descended from a very famous English Admiral. His latest delusion is that he is the grandson of Napoleon the Great. The details presented in this clip- ping could apply only to John Barlas, who was an Oxford graduate, and poet of some repute, who married the great- grandniece of Admiral Lord Nelson, and was descended from Catherine Douglas, later Barlass, who attempted but failed to save the life of King James I of Scotland. Who the ‘perfectly trust- worthy authority’ was who suspected Barlas and why he was suspected, can only be guessed at, but as he appears to have suffered from delusions that he was important historical person- Gartnavel Asylum, Glasgow ages, it is possible that he lapsed into

Mary Kelly and the Decadents Tom Wescott periods where he thought he was Jack the Ripper and made confessions to the crimes. But false and delusional confessions were in no shortage in the decade following the Ripper crimes, so what else might have set Barlas apart and made him seem a worthy suspect? The answer to this question might be found in statements made regarding his friends.

‘Mr. Moring,’ a Suspect No More In 1935, memoirist R. Thurston Hopkins published Life and Death at the Old Bailey, a work that has drawn considerable comment in recent years in numerous works on the Ripper, primarily for his description of a whimsical figure haunting Fleet Street whom he suspected of having written the Jack the Ripper letters. Hopkins also described an acquaintance he shared with Ripper victim Mary Kelly. One of Mary Kelly’s friends was a poor devil-driven poet who often haunted the taverns around the East End. I will call him “Mr. Moring,” but of course that was not his real name. Moring would often walk about all night and I had many long talks with Catherine Douglas him as together we paced the gloomy

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 49 courts and alleys. Of externals Moring and he would sometimes add “and other, probably both suicides, and the was utterly heedless. He wore a blue who cares — will it stop the traffic on object of Dowson’s affections (now 17) pea-jacket, baggy trousers (much like London Bridge?” became engaged to another man. This the modern Oxford bags) and pointed In looking up this case in an old precipitated Dowson’s decline and he button boots. His collar was, I distinctly newspaper published at the time, I read would die in 1900 at the home of R.H. remember, tied together with a bow that a man named George Hutchinson Sherard in Catford from tuberculosis of wide black moiré ribbon, and like came up with a statement the day after exacerbated by depression and alcohol- his boots, seemed to be crumpled into the inquest on Mary Kelly. ism. He was only 32 years old. folds of sympathetic irregularity. He From the details provided by Whenever considering Hopkins’ was what the Victorians called a ne’er- Hopkins, author Martin Fido identi- writings on the Ripper, it must be do-well, and a bard. It was said that fied ‘Mr. Moring’ as the poet Ernest remembered that he was born in 1884, his father — a prosperous tradesman Dowson and published his findings in making him only four years old at the in the East End — had disowned him Ripperana No. 29 (1999). This identi- time of the murders, and but a lad of because he had become a drug addict. fication is considered to be accurate by 16 when Dowson died. Hopkins was a Occasionally he returned home and most researchers. prolific writer on many topics, and it begged money from his parents, and on Dowson was born in 1867 and is would make perfect sense for a young his return to old haunts he would enjoy described by biographer, Jad Adams, man in his teens to seek out a profes- a short period of luxury and sartorial as: . . . the purest representative of the sional such as Ernest Dowson from rehabilitation. Moring, who knew every literary movement of the 1890s referred whom to learn. Incidentally, Hopkins opium den in the East End, although at to as the ‘Decadence.’ His life of exquisite also came to know John Barlas, spend- that time they were not counted in with verse, classical learning, French travel, ing evenings drinking with him in tav- the sights of London, often gave himself dissolution, blighted love and Catholic erns, apparently during one of the brief up to long spells of opium smoking. Conversion made him the archetypal periods Barlas was at liberty. Many of the drinking dens of 1890s character even before he set the Ernest Dowson, who has achieved London were open all night during sea on his iconic status with an early immortality by leaving us prose leav- those days, and I can still see Moring death.’ (from www.ernestdowson.com). ened with memorable phrases such sitting at a tavern table, surrounded Adams also tells us that Dowson had as ‘these are the days of wine and by a villainous company as he lectured a ‘fascination with girl children’ and roses,’ and ‘gone with the wind’, on the merits of opium. “Alcohol for became obsessed with the 11-year-old strikes a very tragic but also harm- fools; opium for poets,” was a phrase daughter of a Soho restaurant owner. less figure. Because of Hopkins’ inno- which recurred constantly in his talk. Six years later, Dowson’s parents cent remark that George Hutchinson’s “To-morrow one dies,” was his motto, died within a very short time of each suspect dressed eccentrically as did

Mary Kelly and the Decadents Tom Wescott ‘Mr. Moring’, it has caused many writ- ers to assume that Hopkins was point- ing the finger of suspicion at ‘Moring’, and by association, Ernest Dowson. However, Hopkins was very clear that he entertained no suspicion at all against ‘Moring,’ stating ‘but I could not connect a man of such extraordi- nary gentleness committing such a dreadful series of outrages.’ So Ernest Dowson a.k.a ‘Mr. Moring’ can now be struck from all sus- pect lists, and we can view Hopkins’ tale with a fresh perspective. He was not trying to ‘beef up’ his Ripper chap- ter by offering his own suspect, but instead was simply sharing the story of an old friend who had a tangential, but perhaps significant, connection to the Ripper case. Dowson was ‘one of Mary Kelly’s friends.’ …such a dreadful series of outrages. Ernest Dowson

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 51 Re-evaluating Sickert’s child, Fuller would listen Place in Ripperology to the stories of her Walter Sickert is without doubt one mother’s friend, Florence of the most controversial suspects in Pash, who claimed to recent years. Although the two best- have known Mary Kelly selling Ripper books of all time owe and even brought her themselves largely to his name, he, into Walter Sickert’s unlike Barlas, does not appear to hire as a nanny. From have fallen under any suspicion in this point, Fuller’s tale the early years following the murders, takes the usual Royal but instead entered the picture in the Conspiracy turn with an 1970s courtesy of Joseph Gorman, illegitimate royal child, who took the artist’s name, claiming the murders, and hidden to be his son. Gorman’s tales became clues in Sickert’s art weirder and weirder as the years went regarding the Ripper’s on, with Sickert being promoted from identity. inside source, to accomplice, to the Although Florence Ripper himself. The consensus today is Pash was certainly a that there might well have been some friend of Sickert, much kernel of truth to the story, but that of Fuller’s remembered the vast majority of information ema- claims do not hold up to nating from Gorman was of his own scrutiny and lack corrob- creation and has no historical value oration. Nevertheless, in whatsoever. However, the one detail Fuller we have a source that remained consistent throughout that claims to have dis- the decades as Gorman told and retold cussed the crimes with his tale was that his alleged father someone who was alive Walter Sicket (Walter Sickert) knew Mary Kelly. at the time, knew Walter In 1990, Jean Overton Fuller - Sickert and his friends, lished Sickert and the Ripper Crimes, and claimed that both which in many respects was more of she and Sickert knew a memoir than a research work. As a Mary Kelly.

Mary Kelly and the Decadents Tom Wescott Mary Kelly — The Tie That friend of Mary Kelly. Hopkins made Mary Kelly allegedly boasted Binds? no attempt to wring any sensation out of having a relative on the stage. There is certainly a lot of smoke, but of his story, so we can assume it was Might this have been a point of con- does that necessarily mean we should the truth as he knew it, and as Dowson tact between herself and Sickert, expect fire? On the one hand, we have and his friends frequented prostitutes, who was an avid admirer of theatre? three friends, all writers or artists, one there is no real reason to suppose he Considering her position as a West of whom made the newspapers within didn’t know Mary Kelly as he allegedly End and later East End prostitute, the first decade following the murders claimed. Ergo, if Dowson knew Mary it is not necessary for us to look too as a possible Ripper suspect, the other Kelly, it’s reasonable to suppose that hard for a point of contact, considering two described by people who knew some of his friends might also have that Dowson, at least (and probably them as being a friend or associate of done so, lending support to the claims many of his associates), was a habitual Mary Kelly. that Sickert knew Mary Kelly, and this patron of prostitutes. Nevertheless, an There is certainly a lot of smoke, but does that necessarily mean we should expect fire?

On the other hand, Hopkins, fact could be what gave birth to the intriguing report appeared in the Hull Gorman, and Fuller are all second- myriad of conspiracy theories attached Daily Mail on November 12th, 1888, hand sources at best, and individually to Sickert’s name. only a few days after Kelly’s murder, have not enjoyed a reputation for cred- Regarding Barlas, just such an that suggests it might have been she ibility within the Ripper community, association with a Ripper victim may who sought out the creative ‘deca- and deservedly so. have been the factor that set him dents’, instead of vice versa. But Hopkins lived much closer to apart from other mad confessors and Further inquiries during the night the time of the murders, and appears attracted genuine suspicion from a have thrown little fresh light on the cir- to have personally known Ernest source the New York Times dubbed cumstances of the Whitechapel murder. Dowson, who told Hopkins he was a “perfectly trustworthy.” There is good reason to believe that the

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 53 unhappy woman Kelly was a native in the thread that makes up the cen- Sources of , where her family, accord- tral thesis of this essay — that Mary ing to her statement, were well-to-do Kelly was personally associated with Begg, Paul, Martin Fido, people. She is stated to have been very a group of artists and writers at some Keith Skinner, well educated, and an artist of some point in the few years prior to her The Jack the Ripper A-Z (1996) pretensions. death. Individually, these pieces of As tantalizing as this is, it is information hold little value and hold www.wikipedia.org merely one report among hundreds no currency with modern researchers. that appeared in the press within the But when placed together like this, casebook.org weeks following the murder in Miller’s they each lend the other just enough Court, many of which were riddled strength to allow for the possibility with errors or demonstrably false. that another chapter in the life of Jack Therefore, we cannot take for granted the Ripper’s most enigmatic victim that the information in this report might yet be written. is accurate. Regrettably, this is the case with every clue we’ve considered Biography Tom Wescott

om lives in America’s heart- Ripper murders and his articles have land and, while still a appeared in Ripper Notes, Ripperologist Tyoung man, he has been a and the Whitechapel Society Journal. Casebook.org member since 1998. This is his fourth article for Casebook He has written extensively on the Examiner. Tom has two pet ferrets.

Mary Kelly and the Decadents Tom Wescott That article informed the readers that to Flower and Dean Street I saw the one of the three witnesses who had murdered woman Kelly. And she said The seen a woman, answering to Eddowes’ to me Hutchinson will you lend me six- description, with a man in Church pence. I said I can’t I have spent all my Passage, merely minutes before she money going down to Romford. She Man was found murdered in Mitre Square said Good morning I must go and find — the businessman Joseph Lawende some money. She went away toward — had been taken about the East End Thrawl Street. A man coming in the Who in search of the man he had opposite direction to Kelly tapped observed. And during this her on the shoulder and said some- task, it was said that all his thing to her. They both burst out Wasn’t expenses were paid. laughing. I heard her say alright It was thus obvious that to him. And the man said you will any man or woman who could be alright for what I have told There offer vital information on the you. He then placed his right Christer Holmgren case, was likely to get money hand around her shoulders. in exchange for their efforts. He also had a kind of a small eorge Hutchinson. Few — if any And soon after the parcel in his left hand with — names have caused so much inquest into Mary Kelly’s a kind of strap round it. I Gcontroversy in Ripperology death had been hurriedly stood against the lamp of since he was first appointed a suspect dealt with and finished, the Queen’s Head Public many years back. Up until that stage, George Hutchinson entered House and watched him. everybody seems to have regarded him the stage, telling the police They both then came past either as a benevolent man, coming for- that he had much vital infor- me and the man hid down ward to do what he could to help with mation to offer. His story, as his head with his hat over his the Kelly investigation, or as a public- taken down by Sergeant Badham eyes. I stooped down and looked ity seeker, possibly looking to make on the 12th of November, belongs him in the face. He looked at me a few shillings. Such an idea would to the written cornerstones of stern. They both went into Dorset perhaps not have been a bad one. Ripperology: Street I followed them. They After Catherine Eddowes was mur- About 2 am 9th I was coming both stood at the corner of the dered in Mitre Square, the Evening by Thrawl Street, Commercial Court for about 3 minutes. He News printed an article on 9th October. Street, and saw just before I got said something to her. She said

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 55 alright my dear come along you will be opposite the court, looking up it as if in changed but the fewest of parameters, comfortable He then placed his arm on wait for something or somebody. The making it a lot more credible that the her shoulder and gave her a kiss. She suggestion that this man was George description was true. said she had lost her handkerchief he Hutchinson is a very tempting one, At any rate, Detective Inspector then pulled his handkerchief a red one since the latter had stated that he had , who was the one out and gave it to her. They both then been at that exact point at that exact who was in charge when Hutchinson went up the court together. I then went time. Unavoidable as that conclusion was interviewed by the police, believed to the Court to see if I could see them, may seem, this was actually nothing the story to be true. In Abberline’s but could not. I stood there for about but an illusion, as we shall see later report, he states that: An important three quarters of an hour to see if they on. But let us first return to George statement has been made by a man came out they did not so I went away. Hutchinson’s testimony. named George Hutchinson which I Description age about 34 or 35. height forward herewith. I have interrogated 5ft6 complexion pale, dark eyes and eye him this evening and I am of opinion lashes slight moustache, curled up each …this was his statement is true. end, and hair dark, very surley looking This, however, was to change dress long dark coat, collar and cuffs actually shortly. In the Echo of the 13th, only trimmed astracan. And a dark jacket one day after Abberline’s interroga- under. Light waistcoat dark trou- nothing tion, it was stated that: From latest sers dark felt hat turned down in the inquiries it appears that a very reduced middle. Button boots and gaiters with but an importance seems to be now — in the white buttons. Wore a very thick gold light of later investigation — attached chain white linen collar. Black tie with illusion… to a statement made by a person last horse shoe pin. Respectable appearance night that he saw a man with the walked very sharp. Jewish appearance. Much controversy has arisen deceased on the night of the murder. Can be identified. from the description of the man in And two days further down the Interestingly, there seemed from the Astrakhan coat. It has been sug- line, the Star wrote that: Another the outset to be corroboration for gested that nobody could possibly story now discredited is that of the Hutchinson’s claims. One Sarah Lewis have taken in such a wealth of detail man Hutchinson, who said that on had passed through Dorset Street on as Hutchinson mentioned. But in Friday morning last he saw Kelly with her way to Miller’s Court at around his defence, it can be said that as he a dark-complexioned, middle-aged, for- 2:30 in the morning, and she stated spoke to the press — and that material eign-looking, bushy-eyebrowed gentle- that she had then seen a man precisely reached the streets on the 14th — he man, with the dark moustache turned

