Question

Give some basic details of the Jack the Ripper cases.

a) A series of bank robberies in the 19th century
b) Unsolved murders in 19th century London, primarily targeting prostitutes
c) Political assassinations in Victorian England
d) A string of art thefts in the 19th century

Answer 1

The Jack the Ripper cases were unsolved murders in 19th century London's East End, primarily against prostitutes, and remain one of the greatest unsolved mysteries in British criminal history.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Jack the Ripper cases refer to unsolved murders that occurred in 19th century London. These gruesome crimes notoriously targeted prostitutes in the impoverished neighborhood of London’s East End, specifically in the area known as Whitechapel. The murders sparked fear and garnered significant attention both during the time and in the following years as they remain one of the greatest unsolved mysteries in the history of English crime. The moniker “Jack the Ripper” arose from letters sent to the police, purportedly by the killer, mocking their inability to catch him. Despite extensive investigations, the identity of Jack the Ripper has never been conclusively established. These killings occurred against a backdrop of societal changes, including reform in the criminal justice system where the death penalty was reserved for only the gravest offenses, and public executions were abolished.