 |
Djoel RifkinJACK THE RIPPER OF THE XX CENTURY
Country:
 Great Britain |
Content:
- Jack the Ripper: The Most Notorious Serial Killer of the 20th Century
- Joel Rifkin: The 20th Century Jack the Ripper
- The Unveiling of a Killer
- A Troubled Past
- A Life of Isolation
- A Tragic Loss
- An Emotional Trial
- Source: The Most Dangerous Maniacs
Jack the Ripper: The Most Notorious Serial Killer of the 20th Century
In London, from August 6th to November 30th, 1888, a series of brutal, pathological murders occurred, leaving the city in a state of horror, violence, and cruelty. The victims, all prostitutes, included Martha Tabram, Annie Chapman, Catherine Eddowes, Elizabeth Stride, and Mary Kelly. Jack the Ripper, as he became known, harbored a twisted sense of pride for his actions, as he despised prostitutes. He would approach them from behind, clamp their mouths shut with his right hand, and slash their throats twice with his left hand, causing deep and fatal wounds. He would then disembowel them, earning his infamous nickname.
Joel Rifkin: The 20th Century Jack the Ripper
Over a hundred years later, the name Jack the Ripper still evokes fear, and some modern "guardians of morality" try to continue his legacy. On an otherwise ordinary morning in New York, two tired police officers noticed a red-brown Mazda pickup truck parked near the entrance of a city park. They approached the vehicle to investigate why it had no license plates, only to discover a decomposing female body inside. The driver of the car, Joel Rifkin, turned out to be one of the most ruthless killers in New York's history, earning him the title of the "new Ripper." Rifkin took the lives of 18 young women, all of whom were prostitutes. His modus operandi involved raping his victims before strangling them. He would then dispose of their bodies by either dumping them in rivers or burying them in vacant lots outside the city.
The Unveiling of a Killer
Rifkin showed no intention of hiding his crimes and even took pride in his actions. During the subsequent investigation, he eagerly provided details about the 18 murders, drawing maps of where he had buried the bodies to assist the police. He appeared as a man satisfied with his difficult but noble mission. A search of Rifkin's home that evening revealed "trophies," including a dozen driver's licenses, credit cards, jewelry, and women's belongings, which were promptly documented as evidence.
A Troubled Past
When questioned by the police, Rifkin's mother and sister claimed to have been unaware of his secret life. They were shocked by the news, just like their neighbors, who considered Rifkin a polite and pleasant young man. However, Rifkin's troubled childhood may offer insight into his transformation into a murderer. As an adopted child, he grew up withdrawn and antisocial, lacking friends and struggling academically. He was often ridiculed by his classmates and nicknamed "Turtle." This further isolated him from his peers.
A Life of Isolation
After finishing school, Rifkin tried to find his place in the world. He attended various colleges, sold records, worked in a flower shop, took horticulture lessons, and even considered pursuing landscape architecture. However, his lack of diligence and ambition led to the abandonment of these ventures, leaving him without friends or romantic relationships.
A Tragic Loss
The suicide of his adoptive father, who took his own life after learning he had cancer, was the biggest tragedy in Rifkin's life. Losing the only person who could protect him from the harsh realities of the outside world caused him to retreat further into himself. He lived a secluded life, estranged from his mother and sister, who had no idea of his true nature. It was during this period of isolation that Joel Rifkin transformed into a maniacal killer.
An Emotional Trial
Rifkin's trial for the murder of Margaret Gonzalez, a 23-year-old woman whose body was found in his car, garnered extensive media attention and attracted a large crowd in the courtroom. Among the onlookers was Margaret's mother, who alternated between silently weeping and angrily berating the dark-haired man in handcuffs, shouting, "Murderer! Murderer! You killed my daughter!" Although Rifkin had already been charged with Gonzalez's murder, he would face additional charges for seven more cruel killings. Despite his confession, his lawyers, with no false modesty, claimed they were preparing an extraordinary defense based on his adoption. They aimed to argue that Rifkin's crimes could be traced back to his biological mother, who they suggested might have been a woman of loose morals.