The Who Wasn’t There Christer Holmgren up at the ends, who wore the soft felt hat, the long dark coat, trimmed with astrachan, the black necktie, with horseshoe pin, and the button boots, and displayed a massive gold watch- chain, with large seal and a red stone attached. “Very reduced importance”. “Discredited”. And no explanation. How did this come about? One minute, we have an overjoyed Abberline, stating that he believes that Hutchinson was an honest man, telling a truthful story. Moreover, that story furnished the Met with a very detailed description of a man who reasonably stood a very good chance of being the Ripper. The next minute, however, we have a “faith lost” and a “discrediting”. What we may immediately recog- nize here is that something very signif- icant must have taken place between the 12th and the 15th. It was enough to overthrow a firm belief on behalf of the arguably most streetwise of detectives in Whitechapel, Frederick Abberline, a belief he had staked his own reputa- tion on to some extent. Secondly, what we must realize is that the evidence that was thus over- thrown, was evidence coming from a The Discovery of Mary Kelly’s Body © Jane Coram

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 57 It has stared us right in the face… man that had placed himself outside 60-year-old gardener Alfred Field as The inescapable conclusion is that Miller’s Court between, roughly, 2 am he did the exact same thing, only in the police knew — or thought that they and 2:45 am, on the night of Kelly’s Westminster Bridge road, only twelve knew — that a) George Hutchinson death. So even if the police no longer days later, as reported in the Daily had not told them a story that could be had a star witness, they may perhaps Telegraph of November 26th. Field, believed, but that b) he was not to be at least have a suspect — a man who however, never enjoyed any choice — blamed for doing so. It is an enigma, a was there, and who suddenly was no he was sent down immediately for his riddle. longer trusted to have told the truth of fourteen days of hard labour. But riddles are there to be solved, his reasons for being so. Thus we know that the police did and there is truly a solution to the Mary Kelly was the fifth and last not take things like those lightly. They Hutchinson riddle too. It has been of the canonic Ripper victims. When were not inclined to look through their there all the time, for 122 years. It has she died, the police had received thou- fingers with any misconduct, and the stared us right in the face, and yet it sands of tips, and a small myriad of very same thing would have attached has not been recognized, although all people had taken on the Ripper’s role. to George Hutchinson — if he was lying the pieces of the puzzle have always As the investigation wound on into or in any way trying to mislead the been at hand. And as is the case so November, the patience of the police police, it stands to reason that it would often with riddles, when you hear with such characters was no longer be looked upon quite severely. But the the solution, you go: Ahh — was that what it may have been from the start. only thing that happens to Hutchinson simple! On the 14th of November, the is that he is discredited and sent on I have been studying the case for Daily News reports on the 27-year-old his way. This in itself tells a story: roughly thirty years myself. I have labourer George Sweeney, who had When George Hutchinson was sent on read the statements, the reports, the had a bit too much to drink, causing his way, no guilt was attached to him. articles thousands of times, but I never him to go to Borough High Street and He was not regarded as a timewaster, used to be able to understand what shout out that he was Jack the Ripper. somebody who had intently obstructed happened to George Hutchinson and That cost him a choice between a 40s. the work of the police, and he was cer- why. fine or fourteen days hard labour. tainly not looked upon as the potential I do now, however. I know The same fate befell the killer of Mary Kelly. what made the police send George

The Who Wasn’t There Christer Holmgren Hutchinson home. I know why he was who wrote memoranda and memoirs not reprimanded, fined or jailed for mention him. It is as if he never had wasting the police’s time. I know what existed, in spite of the fact that for the man in the wideawake hat was one night he seemed to hold the key doing, taking a look up Miller’s court at to the Ripper case. There is, however, 2.30 in the night. I know why George one exception to the rule. There is one Hutchinson gave such a detailed man who mentions Hutchinson in his description of his man, whereas Sarah police memoirs. And that is a man who Lewis saw nothing, or close to nothing, was very much involved in the Kelly of hers. case, although not at the highest level. Finally, I know what the investi- , 25 years old and a fresh gation mentioned in the Echo on the detective back in 1888, comments 13th was aiming to find; I know why on Hutchinson in his book I Caught Hutchinson’s story was not totally dis- Crippen, published in 1938, when credited at that stage, but only very Dew was 75 years old. In the book, he much in doubt, and I know what it was devotes a significant part to a chapter that clinched things the following day. called “The hunt for Jack the Ripper”. Do I have absolute proof? No, I Walter Dew, it should be remem- do not. But I see very little reason bered, was by his own claim in place to doubt that I am right. The same at the Commercial Street police sta- thing, actually, would have applied to tion on the day when Thomas Bowyer Abberline and the Met 122 years ago: came running in, telling the news of they did not have absolute proof either, Mary Kelly and her gruesome death. and there is good reason to believe that Dew immediately took off in company George Hutchinson himself was of the with Inspector Walter Beck, and thus opinion that the police were wrong to became one of the first policemen to dismiss him. see what had happened to Kelly. Walter Dew One thing about Hutchinson that When he makes his assessment is a bit strange, is that he seems to be of George Hutchinson fifty years of such very small interest to the main later, he lumps Hutchinson together figures involved in trying to solve the with another Kelly witness, Caroline case. None of the high-ranking officers Maxwell, a witness that claimed to

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 59 have seen Mary Kelly as late as 9-9.30 best of intentions, are often mistaken, We are furnished with an excel- am on the morning of Kelly’s death, not necessarily as to a person, but as to lent explanation to why Hutchinson something the medicos and police date and time. And I can see no other was never looked upon as an attention- regarded as impossible. Caroline explanation in this case than that Mrs. seeker and a timewaster, and, more Maxwell, though, persisted, in spite Maxwell and George Hutchison [sic] importantly, why he never belonged of the fact that she was warned by were wrong. Indeed, if the medical evi- to those whom the police regarded as the coroner at Mary Kelly’s inquest dence is accepted, Mrs. Maxwell could good Ripper candidates. because her evidence contradicted all not have been right . . . And if Mrs. We understand how Mary Kelly, other evidence. Maxwell was mistaken, is it not prob- witnessed to be substantially drunk at And why does Walter Dew speak able that George Hutchison [sic] erred around midnight and seemingly about of Maxwell and Hutchinson in the also? This, without reflecting in any to consume a considerable amount of same breath? Because he thinks that way on either witness, is my considered beer to top things off, is suddenly only both witnesses had fallen prey to the view. “a bit spreeish” two hours later. exact same mistake! This is how Dew So Walter Dew, closely connected I am of the opinion that Walter worded it: to the case, and the only police offi- Dew was perfectly correct to draw . . . new evidence was supplied by cial to offer a suggestion as to why the conclusion that the only possible another woman, named Mrs. Caroline George Hutchinson was discredited, explanation in the Hutchinson affair Maxwell, wife of the deputy at No. 14 opts for Hutchinson, just like Caroline is that George Hutchinson was wrong Dorset Street, which adjoined Miller’s Maxwell, being mistaken on the day he on the dates. And now the time has Court. She claimed to know Marie Kelly had met Kelly! And it must be consid- come to disclose the evidence that tells well, and to have seen her alive only two ered that this may well have been an us exactly why he was right. It lies hours before her body was discovered . . impression that prevailed among the in a number of passages in the police . If Mrs. Maxwell had been a sensation- police on the whole back in 1888. report signed by George Hutchinson on seeker—one of those women who live If this is true, we immediately the 12th of November 1888. These are for the limelight—it would have been realize a couple of things: George the bits I am referring to: easy to discredit her story. She was Hutchinson and the man in the wide- I stood against the lamp of the not. She seemed a sane and sensible awake hat, observed by Sarah Lewis, Queen’s Head Public House and woman, and her reputation was excel- were not one and the same. That watched him. They both stood at the lent . . . Mrs. Maxwell repeated this evi- means that there must have been two corner of the Court for about 3 minutes. dence at the inquest, and told her story men standing at the opposite side of . . . dress long dark coat, collar and with conviction . . . But I know from my the entrance to Miller’s Court at the cuffs trimmed astracan. And a dark experience that many people, with the same time, but on two different nights. jacket under. Light waistcoat . . .

The Who Wasn’t There Christer Holmgren These would have been the pas- leave it unbuttoned, displaying jacket information that the rain had started sages that told the police that George and waistcoat underneath? to fall sometime after midnight, and Hutchinson was one day off as he The answers are obvious: in such that it kept falling at an increas- spoke about his encounter with Kelly weather conditions, you choose door- ing speed, raining through the night. and Astrakhan man. And why? Well, ways over leaning on lampposts, you From Cox’s testimony, they knew that simply because we know that it was retire into the archway of Miller’s it rained hard at three o’clock in the raining hard on the night between the Court or Room 13, instead of standing morning. Others would have added 8th and the 9th! And thus we need to outside in the rain, and you button up more information, Sarah Lewis being ask ourselves: what you’ve got to button up, to protect able to fit in the 2:30-piece. During a hard, dense November yourself from getting soaked inside But what about 2:00-2:15? Could rain, how many men do we usually see and out. they be absolutely sure that it did not standing about, leaning against lamp These considerations, though, rain then in Dorset Street? Rain can posts? never came into play on the night be very local, of course. Any doubts …a hard, dense November rain…

During a hard, dense November between the 7th and the 8th, which was they may have had about the issue rain, why would a couple, destined for the night on which George Hutchinson would have been dispelled as George the relative comfort of a prostitute’s returned from Romford to Whitechapel Hutchinson elaborated on his exploits room situated a mere five metres away, in the early morning hours! in interviews to the newspapers, pub- stop at the corner for a three minute And the weather would have lished on the 14th. For in the Daily leisurely chat in the pouring rain, fin- been what Abberline et al. investi- News of that date, we have the fol- ishing it off by Astrakhan man hauling gated, after they had realized that lowing passage: After I left the court out his red handkerchief into the pour- Hutchinson’s story was a story of a I walked about all night, as the place ing rain, and handing it in a soaked dry night. And since the weather is where I usually sleep was closed. state to Kelly? something that is very unpredictable, Abberline could not have asked During a hard, dense November it would not have been an altogether for a clearer indicator. Even if Dorset rain, why would a man with a nice easy task. From the meteorologists, Street at a few minutes past 2 am had warm, long Astrakhan trimmed coat they would have been able to get the been the one meteorological exception

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 61 to the rest of London, anybody will soon for knowing for sure that realize that the one thing you won’t do there could be “no other if you are left with no place to sleep on explanation in this case a night when a cold November rain is than that Mrs. Maxwell incessantly pouring down, is to end- and George Hutchison lessly walk the open streets, refraining [sic] were wrong.” from seeking some sort of shelter. More answers: Why At this stage, let’s take another did Sarah Lewis not get look at how the Echo worded things a good look of her man, on the 13th: From latest inquiries it whereas Hutchinson saw appears that a very reduced impor- Astrakhan man eminently? tance seems to be now — in the light Because, of course, it was of later investigation — attached to a raining cats and dogs as statement made by a person last night Lewis hurried through that he saw a man with the deceased Dorset Street. And in such on the night of the murder. conditions, you can’t see Have another look! What, exactly, very much, and you cer- are they saying? Exactly: that reduced tainly don’t stop to take importance is attached to the stating an extra look. Hutchinson, to have seen a man with Kelly on the though, did not have to night of the murder! That is the crucial worry about that at all, parametre, pointed out for all to see. It because on the night of the looks very much like a verification of a 6th, the weather records mixing up of dates. tell us that it was over- And that was it for George cast but perfectly dry! Hutchinson’s story! Walter Dew shows Conditions, come to think us that Hutchinson himself probably of it, that suddenly makes did exactly what Caroline Maxwell walking about all night a did — he stuck to his story, in spite very good idea — it will of the overwhelming evidence that he keep the November chill was mistaken. And instead of reaching away from your bones, and an agreement, the police had to settle you will stay dry. Two men in ‘wideawake’ hats

The Who Wasn’t There Christer Holmgren And the man in the wideawake both the “wideawake man” and George rooms of their own to signal to poten- hat? What was he doing opposite Hutchinson stood on consecutive tial clients on the street whether they Miller’s Court on the night after nights. Presumably, myriads of other were available for service or not. A Hutchinson was there? Well, he was men stood there too, on other nights! lit lamp or drawn curtains and such probably doing the exact same thing One more thing may apply as we told the punters if the coast was clear. as many a punter did at that place — speak about the man in the wideawake Prostitution is a somewhat delicate taking a look to see whether there was business, and most punters would not any service to be had at McCarthy’s appreciate people banging at the door Rents. We must keep in mind that the while they were trying to get value for court did not house just one “unfortu- their money. I do not know if such a nate” in the person of Mary Kelly. It signal system could have been about was a well-known haven of prostitu- in Britain, in London and in Miller’s tion, and we have evidence telling us Court 122 years ago. But if it was, that the prostitutes of the court ser- then we may have a further reason viced their clients in their rooms at the for the wideawake hat man’s focus of court. Elizabeth Prater, living inside attention. the court, was quoted in the Daily And there we are! We may drop Telegraph on the 10th of November: George Hutchinson, just as the police “It was a common thing for the women did back in 1888. He is forever tied living in these tenements to bring men to the Ripper case, of course, but he home with them. They could do so as should not be regarded as anything but they pleased.” a man who wasn’t there. As we realize, We may thus look upon Miller’s it did not take the police very long to Court as something of a regular see that his story belonged to another brothel, and regular brothels attract night than the murder night. customers. And if such a customer The mistake Abberline made in wanted to see if the court was open for believing Hutchinson from the outset business, there was — owing to the Inspector Abberline was an understandable one; a number narrow passage leading in from Dorset of days had passed since the rain, and Street — but one vantage point from hat. In Sweden, where I come from, in it had been a rain that had started which you could look up the court, the beginning of the former century after midnight and that had stopped and that was the exact point where it was customary for prostitutes with before Bowyer took his peek through

