Experts seek identity of Jack the Ripper

Press, 28 September 1988, Page 18

Experts seek identity of Jack the Ripper

One hundred years ago a vicious serial murderer stalked the streets of London. A string of innocent women were killed by his knife. No witnesses were found. No suspects were convicted. To this day, the real identity of the killer has never been determined. On Thursday, October 27, at 8.30 p.m., Network Two will present a twohour television special, screening same day via satellite, in which a team of world-renowed and respected forensic scientists and criminologists will attempt to uncover the secret identity of Jack the Ripper. The scene of the crimes will be set. The evidence will be introduced. Vivid re-enactments of the crimes will unfold and profiles of each of the suspects will be

Using a state-of-the-art scientific - method of criminal analysis recently developed by the F. 8.1., a team of scientists and psychologists will attempt to positively identify for the first time, "The Secret Identity of Jack the Ripper.”

Peter Ustinov will be hosting the event, with 8.8. C. News anchor Jan Leeming presenting a live satellite link from London, where a panel of "Ripperologists” including historians and handwriting experts will give their opinions. Dr William Eckert, Director of the wellknown Milton Helpern International Centre for the Forensic Sciences will head the team of scientists, psychologists and criminologists in Los Angeles.

The producers of the programme are also responsible for the series “Unsolved Mysteries,” currently screening on Two.

Who was Jack the Ripper? Was he a doctor with a knowledge of anatomy who carved bodies with medical precision? Was he the heir to the throne whose mental status, was, to say the least, questionable? Was he the Portuguese sailor who was conveniently docked in London during each of the five killings? Was he the barrister who, soon after the killings, was found dead by his own hand? Or was he someone else? On the hundredth anniversary of the killings, the experts will attempt to uncover once and for all the secret identity of Jack the Ripper.