A New Theory

[jason_c]

I believe its likely that Kelly and JtR met as she was standing in the archway to Millers Court.

JtR is scouting for prostitutes. Prostitutes work that street by the dozen. Kelly is drunk, its raining, she stands in the arch entranceway just as Prater had done earlier. Kelly is using the archway much the same way as gals in Amsterdam work the street windows. She is showing off the goods(perhaps even a bit of leg) as JtR passes.

This also accounts for much of the clothing issues mentioned above.

[celee]

I have wondered whether he followed Sarah Lewis there, and not being able grab her, happened to notice Mary's broken window. The close was the sort of place he might find attractive, like Dutfield's, or #29 Hanbury. Alternately, he might have spotted Prater, or any other woman, enter the Court, and followed.

I also have considered the possibility that the ripper may have followed Lewis into the area. However if that was the case I still believe that he met Kelly outside her room.

Your friend, Brad

[Celesta]

I have wondered whether he followed Sarah Lewis there, and not being able grab her, happened to notice Mary's broken window. The close was the sort of place he might find attractive, like Dutfield's, or #29 Hanbury. Alternately, he might have spotted Prater, or any other woman, enter the Court, and followed.

[celee]

If Jack was looking through her window, it suggests that other people could have done so too. I have often wondered how, if there was such a fierce fire in Mary's room that it burnt the spout off a kettle, why didn't it throw light out into the Court and drawn attention? There didn't seem to be a heavy curtain in front of the window, so why didn't someone see Jack at work by the light of that fire?

Elementary my dear Limehouse, there was no fierce fire. or at least the ripper did not cause a fierce fire.

Your friend, Brad

[Limehouse]

If Jack was looking through her window, it suggests that other people could have done so too. I have often wondered how, if there was such a fierce fire in Mary's room that it burnt the spout off a kettle, why didn't it throw light out into the Court and drawn attention? There didn't seem to be a heavy curtain in front of the window, so why didn't someone see Jack at work by the light of that fire?

[celee]

Hi cd,

Yes, Kelly could have invited her attacker into her home. I think that is the way it went down in the movie "A Study In Terror" It could explain alot. However it is not the theory that I believe.

Your friend, Brad

[c.d.]

This could also explain why her clothes were folded as well...she folded them before going to sleep and does not dress again before inviting Jack in.

Hey this just keeps getting better and better.

c.d.

[c.d.]

Not a bad idea at all, CD!

Why thank you, Ben.

c.d.

[Ben]

Not a bad idea at all, CD!

[c.d.]

I was reading the Kelly inquest transcripts and was struck by the fact that Millers Court, although not a brothel per se, seemed to have its fair share of prostitutes. If Jack became aware of this, say by overhearing a conversation in a pub or some other means, perhaps he was scouting Millers Court that night. Could he have been seen by Mary looking through her window? Or she might have opened her door to check the weather before venturing out. Realizing that he is a customer, she invites him in. This could explain a number of things such as:

1. Why none of her neighbors hears her dressing and making preparations to go out.
2. Why she is in a chemise. She fell asleep wearing it after entertaining Blotchy Face.
3. Why she would bring a stanger back to her room. It would make no sense for her to get dressed to go out to service Jack when he was right there.
4. Why her clothes were not wet.

It's just a theory...what do you think?

c.d.