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 63 Mary Kelly’s window. It had reason- the Star — that “further investigation” ably not made much of an imprint in had led the police to the conclusion people’s minds. In fact, it was a rain that Hutchinson’s story did not hold that was so totally forgotten about, water. The reason why, however, was that the drawings we have of Kelly not mentioned; “sources we are not at and Astrakhan man show the foreign- liberty to reveal” and all that. and wealthy looking man purportedly On the 12th of November 1888, leading away Mary Jane to her death, George Hutchinson was odds on to be walking through a bone-dry street, his the man who actually saw Jack the coat unbuttoned over his belly. Ripper. Now, however, he was destined Errare humanum est — it is for oblivion and his candidacy was no human to fail; just like Frederick more. Abberline did. It is also human not to be proud of our failures. And neither Abberline himself, nor his superiors It would be fair to would have been too keen on having the issue of the forgotten rain turning say that it simply them into laughing stocks in the press. The overall failure to catch the Ripper dried up. had already generated criticism gar- nished with irony in the papers. The competence of the police was ques- tioned often and openly. This conveniently explains the hush-hush attitude that came to sur- round George Hutchinson’s fall from grace in the Ripper investigation. The police would have been very reluctant to disclose what had happened at a general press conference. Instead it was dropped — probably by means of using reliable contacts at the Echo and

The Who Wasn’t There Christer Holmgren Biography Christer Holmgren

hrister Holmgren is a Swedish journalist, wor- Cking at Sydsvenskan, the fourth-largest morning newspaper in his country. His first contact with Ripperology came back in the early 1980s, when he picked up the Swedish translation of Donald Rumbelow’s The complete Jack the Ripper. He has published dissertations on Elizabeth Stride on Casebook, and he has contri- buted to Ripperologist magazine with a piece on Joseph Fleming. When he doesn’t work, he spends his time with his family or goes fishing, a field on which he has written extensive artic- les for the Swedish press.

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 65 Undercover Our regular read between the lines. Investigations Jack the Ripper: The Theories and The Facts Colin Kendell

2010 Amberley Publishing Paperback 192pp illus. £14.99

looked forward to this publication in the history of the world. when it was first advertised on Complemented with many I Amazon some months ago, I didn’t illustrations and supported by rush to pre-order though, instead I historical evidence, this is com- opted to wait and watch the prices for pelling reading for anyone inter- the first few days. On seeing a cheap ested in Jack the Ripper. copy I snapped it up and eagerly I had thought that this awaited its delivery. would be an overview of the case, The book is advertised on popular including the facts and the theo- online retailer Amazon with the fol- ries, but I was shocked to dis- lowing product description: cover that very few theories get The murders in London between discussed. The book starts with 1888-91 attributed to Jack the Ripper five chapters, one each devoted constitute one of the most mysterious to Nichols, Chapman, Stride, unsolved criminal cases. This story is Eddowes, and Kelly, and I must the result of many years meticulous admit these made for quiet pleasur- research. The author reassesses all the able reading with inquest reports, evidence and challenges everything we eyewitness testimony, and some thought we knew about the Victorian primary sources reproduced for serial killer and the vanished East End the reader. The only problem with he terrorised. Distilling the truth from them is that the primary sources, what is the most infamous unsolved in the form of inquest reports and mystery, the author finally unmasks census entries, are way too small for Jack the Ripper, the best-known, the reader to actually see anything, but never identified, serial killer

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 67 bearing in mind the books dimensions and Mary Kelly include eyewitness therefore difficult to prove. are 23 x 15.4 x 1.8 cm. The inclusion testimony, and medical evidence, with Leaving profiling behind, we of the census entries is a great idea, a brief look at the and tackle Nathan Kaminsky, and look at but rather than show the reader the Saucy Jack postcard. The Goulston Martin Fido’s The Crimes, Detection victims’ lives, we are shown everyone Street graffito is also included in these and Death of Jack the Ripper, and the on the street, which means the census chapters but no theories are presented Swanson Marginalia, with the author pages are incredibly small and at times as to why it appeared or who wrote it. coming to the conclusion that Swanson illegible. Although the publisher’s blurb was writing nothing but a note for his It is also worth noting that from tells us that Jack the Ripper was own benefit, and that he had proba- very early in the text, in the first chap- active between 1888 and 1891 we have bly been misled. Next up is Montague ter in fact, Kendell makes reference no information on Rose Mylett, Alice Druitt, and we are quickly taken on a to both ’s and Melvin McKenzie, the Pinchin Street torso whirlwind tour that includes Daniel Fairclough’s work and posits that and Frances Coles, but are left with Farson, Tom Cullen, Macnaghten and Nichols was carried to Buck’s Row, the five commonly accepted victims Lady Aberconway. Martin Howell’s but provides no other theories arguing from 1888. I was hoping for some dis- and Keith Skinner’s The Ripper against this notion. Kendell then goes cussion on the non-canonical victims Legacy is discussed next, and a letter on to reference Robert Ressler, author but these seem to have been ignored. sent from Christopher Monro, grand- of several books on psychological pro- Stepping away from the victims son of Sir , in which he filing and serial killers, but uses only we are treated to a look at profiling, describes how his grandfather had a partial “predictable pattern” of serial with the same quote that was featured personal papers that pointed to a murders, a pattern that was created for in the Nichols’s chapter from Robert connection at both “ and serial murderer Jeffrey Dahmer (who Ressler. The reader is then introduced Trinity.” Of course we never learnt of was active in the late 1970s, through- to the work of Christopher Missen, who this connection, because in true Ripper out the 80s and into the early 90s) and contributed to Camille Wolff’s 1995 relic fashion the papers are burnt to not created for a Victorian serial killer. work Who Was Jack the Ripper? The avoid a scandal. The chapter on Annie Chapman psychological profile is made up of 30 Francis Tumblety is discussed in includes the testimony of Inspector points including the usual “Cruel to the following chapter, and the works Chandler and relies heavily on Dr animals” and “Overbearing mother” of Stewart Evans and Paul Gainey are Phillips opinions with brief discus- but of which many of these points could discussed, though the author rules out sion of the theories of Martin Fido and be attributed to just about anyone in Tumblety, and any other solo killer, Wynne Baxter. Whilst the chapters on the Victorian period, and many more due to the notion that no one man Elizabeth Stride, Catherine Eddowes points which are simply unknown and could have killed Eddowes in the time

Undercover Investigations allotted in Mitre Square. Next up the Masonic Theory is discussed with ref- erences made to Stephen Knight’s Final Solution and Thomas Stowell’s 1970 article in Criminologist Magazine before entering the world of Joseph Gorman Sickert. I won’t spoil the plot for the reader, but will say that Walter Sickert and Sir William Gull feature prominently in the final chapters. As I read through the book I As I read through grew increasingly frustrated at the fact that this was nothing more than the book I grew a suspect-driven exercise and not a discussion of the facts or the theories increasingly as the original blurb stated. Overall I was disappointed, as much of the frustrated… material covered appears elsewhere in such titles as The Complete Jack the Ripper A to Z or Jack the Ripper: An Encyclopaedia. The book has no index, bibli- ography, or acknowledgments, but does include an insert of illustrations including photos of the murder sites in recent years and some primary sources reproduced for the reader.

Our rating Mike Covell

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 69 Montague Jack Written and Directed by Ray Joyce Starring Michael Medwin, Stuart Glossop & Tanya Alexander.

2010 DVD release – Extras – Making of and Production stills WMCVC ( Ciné and Video Club) Running time 58 minutes £9.99 available to purchase HERE

his film was written and pro- narrator, when he is not known ever he turned to the law as he was more duced by an amateur group to have endorsed Druitt’s candidacy as suited to this career. How accurate Tand had amongst its cast only Jack. The film’s portrayal of the final this theory is we don’t know but it is a one ‘named star’, Michael Medwin as moments of some of the victims was, theory that is ‘out there’ and it makes Inspector Abberline. One must com- shall we say, a bit Hollywood. This a useful plot device and some sense. mend the Club for producing this film said, it would be a bit mean to pick too The “Making of” special feature was on such a small budget. In places it many holes in a film that, after all, was also very enjoyable and gave a real did show a little that the cast were not made by a small, local group. Perhaps insight in to the process of making the all professionally trained actors, but instead we should commend them for film. All in all, I recommend this film. there was a notably fine performance setting out to tell the story, not of Jack by Tanya Alexander as Emily Druitt, the Ripper, but of . It in what was her first time on film. The was speculative in places, but it tried character of Emily Druitt was well to flesh out Montague and made him rounded and the film used her relation- human rather than just an evil mon- ship with Druitt and the theory that ster killing women. The film follows she was the source of Macnaghten’s the theory that Montague was to follow secret information to good effect. There his father into a career in medicine was the occasional strange plot twist, and had a fascination for the subject as Our rating such as the use of Abberline as the a child but ultimately failed. Instead, Jennifer Shelden

Undercover Investigations Whitechapel Series 2 Written by Ben Court and Caroline Ip Directed by David Evans Starring Rupert Penry-Jones, Phil Davis & Steve Pemberton

2010 DVD Region 2 (2010) Certificate 15 Playback/Universal Running time Main Feature 2hrs 17 mins approx. Bonus Features 21 mins approx. £19.99 …expectations were naturally high.

he first series of Whitechapel the programme, it was eventually Penry-Jones) and DS Miles (Phil aired on ITV in early 2009, announced earlier this year that a Davis) are back on the case, along Tand was met with enthusiastic second series was in production, and with their uninvited amateur expert on reviews and healthy viewing figures. as a result of the public response to local murder Edward Buchan (Steve The story featured a copycat killer the excellent first series, expectations Pemberton) in “Whitechapel”. Hot on who was emulating the murders of were naturally high. the heels of the Jack the Ripper mur- Jack the Ripper from 1888, and cov- Now available for purchase on ders, something dark and dangerous ered the efforts of DI Chandler and DS DVD, the promotional blurb for the is happening on the back streets of Miles to solve this modern day crime second series runs as follows: Whitechapel. After a spate of gruesome mystery. Although some time passed The unlikely team of fast-track killings and maimings, Buchan sug- before ITV decided to re-commission cop-on-the-rise DI Chandler (Rupert gests that the crimes seem to replicate

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 71 those of the much-feared Kray Twins of pursue the escaping Ripper, at the the programme that include interviews the 1960s, powerful ganglords who once end of series one). Miles even begins with cast members and writers. terrorised the . Are to show signs of grudging respect for Now that two copycat cases their underworld murders being pains- Ripperologist and local crime historian have been filmed, it is hoped that takingly recreated? For Chandler it all Edward Buchan, towards the end of if “Whitechapel” returns for a third points to one man – but the answer is this series. series, the writers devise a new origi- far from clear when a new set of twins As with series one, location filming nal plot to ensure that the story does appear on the scene. Decades on from took place in and around the East End, not escape the bounds of possibility the original crimes, with the danger although it is noticeable that the and realism. It is worth remembering increasing with every delay, can the used are not the actual ones where the that this is a work of fiction, so as with Whitechapel team crack the Krays? original Krays’ story unfolded. The only the Jack the Ripper story in the first The first thing that struck me exception to this being the sequences series, potential viewers should not when watching the programme was filmed inside the Blind Beggar pub expect to see a faithful recreation of the that its look had changed from a mix where George Cornell met his end in Krays’ story of the sixties. However, of modern day East End visuals and 1966. One scene that I thought was providing it is approached as a modern Victorian style flashbacks, to a mix very well filmed was a sequence show- day crime story, “Whitechapel” comes of contemporary visuals with a hint ing Miles and Chandler discussing the across as a very well made, entertain- of the 1960s woven into them. This case whilst walking along Whitechapel ing production. change serves the storyline very well, Road, near to the underground sta- and adds to the atmosphere created in tion. The people in the background are Ben Court and Caroline Ip‘s storyline the actual market traders and pas- covering the return of the Krays in sers by, and it is amazing to see very 2010. few of them take any real notice of the As the story unfolds, we get to two actors or the camera crew. Little know many of the characters intro- touches like this scene add to the real- duced in the first series a great deal istic feel of the series as a whole. better. DI Chandler and DS Miles, In addition to the main feature, for example, show signs of a mutual the DVD also includes a number of respect for each other that was lacking deleted scenes which, whilst not essen- in the first series, (this quite possibly tial viewing, are still worth watching. being due to Chandler having chosen Also included are a couple of interest- Our rating to stay and save Miles’ life, rather than ing featurettes about the making of Andrew Firth

