Assumption buster #1 M.O.

[Phil H]

The assumption that "Jack" engaged in conversation with his victims is not I think an unreasonable one.

If (and I emphasise the if) Lawende saw the killer talking to Eddowes, then in at least one case we know he ddi so. It is thus reasonable to extrapolate to the other cases.

Nichols was looking for a client to earn her bed money (at least that is the impression she gave to Holland) so it is not unreasonable IMHO to assume he MAY have approached her.

Further, Nichols, Chapman, Eddowes and maybe Stride were all killed in places likely to have been of their choosing. this is indicated by the stable doors, fence and hoardings that were present and which had more "give" than a brick surface. If they took him to these spots, he probably spoke to them.

If he didn't speak - how do you see him getting into the backyard at No 29? Was he lying in wait? Did he follow her? IMHO it is more likely he picked her up and she led him there.

Finally, in relation to "engaged in conversation with his victims" - I see this as being a few words - "Will you?" Nothing more. No discussion of an intellectual nature or even gossip. Strictly business.

Phil H

[Fleetwood Mac]

Welcome to the first of my assumption busters where I hope to stimulate discussion and debate around commonly held assumptions about JTR.

Let's have a look at MO:

It's commonly assumed that the ripper first engaged in conversation with his victims, presumably as a prospective client, before overpowering and killing them.

It is suggested that there is nothing in the available evidence to refute the possibility that the ripper actually waited in the shadows until his victim was alone and then carried out a blitz attack.

Discuss..............................

Could be wrong but I think serial killers usually approach their victims rather than wait for them to come to him.

I think the discernible MO is the method of throat cutting, not necessarily the depth or the number of times drawn over the neck, but the knowledge of how to kill and minimise blood splatter onto himself; and for that reason I think Mckenzie and Coles are good bets for Jack.

It's not a given that a person would know this - I certainly wouldn't have done.

[Harry Poland]

Welcome to the first of my assumption busters where I hope to stimulate discussion and debate around commonly held assumptions about JTR.

Let's have a look at MO:

It's commonly assumed that the ripper first engaged in conversation with his victims, presumably as a prospective client, before overpowering and killing them.

It is suggested that there is nothing in the available evidence to refute the possibility that the ripper actually waited in the shadows until his victim was alone and then carried out a blitz attack.

Discuss..............................