Uncovering Jack the Ripper w/ Josh Gates | Expedition Files | Discovery

The podcast details the initial murders committed by Jack the Ripper, starting with Polly Nichols in August 1888, and the subsequent panic and investigation that gripped London. The murders, characterized by the removal of internal organs, sparked fear and speculation about the killer's identity, ultimately leading to a massive police investigation centered in Whitechapel.

First Murders and Initial Response

• 00:00:15 The podcast begins with the murder of Polly Nichols, the first victim of Jack the Ripper, on August 31, 1888. Annie Chapman was the second victim, murdered on September 8th, showing similar mutilations. These murders prompted speculation about the killer's identity and knife skills, leading to widespread fear and panic in London.

Investigation and Public Response

• 00:02:27 Jack the Ripper's taunting letter to the Central News Agency cemented his notoriety, and the city became obsessed with catching the killer. The police, under the leadership of Sergeant Harry Garrett, struggled to identify a suspect, despite the large-scale investigation centered in Whitechapel. Public fear grew, with women afraid to leave their homes and a general sense of unease in London.