Undercover Investigations he story of ‘Burke and Hare’ is one I have been interested in Tfor a long time. When we look for motive in murder we are so often left feeling unsatisfied. In the case of ‘Jack the Ripper’ the desire for a motive has lead to the most inventive of ideas as to who the killer was. In this case, however, there is no doubt: the motive, for the killer at least, was money. I was tempted to say greed, but in reality the conditions in which Burke and Hare lived in Edinburgh could hardly be called luxurious. As well as that of the killers, there was also the motive of Dr John Knox, the anatomist to whom Burke and Hare’s victims were delivered. In his case the motive was the desire to further the knowledge of the human body, possi- bly a more noble ideal but the fact that Knox cannot have been wholly igno- rant of the origins of his specimens does Burke & Hare him no credit. Burke and Hare began Written by Piers Ashworth as grave robbers, a dangerous occupa- tion taken up by many as the price for & Nick Moorcroft good specimens was more than most in the poor areas of Edinburgh or London Directed by John Landis could hope to earn legally. The lure of 2010 Cinema Release the money meant that they resorted to Starring , certificate 15 acquiring extremely fresh examples. & Isla Fisher Running Time – 91 minutes Their exploits even created a special

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 73 …known as ‘burking’… form of killing known as ‘Burking’, suf- belief that the story would be, to use treatment of the killers themselves is focation by the holding of the nose and a phrase coined by the murders them- kind and we come to see them as love- mouth shut. selves, ‘Burked’ by director John Landis able rogues rather than men who lived Suspicions were raised when one to meet an ever increasing demand for in the roughest part of Edinburgh and of Knox’s students recognised the body blood and guts. I had visions of corpses preyed on the most vulnerable mem- being dissected as that of a simple- taking themselves to Dr Knox’s anato- bers of society to provide themselves minded boy well known in the area mist’s table ala ‘Thriller’, complete with with an income. The film makes a hero who had gone missing. Tenants of Jacko-inspired dance moves and disco out of William Burke in a way that Burke became suspicious when Marjory beat. Add to this the fact that one of the might seem distasteful in a more histor- Campbell Docherty went missing, a tip protagonists was to be played by Simon ically accurate setting. No one should off to the police eventually led to the Pegg of Shaun of the Dead fame and the be in any doubt however, that this is discovery of her body at Dr Knox’s class- fact that many of the supporting cast not meant to be a factual account, it is room. Hare was offered immunity if he had made their names in comedies and meant to be fun, and as far as that cri- gave evidence against his former part- my hopes were not high. terion is concerned I think it reached its ner in crime so Burke was sentenced to Billed as a ‘dark comedy’, Burke target. I will certainly be investing in a death and hanged. The fate of Hare is and Hare is in truth a comic inter- copy when it is released on DVD to show not certain but he may have ended his pretation of the ‘West Port murders’, at Christmas to my ‘Medicine Through days flung in a lime pit, having been complete with comedy falls by Paul Time’ students as it does highlight the mobbed by a group who knew of his his- Whitehouse and outrageous overact- difficulties that people wishing to learn tory. In the aftermath of the case the ing by Isla Fisher. Pegg and his co-star about the human body had in the early Anatomy Act of 1832 was passed which Andy Serkis do passable Northern Irish 19th Century. Burke himself continues increased the medical profession’s accents but are out shone by Jessica to give fascination and education to access to suitable cadavers for dissec- Hynes’ drunken portrayal of Hare’s many as an exhibit at the Edinburgh tion and so effectively ended the dubi- Southern Irish wife. The story has been Medical College’s museum. ous profession of grave robbing. changed and characters invented, but As a teacher and lover of history we are not led to believe anything else. I often cringe at Hollywood’s attempts The action begins with a screen telling to retell stories we all know and love us that the film is based on real events so well. My expectations for Burke and apart from those bits which were Our rating Hare were tinged with the inevitable ‘made up’, of which there are lots! The Kate Bradshaw

Undercover Investigations 3,096 Days …this book Natascha Kampusch was not 2010 Penguin Paperback 240pp £7.99 like that.

have to confess to being a little reading her account of what happened. unsure of what to expect of It seemed clear that she wanted to I this book when I first opened tell her remarkable story in her own it. Although I recognised Natascha way and not be pigeonholed by the Kampusch’s name and some of the media and police. Her account of her details about her abduction in Vienna treatment by the police once she had when she was just 10, after reading escaped was heartbreaking, as was the back cover blurb, I wasn’t sure if her treatment following the political I could stomach every detail. However, scandal about the missed clues in the this book was not like that. Although initial investigation into her disap- details of her appalling treatment were pearance. Her refusal to change her given, this was not done in a way to name and fade away or to ever have shock or exploit, but rather it seemed was the strength of character and the her past life erased from her mind by to be a way for Natascha to explain, in determination of a remarkable young her kidnapper is truly inspirational her terms, how she was thinking and girl who endured so much. It is also and amazing. It makes one realise, why she was unable to get away. The clear that she grew up to be a remark- whatever is going on in our own lives title refers to the number of days in able young woman, finally overcoming is nothing that cannot be overcome, if total she spent imprisoned and sub- the obstacles to make good her escape Natascha could manage to escape after jected to appalling mental and physical aged eighteen. so long in captivity. This book is highly abuse, as she describes it, living in her Natascha seemed to be attempt- recommended. kidnapper’s warped fantasy. I expected ing to understand for herself what had to find the book deeply troubling and happened to her in the pages of the depressing, but although it was a dis- book and put her horrific past behind turbing read it was also very touching her whilst moving on with her life. Our rating and deeply compelling. What emerged Therefore, it did not feel exploitative Jennifer Shelden

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 75 Defending the Guilty: Truth and Lies in the Criminal Courtroom Alex McBride

2010 Viking/Penguin Paperback 272pp £12.99

his is a book about what life is like as a junior barrister and why one Twould choose to be a defence coun- sel when this involves defending guilty people. McBride proves himself to be a witty and readable writer. He explains the court system in England well, using his own experience of defending clients to good effect. Obviously, the names of the clients involved have been altered for legal reasons, as are the names of the barristers he met along the way. But the wider points he makes about criminal law in England and the need to uphold systems which allow a fair trial Our rating are wide ranging; he highlights some valid and thought-provoking aspects of Jennifer Shelden the judicial system with wit and charm, and, crucially, without patronising …without the reader. It is a real page-turner of a book and for anyone interested in the patronising English legal system, this book is highly recommended. the reader.

Undercover Investigations The Man Who Loved Books Too Much: The True Story of a Thief, a Detective and a World of Literary Obsession Allison Hoover Bartlett

2010 Riverhead Books US Paperback 288pp £10.99

have to admit that the thing that both Gilkey and Sanders. One prob- attracted me to this book at first lem with the book was that it seemed I was its title. A title that, to a bib- to conclude unsatisfactorily, although liophile like me, seemed to reveal an it appeared to be building to a big impossible scenario — that is that ending. That said, it being a true story, it is possible to love books too much! there was little the author could do But on opening the pages the theme about this. For fellow bibliophiles, it became apparent; the man in question, is an interesting enough read, and the John Gilkey, loved books so much, that author opens us up to the world of rare he felt it was ok to steal them. This book dealers and collecting. However, true-life account of his crimes, his jus- those looking at the book strictly from tifications for his wrongdoings, and a true crime perspective might find it a …an how he was caught due to the persis- little disappointing. tence of an adversary, Ken Sanders, a impossi- rare book dealer, reads at times like a novel. A novel in which the book’s ble sce- author, a journalist, becomes a pro- tagonist due to her trying to get to the Our rating nario… bottom of the story and interviewing Jennifer Shelden

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 77 City of Sin: London and Its Vices Catharine Arnold

2010 Simon and Schuster Hardback 373pp biblio illus index £14.99

rnold’s previous outings, were seen. This is particular helpful Bedlam and Necropolis, to Ripperologists as it puts attitudes Aexplored the dark side of at the time of the Ripper crimes London focusing on its mad and its and beyond into their historical con- dead. This book, the third of the tril- text. Jack, of course, gets a mention, ogy, focuses on its vice, or more but it’s not always clear quite where specifically sexual vices and their con- Arnold’s information comes from, she trols in London throughout the ages. does appear to have consulted the Arnold is a capable and enlightening ’s website, but writer; her prose is easy to read and is there was a notable absence of any entertaining without being disrespect- Ripper books appearing in the bibli- ful to those whose lives it is describing. ography. There is also mention of the The changing attitudes of the public Cleveland Street Scandal, and it was and the legal system towards forms of interesting to read about this outside vice throughout the ages are fascinat- of the parameters of skewed Ripper ing and the book gives a good sense of theory. All in all a very good book and Our rating social history of the way prostitutes one to be recommended. Jennifer Shelden …the way prostitutes were seen.

Undercover Investigations his book is a thoroughly enjoy- Subterranean able and updated account Tof the city beneath London. City: Beneath From the London Underground, to buried rivers, to pipes and tunnels; the Streets it explores a London you don’t really think about, but is vital to the London of London - above ground and just as interesting. Clayton seems immersed in his sub- 2nd Revised ject and his enthusiasm for his topic is obvious from the first page of the Edition introduction and throughout. He has clearly put in a lot of research and Antony Clayton this makes it a very readable book. In places he also gives some interest- 2010 Historical Publications Ltd ing historical background as to why Hardback 264pp biblio illus. £22.50 some of these structures were built. For anyone interested in the quirkier aspects of London and its history this book is a “Must Read”. …the quirkier aspects of London and its history… Our rating Jennifer Shelden

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 79 ’s Stalker: The Strange Story of the Boy Jones Jan Bondeson

2010 Amberley Hardback 160pp illus index £16.99

fascinating account of what, fell away from him. The author also according to the book’s author, attempts to understand what could A is a much-neglected topic. The have driven the young Jones to his, story of Edward Jones, a 16-year- seemingly stupid, actions. The book old lad who kept finding his way into is well written and interesting, but Buckingham Palace wanting to see paying such a high price for a slender Queen Victoria during the early part volume might put one off. Nonetheless, of her reign. It was very interesting to it is a fascinating account of a much read about how easy it was for Jones to under-researched topic. It is therefore find his way into the Palace and how a book I can recommend you to read. hard it was for the authorities to do anything about it as in those days they needed to prove a charge of burglary, but could not. The book is well paced from its account of Jones’ various excursions, court trials, as well as his Our rating life and tribulations after the spotlight Jennifer Shelden

…seemingly stupid, actions.

Undercover Investigations The Wolfman – Extended Cut Director – Joe Johnson Screenplay by Andrew Keith Walker & David Self Starring Benicio Del Toro, Anthony Hopkins, Emily Blunt, Hugo Weaving & Geraldine Chaplin 2010 DVD edition – Extras – deleted/extended scenes Universal Pictures Running Time – 1 hour 54 minutes

he film stars Benicio Del Toro plays the strangely named detective, as Lawrence Talbot, the prod- Francis Abberline, in convincing style Tigal son who returns to his (he could certainly portray Inspector family estate at Blackmoor in search Frederick Abberline well in any future of his missing brother. After Talbot’s Ripper project). London is depicted brother’s body is found mutilated on with a fully built Tower Bridge, the moors, it appears that it is part of although set prior to its completion. a series of murders and mutilations Nonetheless, the darkly gothic menac- of the local villagers that have taken ing atmosphere is strongly reminiscent place. Talbot sees for himself that a of Bram Stoker’s Dracula. This film is werewolf is responsible for the mur- one to be thoroughly recommended. ders, and is attacked by the monster, infecting him and making him a were- wolf. Despite the fluctuating accent between English and pseudo-Irish of Anthony Hopkins, he is still as effec- tive as ever and Del Toro is very good as the reluctant wolfman. In fact the cast Our rating all put in fine performances. Weaving Neal Shelden

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 81 Undercover Investigations: From The Library Shelves Florence Maybrick

elcome to our fictitious The Maybrick Trial: The Maybrick Case: A library, containing all the A Toxicological Study Treatise Showing Conclusive Wbest books on all the sub- Charles Meymott Tidy and Reasons for the Continued jects that are of interest to true crime Rawdon Macnamara 1890 Public Dissent from the enthusiasts. For this edition we have An early pamphlet on the case pro- Verdict and Decision. decided to take a look at the books duced after the trial by two doctors, J.L.F 1891 that are on our shelves that fea- witnesses for the defence, stating ture the well-known Victorian trial James Maybrick’s symptoms at the The Maybrick Case of Florence Maybrick (whilst leav- time of his death were not consistent Helen Densmore ing books that refer instead mainly or with arsenic poisoning. 1892 Swann Sonnenschein & co solely to her husband’s alleged crimes An early book written on the case by in Whitechapel where they are until The Maybrick Case American Densmore who campaigned a future issue). We hope you find Alexander MacDougall on Florence Maybrick’s behalf at this amongst these items, something to 1891 first edition 1896 second edition time. tickle your fancy. Baillière Tindall and Cox 268pp The Necessity for Criminal Appeal: As Illustrated by the Maybrick Case and the Jurisprudence of Various Countries J.H. Levy 1899

Undercover Investigations Undercover Investigations: From the Library Shelves Is Mrs. Maybrick Guilty?: Mrs Maybrick’s Own Story: The Trial of Mrs Maybrick A Defence Shewing that My Fifteen Lost Years -Notable British Trials Series the Verdict of Guilty is Florence Elizabeth Henry Irving not Founded on Fact, Chandler Maybrick 1912 William Hodge Hardback and is Inconsistent With 1905 Funk and Wagnalls Hardback the Presence of a Strong 394pp illus. Famous Trials III Element of Doubt; With The autobiographical account of James Hodge (ed.) Reasons for Mrs. Maybrick’s Florence Maybrick published after 1950 Penguin Paperback 236pp Release her release from prison. It deals with This book contains a section on the L.E.X her first-hand account of the crimes; it Maybrick case (‘Mrs Maybrick’ pp 97 – 1899 was seen as an attempt to bring about 134) written by Henry Irving. reform to the penal system in England, which had been accused of wrongly imprisoning her.

