JACK THE RIPPER - THE GERMAN SUSPECT

For ZDF and National Geographic. Produced in association with ITN Factual. Distributed by ZDF Entertainment

Jack the Ripper has inspired fear, panic and gruesome fascination for generations but his true identity has remained elusive…until now. With former homicide detective Trevor Marriott’s explosive new theory, we will reveal that not only did the Ripper commit his first murder 25 years earlier than previously thought but that his killing spree extended from London to Germany and North America. Debunking many long-held myths and misunderstandings about the Ripper, the investigation unmasks the world’s most notorious serial killer to finally reveal his true identity - for the first time ever…..

It is generally agreed that the killing of prostitute Mary Kelly in Whitechapel on November 8th 1888 marked the end of the frenzied murders of Jack the Ripper before he disappeared into the shadows of history. But was this really the end of the unremitting killer? Is it possible that the Ripper was not just confined to the dark streets of the East End of London but that he was able to travel the world, opening up possibilities for new victims to mutilate and slay? Former homicide detective Trevor Marriott has identified a pattern of murder techniques that links the East End killings to cases in Germany and North America – the method of killing and butchering, the type of victim and choice of weapon in all the cases are an identical match for one killer. 

Delving into shipping logs, Marriott discovers evidence that specifically links one merchant seaman to the exact location and time of these killings across the world. The original five Ripper victims were situated very close to the London docks with gaps of several weeks in between the murders – allowing the merchant seaman to slip in and out of the city unnoticed. Likewise the 1894 New York murder, that Marriott identifies as the Ripper's final slaying, is conveniently located within minutes of the docks.

Together with profiler Thomas Muller, and Geomatics expert, Duncan Lees, Marriott re-examines evidence given by police doctors and pathologists of the time to challenge and disprove the long held theory that the Ripper was a skilled surgeon who removed the uterus and kidney from some of the victims, giving him the air of a ‘gentleman killer’. Putting this theory to the test, they will prove that it would have been impossible for Jack the Ripper to remove the organs at the scene of the crime, finally exposing a myth that has been held as pivotal to the case.

Jack the Ripper - the German Suspect traces the killer’s steps across the world on his gruesome murder spree, revealing the forgotten victims. Using 21st century laser technology, and cutting edge forensics we sensationally reveal the true identity and life story of the man himself, Jack the Ripper – otherwise known as Carl Feigenbaum, a German merchant seaman, who was arrested and executed in New York’s legendary Sing Sing Penitentiary at the end of the 19th century, taking his evil secret to the grave for over a century.