I know a lot of the 'facts' in all the cases are not actual 'facts' - we often have conflicting reports for example or we have delved so deeply into the tiniest element that it all becomes greatly confused. I add to that now by asking
a) how sure can we be that the apron piece found by Kate was actually hers? Obviously she was not 'wearing' it because one piece with tie was missing so surely it is just as viable a suggestion that the piece left beside her belonged to or was at least brought to the scene by the attacker.
b) the boot buttons. Kate was wearing mens boots (lace ups?) why did she have boot buttons? Again isnt it feasible that they were left by the (an) attacker. Perhaps popping off in a struggle?
c) the timings as I have said before with all the tight timelines perhaps we lose sight of the fact that 'time' was not that precise in that period. If Kate left the police station at approx 0100 and it would have taken approx 10 mins to get to the square she could have been dead long before we believe. I know the PC (Watkins) says there was nothing to see at 0130 but it is possible he didnt check that closely into the corner - he does state he shone his lantern to each corner but that doesn't mean he was scanning as low as the pavement. I would imagine he was checking for loiterers so a scan around waist height or so perhaps. He did not actually walk that section of the pavement so could easily have missed the body.
d) the couple spotted at the end of Church Passage, the women in front and with her back to the witnesses placing her hand on the chest of the man perhaps saying something like 'stay back in the shadows there are people coming'. The couple possibly being involved in the murder - trying to leave the scene? The apron - the boot buttons...
e) Kate being totally penniless earlier in the day but drunk enough in the afternoon to be arrested? Kate supposedly claiming she 'knew who JTR was' or 'knew about the murders'. Mentioning a 'reward' though there had been no talk of a reward yet? Perhaps she was thinking more of a spot of blackmail? Meeting 'X' (her suspect?) who bought her drinks, enough to get her drunk for some nefarious purpose. Telling her if anyone asks you anything just say nothing. Which she later does even when asked her name. Then 'X' has to hang around waiting till she is released from custody. She spots this person or persons as she leaves Bishopsgate Station and goes to meet them which would explain why she took the direction she did on leaving the station. A whispered 'Kate, Kate over here'. Then off to collect her 'reward' blackmail fee or whatever and death.
I know most of you are extremely well versed in all aspects (known) of the murders, the times etc so I hope I am not repeating already suggested themes and/or boring you. There is so much information on this great site and I do read it every spare minute but I have a lot still to do.
Thank you
Maggyann