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 83 Undercover Investigations: From the Library Shelves They Also The Girl With the Scarlet Anne E. Graham and Carol Brand Emmas Wrote... Charles Boswell and Forward Keith Skinner Lewis Thompson 1999 Headline Hardback 236pp Patricia Cornwell is well known for the 1954 Gold Medal Books/Fawcett biblio illus index Scarpetta series of novels and is the author Publications Paperback 171pp The controversial book co-written of Ripper book , putting by Anne Graham, the former wife of Walter Sickert in the frame. Did you know This Friendless Lady Michael Barrett, who discovered the she is also co-author of another true crime Nigel Morland Maybrick Ripper Diary. book, Death’s Acre: Inside the Legendary 1957 Frederick Muller Hardback “Body Farm”, (with Bill Bass and John 294pp biblio illus. Mrs Maybrick Jefferson), published by Little Brown Victoria Blake in 2004? Etched in Arsenic 2008 National Archives Hardback Trevor Christie 128pp biblio illus index 1968 Harrap Hardback 288pp illus. The Maybrick A to Z The Poisoned Life of Mrs Chris Jones Maybrick 2008 Countrywise Ltd Paperback Bernard Ryan with Sir 308pp biblio illus. Michael Havers This book tries to take an even-handed Forward by Lord Russell look at all things Maybrick and is 1977 William Kimber Hardback written in a similar vein to the Jack 292pp biblio illus index the Ripper A to Z. Chris Jones web- site, which attempts to be an archive The Last Victim: The of information that relates to both the Extraordinary Life of Florence Maybrick trial and the more Florence Maybrick, Wife of controversial alleged diary of her hus- Jack the Ripper band, James can be found Here

Undercover Investigations DidSaucy Jack:You The Miss?... Elusive Ripper Paul Woods and Gavin Baddeley

First published in paperback 5th November 2009 Iain Allan Publishing – Devil’s Histories Series 272pp biblio illus index £14.99

aucy Jack is an easy enough blurb promised to discuss the victims’ read and it attempts to provide lives, but such analysis failed to mate- Sinsight not just to the crimes rialise in any real sense. One thing themselves but also to the study of that totally jarred with this reader was them. It devotes space to Ripper films, the Hollywood-style descriptions of the suspects and theories and the Ripper in crimes in a narrative, novelistic style a pop culture setting. The book seems at the opening of each chapter; some- to rely heavily on the series of talks times this seemed a bit tasteless, the that were held in 2008 at the London rest of the time it was simply annoying Docklands Ripper Exibition, which is and in my eyes it added nothing to the …such not a bad thing in itself, but it does tend overall structure of the book, spoiling to divert the writers away from other the pacing of the chapters considera- analysis sources. In other places it was hard bly. The premise of this book is at first to tell what the source of the informa- glance a none too bad one, but for me it failed tion was. Unfortunately, some obvious failed to deliver on its intent. errors crept in; one that springs to mind to mat- is their referring to Ripper author Ivor Edwards as Ivan. Such obvious errors erialise always lead one to wonder “what else Our rating is wrong?” Meanwhile, the back cover Jennifer Shelden …

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 85 Open Book Exam: A continuing look at detective fiction Don’t… Send in the

Clones Don Souden

here comes a time in the life of what might be (shudder!) thrown out. everyone when the amount of This process becomes quite pro- Tflotsam, jetsam and detritus tracted as the contents of each box collected over the years must be exam- need to be scrutinized carefully and, ined and, it is hoped, winnowed. For in the case of printed material, that me, that time should occur at least means books are at least skimmed and every six months, but, like my peri- magazines read fully. And thus it was odic urge to grow a moustache, seems the other day that I began to reread instead keyed to a 10-year cycle. Being Issue 2 of The Rohmer Review (as in recently hospitalized and unable to Sax Rohmer). Not exactly a magazine shave for a week exorcised the facial likely to be found on the Publishers spinach demon for another decade but Clearing House list of approved period- the dirty looks from my landlady, not icals, but then before I started college I to mention pointed remarks about my subscribed to a lot of obscure publica- boxes in the basement resembling a tions and have a number of gems like labyrinth has forced to me begin seeing Vol. I No. 1 of The Tolkien Journal

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 86 Open Book Exam: A continuing look at detective fiction and ditto for The Armchair Detective, among others. It was, however, The Rohmer Review that drew my attention, if not the attention of most of you reading this. Nor is it any cause for shame that the name Sax Rohmer may no longer ring many bells. He was, how- ever, the author of the once very popu- lar Fu Manchu series. Dr. Fu Manchu, to give him his full title, was the fic- tional personification of the “Yellow Peril” fixation that gripped much of the Western world for the first half of the last century. The Doctor was for- ever trying to destroy the West while being regularly thwarted by Sir Denis Nayland Smith. At the time it was as if someone were writing today about an evil Islamofascist named Osama Bin Laden warring against Western civili- zation. Except, of course, you wouldn’t be allowed to do that now, even though Bin Laden really exists and is respon- sible for far worse crimes than Dr. Manchu ever dreamt. O tempora, o mores. What really drew my attention in the magazine, however, was the partial transcript of a 1966 interview between Sax Rohmer

Don’t Send In The Clones Don Souden Open Book Exam: A continuing look at detective fiction

Canadian television personality Pierre means with the blessing of the estate he sought to make Wolfe and his Berton and Ian Fleming’s widow, Ann. and is simply an effort to wring out a amanuensis, Archie Goodwin, modern Berton: Why don’t you want the few more dollars from an ever-gullible and relevant, such that Archie now Bond character to continue? public. To be candid however, the effect used a computer and the plots involved Fleming: It’s emotion at the of the new Bond books was probably subjects like date-rape, groupies and moment, naturally. I feel rather emo- fairly benign—ethical considerations televangelists. Mainly, though, that tional about it. I’m sure it couldn’t aside—since the entire Fleming-Bond special (and delicately balanced) world come off. output was largely cartoonish anyway. that Stout created for Wolfe, Goodwin, Berton: It’s never come off in the The same argument might be Inspector Cramer and Sgt. Stebbins past. . . . Fu Manchu made for the authorized additions to was a product of his creative genius really couldn’t have been continued. the Fu Manchu canon by Cay Van Ash and was in the end inimitable. Fleming: No, well John Pearson, and later William Patrick Maynard. That, of course, is ever the situa- who’s writing Ian’s life and had all the Certainly, the evil Doctor was some- tion when others try to copy the “old letters in his office, found a very funny one easily caricatured and his mania- masters.” whether in fine art, music letter from Ian to Mrs. Sax Rohmer cal machinations almost the stuff of or literature. And nowhere in detec- who had written to Ian asking if he’d parody. That word almost is of prime tive fiction is this more prevalent—and continue Dr. Fu Manchu. I have never importance, however, because there deplorable—than with those who try seen this letter, but I understand that was an earnestness to the stories by to steal from the timeless glory of Sir Ian wrote a very funny reply—saying Rohmer that anyone else would be Arthur Conan Doyle and pen “Sherlock that he did not think this could ever be hard put to copy, far less make believ- Holmes” stories. In almost all instances done. able. And, that, of course, is a hurdle these shameless efforts are not even The sad thing is that within a few hard to surmount for all who continue authorized—they are simply blatant years of this interview both the Bond a character’s adventures—authorized rip-offs of one man’s abiding genius and Fu Manchu series were continued or not. for characterization, setting and plot by other authors. Somewhat less defensible were with their sole purpose being to make In the case of James Bond, Kingsley the (authorized) efforts by Robert money for those who lack the talent of Amis, John Gardner, Raymond Beason Goldsborough to continue Rex Stout’s Sir Arthur. and Sebastian Faulks all contin- superb Nero Wolfe series. He wrote And before I get too exercised ued the Bond saga with “authorized” seven novels, none of which was par- by these iniquities, full disclosure novels. In these instances, authorized ticularly well received, in part because demands I admit I committed the

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 88 Open Book Exam: A continuing look at detective fiction

Rex Stout Archie now used a computer & the plots involved subjects like date-rape, groupies & televangelists.

Don’t Send In The Clones Don Souden Open Book Exam: A continuing look at detective fiction

“crime” myself—twice. Once as a and enriched by Sir Arthur they would 10-year-old, writing the rather jejune be quite unread. “Adventures of Yalelock House” (which Indeed, even greatness cannot did, however, presciently anticipate approach sheer genius. as evidenced DNA evidence) and again years later by the authorized Holmes short stories for a limited issue Christmas special. (published as The Exploits of Sherlock And in neither case did I seek nor Holmes) written in the 1950s by John receive even one “polished farthing” in Dickson Carr and Adrian Conan Doyle, recompense. It was done for fun, but at son of Sir Arthur. Surely, Carr was one least in the latter instance if I had it of the masters of the mystery genre (and to do over again I would use my own the master of the “locked-room puzzle”) characters to sustain what I still think and yet the best that can be said of his was a clever, heart-warming plot. and young Doyle’s attempts is that the I do feel strongly, however, about stories were bad Carr and much worse what I consider nothing less than the Holmes. And that should be a lesson for theft of intellectual property—even if all who contemplate buying one of these that larceny is supposedly legitimized pestiferous knockoffs—authorized or by authorization from a grasping not: they are the products of those who estate. In the instance of Conan Doyle, are both ethically indigent and too lim- his character Sherlock Holmes exists ited in their abilities to do anything but in our hearts for a seeming eternity steal from their betters. We ought simply only because of Doyle’s magic as a non- not buy their books even as we ought not pareil spinner of stories that delight, encourage art forgers or counterfeiters. enthrall and charm readers today even A final note: It might seem a fitting, as they did two centuries ago. And if ironic, touch that Sax Rohmer, who those who cloak themselves in Doyle’s spent a good portion of his life imagin- stolen finery do so only because left to ing all manner of insidious deeds by their own meager abilities and without Orientals, died in 1958 of the Asian Flu. recourse to those characters envisioned

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 90 Corner my shyness?” ors book, and (b) you want it signed. book, and (b) you want it that I might as well just play it now!?” that I might as well just a game, preferably in its original wrapping. “I’ve met lots of Ripperologists whose books I have previously books I have previously of Ripperologists whose “I’ve met lots “I had the Whitechapel 1888 game made by the Parlours and Parlours and 1888 game made by the “I had the Whitechapel this have lost much value after all my hard work? Is it the case this have lost much value Adam Wood. I was trying to keep it in good condition, and then a Adam Wood. I was trying embarrassed to ask them to sign my books. Am I losing out due to books. Am I losing out to ask them to sign my embarrassed do and many do it. The author his book. It’s a natural thing to bought, some of whom I am now friends with, but I am always too with, but I am always of whom I am now friends bought, some A collector requires his the game now. A collector requires his You might as well just play will be only too pleased to see that (a) you’ve bought a copy of his will be only too pleased You should never be embarrassed to ask an author to sign a copy of to sign a to ask an author You should never be embarrassed housemate opened it and looked inside without my knowledge. Would housemate opened it and items to be as near to mint condition as possible and, in the case of items to be as near to mint condition as possible

t

ar

tewart is widely recognised astewart is widely recognised the Jacka leading authority on authorthe Ripper case. He is the

S

with Stew p. Evans p.

The Man Who Hunted Jack the Ripper,The Man Who Hunted Jack Executioner and The Ultimate Jack the Ripper Sourcebook. He is also an avid relatedRipper the of Jack collector viewour in and memorabilia and books makes him the ideal candidate tothis answer your questions about Jack the Ripper collectables. So, without any more hesitation, let’s turn to the ques- tions posed this issue... of several true crime books including of several true crime books

Collect Corner

ors back to get the item it has gone. back to get the item it and if so how do I know for how much?” and if so how “Should I insure any of my Ripper books, any of my Ripper “Should I insure oday! t t bullet and buy it if you can afford it. I have lost count of bullet and buy it if you bought it whilst I had the chance. Almost always when you go bought it whilst I had the times I have seen a book at a bookfair, or in a shop, and have the times I have seen a that you think you would like, even if it’s a bit pricey, bite the that you think you would “We ask you about your tips for collecting, but what is the best “We ask you about your dithered over it and not bought it, only to wish later that I had wish later that bought it, only to dithered over it and not ar Ripper books, unless the value runs into thousands - which I doubt. into thousands - which unless the value runs Ripper books, piece of advice about book collecting that you have ever been given?” piece of advice about book Well, the best bit of advice, I suppose, is that when you see an item Well, the best bit of advice, Most household insurance policies will cover the loss of items such as cover the loss of items insurance policies will Most household . Stewart will org .

casebook @

email stew s gists ipperolo don’t be shy r examiner If you have a question about Ripper have a question about Ripper If you would that you collectables and books not send like answered then why email address it to Stewart via our

be answering again next issue, so get so again next issue, be answering those questions in and get collecting.

