Abberline's rantings

[mariab]

How damaging would have been his belief that the killer was an "expert surgeon"?
Not to mention the killer's trip to America.

Could you give me the interview quote for this, David? I don't have Sugden or much Ripper lit with me here in Chicago. I assume that Abberline is referring to Chapman in the quote in question?

In all likehood, he bit in the surgeon theory from the start. Hence his agreeing with Phillips that McKenzie had been murdered by a copy-cat, as reported in May 1892.

Not sure at all if Abberline “bit“ into the surgeon theory early on. If so, it might even be related to Tumblety without us knowing. I'm just saying, esp. since I'm planning to have a look at the local police Archives here in Chicago, in the very off chance there might be evidence of SY detectives having contacted the Pinkertons pertaining to Fenian suspects and other suspects traveling to the US and Canada from London.

[DVV]

I know Abberline was an experienced and competent officer

Just felt the need to quote that. Before Neil jump at me with his truncheon.

[DVV]

I know Abberline was an experienced and competent officer, but looking at his 1903 interviews, I can't help thinkink that he wasn't fit at all for the Ripper hunt, having been completely misled by Baxter and Phillips.

How damaging would have been his belief that the killer was an "expert surgeon" ?
Not to mention the killer's trip to America.

In all likehood, he bit in the surgeon theory from the start. Hence his agreeing with Phillips that McKenzie had been murdered by a copy-cat, as reported in May 1892.

Apart from other causes (no DNA at the time, random murders, etc), would this partly explain the police failure ?