‘Ripper Street’: What Really Happened During Jack The Ripper’s Reign Of Terror In London?

“Ripper Street” has been drawing fans in with compelling storylines and a serious fright factor since 2012. The BBC America series focuses on Jack the Ripper’s reign of terror in London during the 1800s and will continue to do so going into the Season 5 premiere.

The trouble with retelling this particular story is how much of it remains unknown to this day. The real-life horror began in 1888. An unidentified serial killer began attacking women — prostitutes, for the most part. Each of his victims had their throats cut and their abdomens mutilated.

Letters poured in to journalists claiming to be from the mysterious murderer. While he — or she — was never identified, the killer received several nicknames. Jack the Ripper, the Whitechapel Murderer and Leather Apron were among the most popular.

No one knows for sure how many people Jack the Ripper killed. It’s reported that 11 similar murders took place from 1888 to 1891. Of those, authorities were certain they could tie five to their killer.

Mary Ann Nichols, Annie Chapman, Elizabeth Stride, Catherine Eddowes and Mary Jane Kelly make up the canonical five. Each died in a similar way — their throats were slit before the murderer disemboweled them. Some experts believe all murders after these five were the work of Jack the Ripper copycats.

Police launched an investigation into the Jack the Ripper case. Authorities interviewed thousands, but found no real leads. The case remains one of the greatest unsolved mysteries today.

Tune in to “Ripper Street” at 11 p.m. EST on BBC America.