Collect On The Case…

The News From Ripper World On a On the Big On Board We are delighted to say that four new Charitable Screen Assistant Editors have joined the team News has emerged that Leonardo at Casebook Examiner. We would like Cause DiCaprio (perhaps best known for his to take this opportunity to welcome With the launch of Casebook Examiner role in the 1997 film Titanic) is to play Debra Arif, Ali Bevan, Andrew Firth in April, we announced that our net serial killer, and sometime Ripper sus- and Mark Ripper to the fold. We hope profits would be donated to a charity. pect, H.H. Holmes in a new film. The to run a short intro to all our team We are delighted to say that this year’s film is currently in the early stages of members in the next issue. charity is Eaves For Women, a London pre-production and is without a writer based organisation that offers support or director at present. DiCaprio’s film to vulnerable women. We have donated company have acquired the rights of On the $300 to them; this amounts to our net Erik Larson’s 2003 book, The Devil in profits between April and December the White City, from the company of Map 2010. We hope you too find this to be Tom Cruise (who had originally simi- Here’s a festive treat the Cherry as suitable and worthy a cause as we larly intended to take the lead role). So Studios, located in East London, have do. For more on the chosen charity see the film will be based, at least loosely, launched a festive Mulled Wine and the link below. on Larson’s work (and this surely is a Murder Map. Sent out to clients, it www.eaves4women.co.uk good thing considering the esteem with mixes history with modern locations. which that work is held). It festively includes the sites of the www.cinemablend.com Ripper murders, we kid you not! www.collider.com more info here

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 93 On An On the On a Extension Pull Lighter Well-known natural historian Sir John Bennett has led the way and other David Attenborough had a shock when users have also posted recently on the Note he discovered, during building work in Casebook message boards information Readers may be interested to note his garden, the answer to a true crime about and images of the new look Ten that Oliver is now the most popular mystery, in the form of a decomposed Bells public house. The pub has under- name for a boy in England and , skull. It belonged to Julia Martha taken a dramatic facelift in recent ending Jack’s 14 year reign at the top Thomas, victim of the 1879 Barnes months. Those interested should take a of the charts. Incidentally, Olivia was Murder Mystery; its discovery marks a look here for the full discussion the most popular girls’ name. bizarre end to the final mystery of this forum.casebook.org www.bbc.co.uk bizarre crime. Jane Martha Thomas was killed by her maid, Kate Webster, with an axe and her body was then dis- On Stage On A Date membered. Thomas’s body parts were A play based on the five women mur- Jack the Ripper – the Definitive Story – found in the Thames but her head was dered by Jack the Ripper, called is set to air in the UK on Channel Five not found at the time. Webster was The Roses of Whitechapel opened 3rd in mid-January 2011 and the History tried and executed for the crime. The November at the Greenwich Playhouse. Channel in February 2011. home of Sir David, is close to the site of The Three Musketeers Spontaneous 5th February 2011 the murder victim’s home and the land Productions wanted to base the play Whitechapel Society Meeting where the extension was built used around monologues of the murdered speaker Prof Clive Bloom to, until it was very recently demol- women and Jack is seen only in shadow ‘The Anniversary of the Siege ished, be the site of a pub frequented and his identity is not the focus. The of Sidney Street’. by Webster. play is an expanded version of Proper www.dailymail.co.uk Red Stuff, originally performed in 2000. The run at the Greenwich Playhouse Have a comment about th ended 7 November. something you read in this www.bexleytimes.co.uk issue? Write a letter now www.newsshopper.co.uk westend.broadwayworld.com to the Examiner at [email protected]

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 94 On The Case Extra

The News From Ripper World Jack the Ripper: The Definitive Story—an insight into its production with John Bennett

For this issue’s ‘On the Case Extra’ the Examiner has an interview with Ripperologist John Bennett about the documentary, Jack the Ripper: The Definitive Story that he is involved in making. Examiner - “Hi John, thanks for talking to the Casebook Examiner about the new Jack the Ripper documentary you are involved with. You must be very excited about it; can you tell us a little bit about it?” JB - ‘Jack the Ripper: The Definitive Story’ attempts to tell the story of the Whitechapel Murders as accurately and as – dare I say it – neutrally as possible. It’s going to be a two-hour programme, John McCarthy breaks down the door of 13 Miller’s Court. which allows for a lot more content than Technical wizardry beckons. Door played admirably by Jeff Leahy.

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 95 your average Ripper documentary, so made edits, rewrites and graciously cor- tell you, the title was thrust upon them there is a strong element of dramatic rected mistakes (to my shame). by the History Channel in the early days reconstruction which goes beyond the Examiner – “What was the aim in of getting the programme commissioned. hackneyed ‘woman in street and flash- making the documentary? And what are We weren’t entirely happy with it, but ing knife’ stuff that we are used to. It is you your hopes for the programme?” had to go with it. Calling it ‘definitive’ in effect a Ripper documentary made by JB - The aim was simple, to tell the may well open the project up to intense ‘Ripperologists’; Jeff Leahy is the direc- story as it unfolded from 1888-91, pure scrutiny, perhaps more than is neces- tor/producer and Paul Begg and I wrote and simple. Cut out the mythology and sary. But that said, if it is more ‘defini- the script. hype. Show it as it really was as best as tive’ than anything that has gone before, Examiner – “How did you get possible. And where there is conjecture, it will at least have achieved something involved with writing the script?” try and give both sides of the argument. I significant. JB - In June 2009, Paul and Jeff (with guess balance is the keyword. Examiner – “You have used CGI Richard Jones) turned up to the launch Hopes? Again, simple – that the pro- technology - how do you feel this has com- of my book E1 in Brick Lane, apparently duction fulfils our aims. If I was to say plemented your narrative?” to check me out. I thought they’d come that this will be the best documentary JB - This was partly what inspired along because they were in the area with on the real story of JTR since the 1973 the documentary and eventually sold it Richard and had nothing better to do! Barlow and Watts series, then I would be in the end – the fact that we have recre- Anyhow, after helping to film some parts inviting trouble. But this is what we are ated many of the scenes as they would of the 2009 conference, I was approached after – that factual depiction. This will be have looked in 1888, complete with live to be involved in the production. Initially, watched by those well-versed in the case actors, was something that excited the Jeff had me down for sorting out ‘talking and by the layman. It would be foolish to TV people. Most of us are aware of Jake head’ interviewees, but then Paul became say that it is going to please everybody Luukanen’s superlative reconstructions ill and ended up in hospital. I mentioned (and we know what the Ripperological and he, along with a great team of com- that I would be happy to help with putting community can be like), but, hopefully, positors and technical bods have risen a script together in the event that Paul those in the know will appreciate that we to the challenge. The process of combin- couldn’t give it his full attention. In the have tried our best. I guess “the proof of ing live action with computer generated end, I ended up writing most of it! It was the pudding…” as they say. imagery is too complicated for a techno- quite a daunting task as it was meant to Examiner – “The title is very close phobe like me, but needless to say, the be exhaustive, so I was writing dialogue, to that of one of Paul Begg’s books. Given final results look incredible. Imagine narration and rough outlines of what the that he is also involved in the project, was sweeping along the rooftops of 1888 talking heads were going to speak about. this intentional?” Hanbury Street and then down into the Once Paul was better, he leapt in and JB - Not at all, as Paul and Jeff will backyard, just as John Davis comes out

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 96 Left to right from top: awaits his cue to discover Mrs Long encounters Annie Chapman the ‘From Hell’ letter and kidney. A break in shooting at the ‘Style and and a man outside No.29 Hanbury Winch’ pub, Maidstone. Pearly Poll, Street. The next time you see this view Neil Bell and Don Rumbelow watch a Martha Tabram and their soldier they will be standing in the street as it playback with Director of Photography companions. appeared in 1888. Paul Dixon.

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 97 Left to right from top: Elizabeth Stride (right) with extras Co-author Paul Begg in conversation from a doss-house scene. with his nemesis Aaron Kosminski.

Shooting the Martha Tabram mortu- Mary Kelly’s room. This set became a ary scene – Dr. Timothy Killeen does bloodbath by the end of the day. the honours.

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 98 of the house and finds Annie Chapman’s documentary as a whole. It’s something photography started. She had done body. Well, we have that and there’s that we will keep a close eye on during some filming at the Wolverhampton plenty more where that came from! the final editing. Conference for a Spanish documentary Examiner – “I understand your doc- In any case, if this project was she was making at the time and helped umentary is not suspect-orientated, but another ‘name the Ripper’ programme, I Jeff at the 2009 event. She joined the did this make it more difficult to capture don’t think I would have been involved, team to direct and produce the ‘Making the imagination of TV producers and get personally. Of’ feature that will appear on the DVD funding, than if you had taken a more Examiner – “What was it like having version of the programme, due for release sensationalist route?” fellow Ripperologists Paul Begg, Laura next year. JB - This was perhaps the tough- Prieto, Jaakko Luukanen and Jeff Leahy I wouldn’t say it was a mixed blessing est call for me as a scriptwriter. I believe working on the documentary? Do you to have so many Ripperologists involved, the TV commissioning editors initially think that having so many Ripperologists as I think the whole project has benefited wanted a hook to hang the documen- involved has been a mixed blessing!?” enormously from it. Nearly every shot tary onto, i.e. a suspect, but eventually JB - As far as Jeff, Paul and Jake has been informed by knowledge of the came round. Suspects are mentioned, were concerned, it was their baby anyway people, places and history – makeup and but only those significant ones named by - Jeff was talking about this idea as far costume were constantly bombarded with investigating officers of the day: Pizer, back as the 2007 Wolverhampton confer- information from us (and others), just to Druitt, Ostrog, Kosminski, Tumblety and ence. Jeremy Beadle was also instrumen- try and get things looking as right as pos- Chapman. Hopefully, we have given pros tal in kick-starting the project too. And sible. All the major featured police offic- and cons to these suspects’ viability and it has been a terrific experience working ers have the correct collar numbers, for kept it as balanced and neutral as pos- with them. Working with Paul on the example. Locations were sought out for sible. We were all worried that people script and behind the scenes has been their similarity to real places, Swallow would find some bias somewhere and great and spending the day with Jake Gardens being a great example – it was a hope that this will not be the case. Paul in London researching architectural ele- brick arch at Chatham Docks. and I were particularly concerned about ments for his models was a particularly We were also fortunate to have a any bias towards Kosminski, for exam- enjoyable experience. OK, it was a pub great range of authorities to contribute ple, because we mention Macnaghten’s crawl, but useful, nonetheless. Jeff does a on-screen appearances: apart from Paul memoranda, Swanson’s marginalia and lovely boat trip up the Medway, too. Begg and myself (ahem), there were Anderson’s claims. They’re all part of the Laura Prieto, as well as being a Philip Hutchinson, Neil Bell, Lindsay story, but we didn’t want it to add weight ‘Ripperologist’ has a career in audiovis- Siviter, Don Rumbelow, Neal Shelden, to Kosminski (Aaron or otherwise) to ual media, film, TV and radio and was Richard Jones, Gareth Williams, Bill the detriment of the neutrality of the coming to live in Britain when principal Beadle and Robert Anderson. It’s these

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 99 people who comment on the case and and behind-the-scenes footage to the have been bandied about and Jeff, Paul hopefully give the various arguments and evening’s entertainment. Actually, one and I have already spoken about specific analyses a decent airing. I guess they are attendee (who shall remain nameless) subjects, though I am not really at liberty the ‘conscience’ of the production! found it interesting enough to walk out to say much at present, as they are still at Examiner – “You must be very with the disc of the teaser! Don’t worry, the ‘enthusiastic chat in the pub’ phase. pleased at the reception that the preview you can keep it, Mark (whoops). Jack the Ripper: The Definitive Story of your documentary got at the October Examiner – “Finally, will the com- is Bullseye Lantern Productions’ first Whitechapel Society meeting?” pany be involved in any future projects?” outing, so who knows what the future JB - It went down pretty well and JB - Yes, that’s the plan. The holds? there were many excited reactions. ‘Definitive Story’ is a tag that can be Examiner - Thanks very much for Paul’s talk gave a good idea of what attached to other weighty subjects and answering our questions and we are the whole project was about and how again, the wonders that are Jake’s com- looking forward to seeing the finished it came to be and a ‘Making of...’ teaser puter models would be a defining feature product. film added more tantalising material in these future projects. Several ideas Puzzling Conundrums Just how good a detective are you? You could print the puzzle to work Five women are meeting at the local on it, or click on the relevant boxes on the Go to the next page pub for a birthday party for a fellow next page to fill them in with an X or O. Ripperologist. Each woman decided to Then click and hold on the box for the puzzle bring a signed first edition copy as their below to see if you solved the case present. Determine which woman gave correctly! which gift, how much they spent on it and their drink of choice for the evening. Although the names might seem famil- iar, this is purely for fun and is not meant to be historically accurate! If you are not sure how to solve a logic puzzle like this one then go to www.logic-puzzles.org for instructions and a video tutorial.

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 100 On The Case… Puzzling Conundrums

1. Ms. Morris’ gift cost $5 less than Ms. Ripperologist Gift Given Drink Coram’s.

2. The “First Photos” book didn’t cost $75.

3. Of Ms. Pegg and the Ripperologist who gave “The London of JTR”, one spent Ms. Coram Ms. Pegg Ms. Morris Ms. Arif Ms. Bradshaw TMWHJTR First Photos London of JTR Sugden/History Sourcebook Bloody Mary Gin and Tonic Cosmo Manhattan Screwdriver the most for her gift and the other $70 ordered a Gin and Tonic. $75 4. Ms. Coram’s gift cost $5 less than $80 “London of JTR”. $85 C ost of Gift 5. Ms. Bradshaw drank the Cosmo. $90

6. The five Ripperologists were Ms. Bloody Mary Coram and Ms. Pegg, the one who Gin and Tonic bought Sugden’s “History,” the one Cosmo who spent $85 for their gift and the one who drank the Manhattan. D rink Manhattan Screwdriver 7. Ms. Pegg never orders Screwdrivers. TMWHJTR 8. Neither “First Photos” nor “TMWHJTR” First Photos was the most expensive book. London of JTR 9. The Gin and Tonic was ordered by Sugden/History either Ms. Arif or Ms. Pegg. Gift Given Sourcebook

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 101 On The Case Back Story

The News From Ripper World

a solid 24 from Dr. W.G. Grace, fell match. And he, at least, is just the sort Polly and short. For the next match, at the Oval, of suspect who might have written London, on August 13th-14th, Dr. Grace to someone that he was or wasn’t in The Ashes was given his first Ashes captaincy attendance. e recently got a message from and England soared to victory by an Anyway, a tip of the hat to Neil for Neil Bell in which he said innings and 137 runs. his tip. We should also mention that Wthat the celebrated They played only three matches he is a proud dad as he reported that clash between England and Australia in those days (with four balls per over) his son had been selected to give a few known as the Ashes Test Matches and the final was set for August 30th- English batsmen some netting practice were held in England during 1888. He 31th at Old Trafford in Manchester. before they headed to Australia. His added, “in fact, the final day of the last England batted first and managed 172 son will remember that opportunity test occurred, if I recall correctly, hours runs. Australia later complained of forever. after Nichols body was discovered.” deteriorating conditions on the pitch, With the Ashes again being contested, but at 1:52 pm on the 31st—just scant this time in Australia, even as we pub- hours after Charles Lechmere discov- lish it seemed worth checking and, as ered Mary Ann Nichols body—England ever, Neil is right on the money when was declared the winner by an innings it comes to cricket lore. and 21 runs. As it was, the 1888 battle for the That rather knocks a hole in the Ashes was fought in England. The first fanciful theory that named Dr. Grace match, played on July 16th-17th at the as the Ripper, but it would be more venerable Lord’s pitch in London, saw destructive to the Montague J. Druitt Australia win by 61 runs. England candidacy if it could be proved that the The hotly only needed 124 runs on the second cricket loving barrister had journeyed contested day, but the pitch was poor and despite north that weekend to watch the final Ashes Urn

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 102 Ultimate Ripperologists’ Tour: Hull Mike Covell A compendium of travels through locations pertinent to the Ripper case.

