Unsolved Mysteries volume 4 episode 1: Jack The Ripper case explored

Unsolved Mysteries, is a four-part docu-series exploring unresolved murders and mysterious disappearances. Episode 1 focuses on hideous crimes committed by Jack The Ripper, who used to target prostitutes living in Whitechapel, UK.

At first, no one knew what to call the person who brutally carried on with the mutilations and targeted poor women struggling to put food on their table. The murderer sent a letter to the higher authorities admitting to what he did and introduced himself as Jack The Ripper.

Despite vigorous searches, the traditional methods used by detectives and experts failed. There have been witnesses who saw the murderer escape but none of them saw the murders being committed. According to multiple descriptions, it was believed that Jack The Ripper used to wear a cape, a black hat and carried a handbag.

Directed by Robert Wise, Unsolved Mysteries Volume 4 episode 1 gives viewers insight into the horrendous murders that lasted from 1888 to 1891. As per Netflix, the episode synopsis reads:

"London, 1888. The city is gripped by a string of murders, each more gruesome than the last. Experts delve into one of history's most notorious mysteries."

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Deep dive into the Jack The Ripper case on Unsolved Mysteries volume 4 episode 1

Over time, the question of who committed these murders changed to why someone would kill another human being in such a manner. Dr. Thomas Bond was interested in understanding the mind of Jack The Ripper and the reason why he targeted victims without having a motive.

On Unsolved Mysteries episode 1, it was stated that Jack The Ripper wasn't a robber, he didn't want money from his victims. It was believed that he didn't know the victims personally either. According to Bond's research, he concluded that the murderer felt "s*xual pleasure" in targeting women and cutting out their body parts.

It was the thrill of murdering and getting away with it that got him addicted to continuing this path. After the first five murders, each case the police investigated was much worse than the previous one. As per the crime historian on Unsolved Mysteries, some people thought he was a "lunatic" and belonged to a mental asylum.

Without any substantial evidence, some leads and suspects caused more confusion amongst the higher authorities. This happened after Jack The Ripper's confession letter was made public.

People started to send letters to the police department as a joke and signed them as Jack The Ripper at the end. The "letter from hell" was believed to be sent by medical students who had access to human body parts.

The major highlight of Unsolved Mysteries episode 1 was the theory linked to the crown. It stated that the five victims Mary Jane, Polly Nichols, Annie Chapman, Elizebath Stride, and Catherine Eddowes were close friends. In most fiction movies and stories, Sir William Gull, a private doctor of the royal family is claimed as the murderer.

As per the theory, Queen Victoria's grandson Prince Albert Victor, was having an affair with a prostitute. The two had a baby together but the royal family wanted to keep this secret hidden from the public. Their baby Alice's babysitter was Mary Janse who was also friends with the other four victims. This friend group planned on blackmailing the throne for money.

However, there have been discussions that this might be a wrong theory as Sir William had a stroke in 1887. So he couldn't have been sent by the government to kill and keep the "secret silent forever."

To get insights into mysteries like these, stream Unsolved Mysteries exclusively on Netflix.