Originally posted by c.d.
View Post
I think it's been suggested before that Stride's killer may have taken a step back into Dutfield's Yard as Schwartz/BS Man approached .
Okay,what about this scenario? Stride is standing by the gate with the suspect seen by PC Smith. He's been trying to inveigle her into the yard when Schwartz/BS Man arrive on the scene. (let's say the time is 12:43.) Their presence startles him so he takes a step back into the pitch black darkness of the yard and remains unseen. After the assault BS man moves on and the man reappears, offering Stride his profuse apologies for his lack of gallantry. The man (let's call him JtR), eventually convinces Stride to go into the yard with him. However, she quickly changes her mind: maybe there's something about him that worries her, a kind of sixth sense (which is why JtR had a problem getting her into the yard after PC Smith departed.) And, anyway, she's not completely forgotten his earlier lack of gallantry, I.e by not intervening with BS man. As she turns to exit the yard JtR quickly responds, catching her from behind and slitting her throat.
And Fanny Mortimer? She arrives on her doorstep just at the moment Stride is killed, say, around 12:45. JtR is seriously concerned about her presence and, of course, because of the darkness he might not know who's just interrupted him. He freezes, hoping that the person will quickly leave. However, Mortimer remains on her doorstep for around 10 minutes, and towards the end of that time Goldstein also passes by.
Mortimer finally returns indoors around 12:54, and JtR readily takes the opportunity to flea, deciding to go in search of another victim. After all, during the time Mortimer was present he could have been interrupted at any time-by someone either entering the yard or leaving the club- and this realization has rattled him.
Louis D arrives at around 12:58 and discovers the body. Say 7 minutes later PC Lamb reaches the Yard, at 1:05, with Dr Blackwell arriving at 1:16
Comment