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 103 his issue our tour takes us to top of Anlaby Road. These were not October 1888 for Jack-the Ripper-like Hull. When visiting Hull, or always shops but were once houses conduct. TKingston-upon-Hull, as it is and were known as Ocean Place. It was Heading back to the Anlaby known in more upmarket circles, visi- here, in 1831, that William Stephenson, Road and Ferenseway junction east tors will more often than not find Robert D’Onston Stephenson’s grand- along Carr Lane we pass the site of a themselves arriving at the Paragon father, was listed as residing. Further former suit shop that Frederick Bailey Interchange, which is the central traf- along Anlaby Road on the same side is Deeming had visited whilst in Hull; fic hub consisting of a bus, coach and the former home of Frederick Richard the receipt for a suit bought here was rail terminal. The station itself is a Chapman, who resided at Coburg found on his person after his arrest in connection to several Ripper suspects, Terrace for some years. Heading fur- Australia. Further along Carr Lane we but we shall move onto these later ther west along Anlaby Road we see pass Chariot Street, once a thriving towards the end of our tour. Park Street, former home of photogra- location on the edge of the town but Leaving the station by the front pher William Barry. It was Barry who now a short unremarkable street. It entrance you will come across the took Frederick Bailey Deeming’s pho- was here that William Stephenson, impressive façade of the Royal Station tograph in Hull in 1889. Robert D’Onston Stephenson’s grand- Hotel, built in 1851 and designed Heading still further west along father, carried out his business as a by George Townsend Andrews. The Anlaby Road, we see Arlington wheelwright. hotel itself has links to no fewer Street, which stood on the north side Heading further east along Carr than five people associated with the of the road and is where Richard Lane, we pass Ferens Art Gallery on the Ripper case, including Queen Victoria, Stephenson Snr lived out his last right where several paintings by Walter Prince Albert Edward, Prince Albert few years. Further west on the south Sickert hang. For many years Hull City Victor, Frederick Bailey Deeming, side of the road we come across Council workers gave these paintings a and Frederick Richard Chapman, all Linnaeus Street, home of the impres- nickname, “Jack the Ripper’s Paintings”. of whom spent time at the hotel. The sive Sunnyside House, former home of It should also be noted that the art gal- hotel is allegedly haunted, and a few the Dawber family, who were Robert lery stands on what used to be the years back I was fortunate enough D’Onston Stephenson’s uncles and Hull and Sculcoates Dispensary where to spend some time in the eerie tun- cousins. Further down from this prop- Frederick Richard Chapman worked. nels and cellars that are buried deep erty stood Roslyn Villas but the blitz To the right, on the opposite side of the beneath the hotel. and Hull Corporation have wiped out road, are Queen Victoria Square and Passing the hotel along Ferensway any trace of the properties. Also, off the Hull Maritime Museum, outside of and heading south towards Anlaby Anlaby Road, stands Adelaide Street, which stand two cannons that were sent Road you will see a row of shops at the where Samuel Nobel was arrested in to Garibaldi for his campaign in Italy.

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 104 Heading further east, we pass the old Beverley Gate, a location associ- ated with the English Civil War when Governor John Hotham refused King Charles entry into Hull. It was this act that would lead to English Civil War, and ultimately the death of both Governor John Hotham and Sir John Hotham his son. The gate was used in the medieval period as a make- shift gibbet and several sketches exist showing the bodies of criminals hang- ing high over what is now a busy shop- ping street. Passing the gate we meet Whitefriargate, a street named after the Carmelite Friars that once occupied the south side of the street. The street today retains much of its history, at least above the shop fronts. Along the street you will pass Schuh, a shoe shop that was once home to Reynoldson’s and Son Jewellers, and the location of Frederick Bailey Deeming’s fraudulent purchase of jewellery. Moving along, on the same side of the street, we see a rather imposing building known to Carr Lane many as Neptune Inn. This was the former offices of the Hull Customs where Robert D’Onston Stephenson worked as a clerk of the first class. Opposite the Neptune Inn stands

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 105 Parliament Street; this is where Joseph Dawber, Robert D’Onston Stephenson’s cousin, carried out work as a solici- tor. Joseph was arrested and tried for fraud and imprisoned in Hull Prison at the same time as Frederick Bailey Deeming! On the corner of Parliament Street and Whitefriargate stands a large building that has for many years served Hull as a bank. It was here that Frederick Bailey Deeming opened an account to defraud Messrs Reynoldson and here where Messrs Reynoldson returned to cash the fraudulent cheques. Moving further along, we pass a down-market bingo parlour which was once the property of The Hull News. It was here in 1888 that a Ripper letter turned up causing some concern that the Ripper was on his way to Hull. Moving further east once more, we pass the wonderfully titled, Land of Green Ginger and the George Hotel, where Richard Stephenson Jnr, Robert D’Onston Stephenson’s brother, was often found canvassing for votes in his role as an East Sculcoates Parliament Street from Hull’s Customs House. Councillor. Turning left onto Land of Green Ginger, you can see Manor- street, where Jane Feeney threatened to “Whitechapel Murder” Minnie Kirlew in October 1888.

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 106 Before arriving at Manor Back up at the junction of Lowgate Stephenson resided.The road eventu- Street we turn right and head down and Bowlalley Lane, the journey can ally joins Holderness Road, and leads Bowlalley Lane and pass several of the take in any of the wonderful lanes that you up to what is left of Beeton Street, Victorian chambers. It was down here lead to Hull’s medieval High Street, former residence of Frederick Richard that Joseph Dawber, Robert D’Onston as each has wonderful Georgian and Chapman. Stephenson’s cousin, carried out busi- Victorian architecture and dark alleys, Crossing Alfred Gelder Street, you ness for a short while as a solicitor entries and yards. On High Street meet High Street once again and to the before moving to Parliament Street. there are several areas of historical left stands Salthouse Lane. This is a Leaving Bowlalley Lane and head- interest from the old Corn Exchange, location of several murders, with the ing across Lowgate, we can see St now a museum, to Ye Olde Black Boy earliest being dated back to the 1600s Mary’s Church and Hull’s Guildhall, pub, Maister’s House, the Streetlife when an escaped prisoner was dis- formerly the Town Hall, to the left Museum, and Wilberforce House, covered murdered and mutilated, his and Holy Trinity Church to the birthplace of William Wilberforce. The head stuffed into his stomach cavity right. Further along Lowgate we meet street is also rumoured to be one of and his arms and legs pulled off! The Market Place, and if we were to follow the most haunted streets in Hull with junction of High Street and Salthouse this route south we would eventually a number of buildings boasting para- Lane was also the location of Princes meet Queen Street and the Victoria normal activity, and on more than one Chambers, former workplace of Pier. It was here that Queen Victoria occasion a night watchman heard a Richard Stephenson Jnr. Walking sailed from Hull in 1854 and circum- phantom carriage and horses heading further north along High Street, we navigated the city via the dock system along the street. see Blaydes House to the right.This that is now redundant. Lewis Carroll Walking north along High Street was the former home of the Blaydes also sailed from here towards New past these magnificent buildings you family who built the H.M.S.Bounty of Holland after visiting his grandfather, eventually meet Alfred Gelder Street, the mutiny on the Bounty fame; the Charles Lutwidge Dodgeson. Also, a recent street that was laid out in dry dock still exists today and can be Robert D’Onston Stephenson’s brother the early 1900s. If one heads off along viewed from High Street. The house arrived on a ferry here in the 1870s Clarence Street you will pass the Red is now a part of Hull University’s and was chased by the Hull Police Lion public house, now home to a Maritime History department, and can down Queen Street, Market Place and memorial plaque in remembrance of be viewed on Heritage Days. Other Lowgate until he got to the Hull Town my father. Church Street in the manor historical areas of interest are a little Hall, where he was captured and put of Myton stands behind the pub and up street known as North Walls, where on trial for trying to gain access to until recently Ripperologists thought the walls of the town once stood, and Francis Roe’s house on Church Street. that this was where Robert D’Onston the main lock gate into the Old Dock,

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 107 which has now been filled in. Street you will pass Wilberforce Drive, but once the former home of Richard Eventually we reach Charlotte where a statue of William Wilberforce Stephenson Snr. Street, home of the Dodgeson family, dominates the skyline. Along the drive Grimston Street leads us onto Lewis Carroll’s paternal grandpar- stands what used to be known as “The Worship Street where the Christchurch ents. Charles Dodgeson worked for Old Dock” but after Queen Victoria’s once stood. It was here that Lewis both the Hull Customs and Hull’s 1854 visit became known as Queen’s Carroll’s grandfather and Frederick Trinity House. At this point those with Dock. Richard Stephenson Snr and Richard Chapman both got married. strong legs can head further north and William Dawber had a business along Turning left onto Albion Street visit Wincolmlee, formerly known as the north side of this dock for many we pass the imposing white façade of Church Street, as it led to St Mary’s years, and today, although the dock is the Hull New Theatre, where Charles Church, Sculcoates. Along Church filled in, there are some other histori- Dickens read to the Hull crowds in Street stood High Flags, where Robert cal monuments to consider. One might, both 1859 and 1860, but it’s not the D’Onston Stephenson was met by for example get a bite to eat or drink theatre we are interested in, but John Alexander McLennan Fowler prior to at the café by the Mick Ronson memo- Street that passes behind the theatre Stephenson leaving the Hull Customs, rial stage, a well known guitarist from and Kingston Square, for it is here, at Willows House home of the Stephenson the 70s who had worked with such per- number 16, that Richard Stephenson family, Union Mill workplace of formers as David Bowie, Lou Reed, Bob Snr resided for many years. Richard Stephenson Snr, Francis Roe’s Dylan, Elton John and many, many, Continuing along either John home, where Richard Stephenson Jnr more. Street or Albion Street we meet tried to gain illegal access, and finally If popular music is not your thing, Charles Street where both the St Mary’s Church, where a great perhaps literary works tickle your Dawber and Stephenson families number of the Stephenson and Dawber fancy, and it was here, in September resided. It was here in 1841 that families got christened, and married. 1651 that Robinson Crusoe was said to Robert D’Onston Stephenson was There are a couple of back street cafes, have begun his journey! born, although the building has since pubs, and spaces to rest your legs, but Back on George Street we head vanished. Continuing further along it is approximately two miles there towards Grimston Street, which takes Albion Street, we meet Bond Street and back tracing the River Hull along us north past Silvester Street. It was on the right, another location where Wincolmlee so it’s not for everyone. here that Richard Stephenson Snr had Richard Stephenson Snr had resided If one decides against such a trek lived for some years before marrying for some years. Continuing on along they can take in the delights of the more Robert D’Onston Stephenson’s mother. Albion Street we pass a row of lovely central locations. Leaving Charlotte Further along we reach Mason Street, restored Georgian town houses on Street and heading up to George now home of the Hull History Centre, the right and on the left the Albion

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 108 Street car park. Across the car park common-law wife Nora Amos. The enter Paragon Station you will notice we see the remains of Waltham Street couple had argued all night and even the neat white suspended ceilings that School Houses, where Waltham Street though the police turned up and this company has recently installed. Chapel once stood. It was here that restored order, the following morning It seems that whilst Jack the the Rev. Charles Prest once took ser- Nora was found battered, bruised, and Ripper never visited Hull, his legacy mons. Prest was a family friend of the bloody. It was on this very street that remains with every street, and Stephenson and Dawber families, and the Dawber family business contin- building. Robert D’Onston Stephenson is later ued to trade into the mid-1900s before listed as residing at his former house moving to larger premises. in Islington. Finally, we reach Ferensway and To check train and Continuing on Albion Street, we we see the Hull Interchange oppo- travel info go to: meet Story Street where the Rev. site and onto our final Ripper connec- Charles Prest resided whilst living tion. The station has seen the arrival www.traveline.org.uk in Hull. Further along Albion Street of several Ripper suspects from Prince www.nationalrail.co.uk we pass Hull’s Central Library where Albert Victor, to his father Prince there is an array of Ripper books and, Albert Edward, and in turn his mother interestingly, Lewis Carroll’s diaries. Queen Victoria. Travel Writers Needed! Passing the library we cross King In the 1700s William Dawber had Is there a Jack the Ripper connection Edward Street and make our way into set up business in Hull as a slater to your local town or district? Why not Prospect Centre, built on what used and slate merchant, but by the 1800s tell us about it? We would be delighted to be Hull’s General Infirmary and his family had grown and as well as a to include a guide to your area in a where Dr. Kelburne King worked for partnership with Richard Stephenson, future issue as we are on the look- many years. King had treated Robert he also took his son into the family out for would-be travel writers to tell D’Onston Stephenson whilst in the trade. Eventually, Richard Stephenson us about the places they know with a Hull Customs, and in later years when would go his own way, but William Ripper connection. Simply email the Stephenson was shot in the leg at Dawber and Son continued to trade for features editor at examiner@casebook. Flamborough. many years. Partners came and went, org with a few brief details about the Leaving Prospect Centre, we and on occasions the name would place you have in mind and we’ll take enter West Street, where one of Hull’s change slightly to represent new part- it from there! We look forward to fea- famous murders took place; it was ners, but eventually the business name turing your area soon. here in 1901 in a small entry off the was set at Dawber Williamsons which street that Alfred Fairfax killed his remains trading in Hull today. As you

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 109 CSI: Whitechapel

September 1888 Graffito

Location: Wentworth Model Dwellings, Goulston Street, Whitechapel

Date: 30th September, 1888

Time: 2:55 AM

The Clue: A piece of apron covered in blood and some writing said to read, “The Juwes are The men That will not be Blamed for nothing” (although variations of this wording were reported by some officers).

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 110 Discovered By: The Crime Scene: to be blood stained and that one por- PC Long, whose beat included Wentworth Model Dwellings were tion of it was wet. Some blood and Goulston Street. He had been drafted a fairly new build at the time of the faecal matter was also found on it. It in to Whitechapel from A Division crimes. The area was inhabited prin- was lying in a passage leading to the (Westminster) to help out during the cipally by Jews of all nationalities and staircase above it on the wall were the Autumn of Terror. Having heard of was close to a Jewish market. The tene- words written in chalk: - the discovery DC Halse and Hunt ments were located on Goulston Street, “The Juwes are from the City of London Police Force, which runs parallel to Commercial The men That who were conducting searches follow- Street and is off Whitechapel Road. Will not ing Catherine Eddowes’ murder, went The spot where the apron was discov- Be Blamed to Leman Street Police Station from ered is approximately a third of a mile For nothing.” where they were directed to Goulston from Mitre Square where Catherine The writing was on the jamb of the Street. Once there and on ascertain- Eddowes’ body was discovered. open archway/doorway. It was written ing the situation DC Halse stood guard in white chalk and on the fascia of black whilst Hunt went back to Mitre Square The Discovery of the bricks edging the doorway. PC Long where he found Inspector McWilliam Crime: searched the staircase and areas of and informed him of the situation. At approximately 2:20 am PC Long the building but he found nothing else. visited Goulston Street and the model He took the apron to the police station First Police on Scene: dwellings and there was nothing on Commercial Road and reported to PC Long 254A, who discovered the there at that time according to his the inspector on duty. Presumably the writing. DC Halse was the first City of observations. At 2:55 am he found, murderer used it to wipe his hands or Police officer on the scene; he stayed in the bottom of the stairs, leading to knife and threw it away. Long immedi- with the writing on seeing it. Numbers 108 to 119 Goulston Street, a ately looked for other signs of blood but piece of a bloodstained apron and above there were none. He found no traces of Medical Assistance: it the writing and he reported this fact. recent footmarks in the area. The apron piece was taken to Golden DC Halse, City of London Police, had Lane Mortuary by Dr George Bagster passed though Goulston Street, also at The Evidence: Phillips soon after the body of Catherine approximately 2:20 am, as part of the After the apron had been removed to Eddowes had been removed there. hunt for suspected persons following the mortuary, it was found to fit with Dr Frederick Brown, who conducted the discovery of Catherine Eddowes’ the portion of apron that was remain- Catherine’s post mortem, viewed the body and had seen nothing. PC Long ing on the body of Catherine Eddowes apron piece at the mortuary. noted the apron segment appeared (for more on the Eddowes’ crime scene,

CSI: WHITECHAPEL Graffito see report in Casebook Examiner Issue visible to anybody in the street and frustrated that an important clue was 4). The segment found in Goulston after taking into consideration the seemingly needlessly obliterated, for Street was the corner of the apron with strong feeling against the Jews at the the Superintendent and Commissioner the string attached. The blood spots on time and the fact that there would be on the ground there was genuine fear the apron were reported to be of recent a large amount of people in the street about public unrest and anti-Semitic origin. However, it was not possible to imminently, it was decided to erase disorder on the streets, which they felt say if it was human blood. The piece of it after copying what it said, it was they needed to prevent. As it was get- apron had a new piece of material that Commissioner Warren who ordered ting light and the streets were set to was sewn on the part left on the body. the removal. be bustling with people the decision The seams and borders of the two sec- was taken that it needed to be quickly tions were corresponding. Meanwhile Criticisms: removed. We do not know if they were the graffiti writing was said to be writ- A major criticism of the handling of this right, in the sense that, we do not know ten in an ordinary hand. crime scene is that the Commissioner what would have happened had the of the Metropolitan Police had the writing remained in place. However, The Search for Clues: graffiti erased before it could be pho- Detective Halse, City of London Police, Officers at once searched the model tographed. This has led to criticism was present at the time and did not dwellings and the common lodging both at the time and in retrospect want the writing removed and the City houses that were in the nighbourhood. continuing to the present day, as it of London Police Inspector McWilliam There were six or seven sets of stair- could have been an important clue in has specifically asked for it to be pho- cases at the tenements and PC Long the hunt for the Ripper. According to tographed. Halse asked for the writing stated that he searched every one. Phillip Sugden (2002, pp 184) this was to remain until at the very least Henry On hearing DC Hunt’s report of the Sir ’s most controver- Smith, head of the City of London Police Goulston Street apron and writing sial intervention in the Whitechapel had seen it. He suggested a compromise find, Inspector McWilliam ordered that Murders. However, we should note that the line containing the word Juwes the message be photographed. The the origins of the idea to obliterate the only should be obliterated. The writing, photographing of the graffiti caused writing came, not from Warren but however, fell in Metropolitan, not City some debate. It was ascertained that from Superintendent Thomas Arnold, of London Police, territory. Therefore, it could not be covered up without the H Division. Arnold sent an inspec- even though it was a clue in the murder danger of the covering being torn off. tor with a sponge to Goulston Street of Catherine Eddowes, a City of London A discussion took place whether any for the same purpose on hearing of Police investigation, Warren’s word portion of it could be left for a hour the writing and its location. Although was final. PC Long reported that it was until it could be photographed. It was with hindsight we recognise and are removed at 5:30 am.

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 112 The Limitations of the Sources: Day: Evans, S. and Skinner, K. (2001) The The police did not have the benefit of Ultimate Jack the Ripper Sourcebook, instant photography that we have. Constable and Robinson, London. There cameras were much more dif- Sugden, P. (2002) The Complete ficult to use and taking a photograph History of Jack the Ripper, Revised would not be the simple task we are paperback edition, Constable and used to today. It would have taken a Robinson, London. considerable amount of time to expose the shot and the light would have also been a factor.

Conclusion: This scene is linked to the murder of Catherine Eddowes who was found ear- lier that morning in Mitre Square, City of London. It is undetermined if the wall writing may well be linked to the apron as it was found above it, however, some speculate that this is a coincidence. The murder of Catherine Eddowes is likely to be one in a series, connected to that of Mary Ann Nichols, Annie Chapman and Elizabeth Stride (see our last files). Despite numerous suspects being inves- tigated the case remains unsolved and the file is still open.

Goulston Street c.1900

CSI: WHITECHAPEL Graffito casebookfrom the archives:

Elizabeth Next issue we will have a look at Jackson Matthew Packer

his issue’s look at the Casebook’s The New York World suggested that We turn once again to the excel- extensive archives focuses Jackson was the tenth victim of Jack lent research in this area, of Debra Arif Ton the murder of Elizabeth the Ripper, however there is no real to hear a Ripper Podcast dedicated to Jackson, whose remains were dis- reason to suppose that her death is con- the Thames Torso murders first aired covered in June 1889. This is a crime nected with the Whitechapel Murders.” in April 2008. As well as covering the usually attributed to the Thames Debra Arif’s excellent article on the murder of Elizabeth Jackson, the epi- Torso Murder series, and sometimes is case, written in 2008, can be accessed sode features the Whitehall Mystery linked to those of Jack the Ripper. directly here. This is an in depth and Pinchin Street Torso. It can be lis- What better place to begin our account of the discovery of the body tened to here. hunt for information in the Casebook’s parts and the subsequent police inquiry The Times reports on Wynne vast archives, than on the victims from someone who has researched these Baxter’s inquest on 8th, 24th and 25th main pages where a brief summary of crimes a great deal. July can be viewed here, here and Elizabeth Jackson can be seen here. An extract from Chris Scott’s book here. These stories are transcribed as As it explains “Parts of Jackson’s body A Cast of Thousands, dealing with this part of the Press Report Project. were found in the Thames between 31st case is also on Casebook at here. This Finally, various threads on this May and 25th June 1889. At the time segment gives some biographical infor- case on the Message Boards can be of her death, she had been living as a mation on Jackson on the 1871 census seen via this link. prostitute in London’s Soho Square. return.

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 114 Scenes of Crime Robert Clack

Arbour Square Police Station 1910 ight of the eleven murders Arbour Square Police were three rooms above the stables, attributed to the Whitechapel Station which provided accommodation for a EMurderer occurred in the Plans were made in 1840 to move the married Sergeant and his family. Metropolitan Police area of H Division, Thames Police Court from its location Originally, Arbour Square Police Whitechapel. H Division was the small- at Wapping Police Station. A suitable Station belonged to K Division, est of the East London Metropolitan site was found in Arbour Street just (later Bow). Restructuring Police Divisions and was formed on north of Commercial Road. As well as in 1880 saw Arbour Square trans- February 10th, 1830. In 1888 there the new Thames Police Court, a new fer from K to H Division. The were four Police Stations and a Police police station with stables would be Divisional Superintendent during Court (The Police Court Covered other built as well. Despite being built on the Whitechapel Murders, Thomas East End Divisions as well) covering H Arbour Street, the new station would be Arnold, lived a few minutes walk from Division and it is these stations, which known as Arbour Square. The station the station at 36 Arbour Square. The are the subject of this issue’s ‘Scenes of opened in 1842. A two-storied building, photograph shown of Arbour Square Crime.’ the first floor contained accommoda- was taken around 1910 and was how tion for nineteen constables. There it looked in 1888. In 1923 the station

Arbour Square Police Station & Thames Police Court 2010

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 116 was rebuilt and the Police Court was rebuilt 1925. On 19th July 1944, the station was badly damaged when it was hit by a V1 rocket and some eighteen people were injured. The building was rebuilt and stayed operational up to 1999 when it closed. Today the Police Station and Court are being converted into luxury flats. Thames Police Court will soon be ready and has been given the new name of ‘The Old Court House’

Commercial Street Commercial Street Police Station opened in March 1876 to replace the Watch House, which stood at the junction of Spital Square and Lamb Street. A larger station was needed to replace the outdated Watch House and a site was chosen on Commercial Street between Fleur de Lis Street and Elder Street. The three-storied building at 160 Commercial Street, Shoreditch, contained a section house, which accommodated one Inspector, one Sergeant and fifty Constables. The 1881 census had Inspector Frederick Abberline living in the section house with his wife Emma. An odd shaped building, which Commercial Street Police Station 1955 was built on a corner plot, the officers

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 117 Commercial Street Police Station 2010 (inset shows door detail)

Scenes of Crime Rob Clack who worked there, knew the station Leman Street Police Station in the 1960s as ‘Comical Street’. The building was enlarged in 1906 when an additional floor was built. The station remained in use until it closed in March 1970. The building still stands today and looks exactly (albeit with an additional floor) as it did in 1888. The word ‘Police’ can still be seen above the main entrance. The building itself has been converted into flats and the frontage has recently been cleaned.

Leman Street Built in 1847, Leman Street Police Station was the Divisional Headquarters for H Division and it was where the C.I.D were based. The local Inspector at the time of the Whitechapel Murders was Inspector , who took over in 1887 from Inspector Frederick Abberline, who had served there for the past fourteen years. No photograph that shows how the exterior of the building looked in 1888 exists. The building was rebuilt in 1890 and was ready for business in March 1891. In 1967, the police station was closed while a new building was again built on the site. The new police station was opened in 1970 and remained in use until the station closed in 1995.

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 119 The Royal Mint, which was located and was then demolished a few years in H Division, had its own police sta- back. Modern flats have been built on tion. The station’s purpose was to guard the site of Shadwell Police Station. the Royal Mint only and the Officers attached there were supplied from Leman Street Police Station.

Shadwell Shadwell Police Station was located on King David Lane, which runs from Cable Street to the Highway. The building was built in 1850. Within five years, three extra cells were built. Like Arbour Square Police Station, Shadwell originally belonged to K Division and it was transferred to H Division in the same restructuring as Arbour Square. The photograph shows Shadwell Police Station in 1902, about five years before it was demolished to make way for a larger police station, which opened in 1908. Shadwell Police Station closed in 1933. A new build- ing was again built on it site in 1938 and was to be used as a section house. Originally called Shadwell Section, it was renamed Moylan House in memory of a Metropolitan Police Receiver. The Leman Street Police Station 2010 building ceased to be used as a section house in the mid-1990s. For a while, it was used as student accommodation

Scenes of Crime Rob Clack H Devision Map

THE CASEBOOK Examiner Issue 5 December 2010 121 Biography Robert Clack

obert Clack, from Surrey, England, has been studying the RWhitechapel Murders for over 25 years. At the 2009 Jack the Ripper Conference he was presented with the Jeremy Beadle Award for his outstand- ing contributions to Ripperology. He is the co-author of the book The London of Jack the Ripper: Then and Now, with Philip Hutchinson.

Scenes of Crime Rob Clack The End

Shadwell Police Station 1902