I know you're looking at that title and raising your eyebrows, but bear with me on this one.  I promise, it's gonna get good.  So, let's get on that plane and head out to Australia; the Outback, the Sunburned Land, the continent where everything wants to kill you.

Now, if you're like my mother and haven't heard of Jack the Ripper, or did hear about him and then blocked it out of your mind, then you're about to get the back story of one of the most infamous serial killers in all of history.

I will start this out with a disclaimer.  This one will go in to some gory detail, but I'll try to keep it a bit light.  However, in this instance, and with any that I write about serial killers, I like to mention the victims, as they are, sadly, often forgotten amongst the speculation and stories surrounding the perpetrator.  The other bit of disclaimer is that no one truly knows the Ripper's final resting place; this is simply the most widely believed story and it fits many minute details.

The Jack the Ripper story has held a grip on story tellers and conspiracy theorists since his killings began in 1888.  He was also know by other names, such as the Whitechapel Murderer, as well as 'Leather Apron', but most famously, he is Jack the Ripper.  That, by any circumstances, is the name he called himself in a taunting note to Scotland Yard's police.  Well, technically that letter was given to one George Lusk of the Whitechapel Vigilance Committee; basically a really old fashioned neighborhood watch.  The letter was alongside the partial kidney of, what was widely believed, to be one of his victims, most likely Elizabeth Stride.  This would have been the third victim of the 'Canonical Five'.

The Five consisted of Mary Anne Nichols, Annie Chapman, Elizabeth Stride, Catherine Eddowes, and Mary Jane Kelly.  The reason they received this title is that this are the five that are absolutely accredited to the Ripper.  The actual count could be upwards of 18 women, and at least one man.  No one knows the true count, but the Five are the ones that are considered his for sure victims.

All of them were beautiful young girls who quite probably would have been forgotten to history if they had been allowed to live their lives.  Unfortunately, they are remembered in this account, and thousands of others.  The first murder was August 31st and the last of the Canonical Five was November 9th. anyone who studies serial killers will know that this is an incredibly short cycle for a killer, both in volume of killings in a short period, and simple how quickly they started and ended.  The theories range from satanic ritual to mad doctor preforming experiments, to a lunatic who was loosed into the streets.

Very quickly, I'll mention that the last one is one of the least believed, as the cuts and incisions made were almost surgical in nature, and thus couldn't have been a deranged psycho who cut women apart.  In fact, the theory I prefer is that of a somewhat handsome man, with a charming demeanor who used his small wealth to lure women to their deaths.  The reason for this is that many of his victims were young ladies who were street workers, and they were often found miles from their normal areas.  As to this, it's quite possible that he owned a carriage and would offer them a ride from the cold and rain. A women wouldn't have gotten into a carriage with a man who came off as a creep.  Trust me, I know. I get ride offers way too often.

Anyway, back on track.  After the series of Whitechapel Murders ended in 1891, again, these were victims after the canonical five, there was a lot of speculation as to why the killings suddenly stopped.  There was no final ruling on what happened to the Ripper, but four theories include imprisonment, death, institutionalization, or emigration.  We are going with the last theory, as it makes sense.  And that's where we come to a name and face to this killer.  Frederick Bailey Deeming. Deeming was born on July 30th in 1853, making him in this late 20's when the killings happened, in Leicestershire, England.  He traveled often, even making it to South Africa for a time.  But he was known to be living in England during the time of the murders.  He was described to be a respectable man, with an at time violent nature, and was overly attentive towards women.  He was responsible for the murder of his first wife and four children, in Rainhill, England, and later the murder of his second wife in Melbourne, Australia.  He moved to Australia with his second wife in November of 1891, and then within a month had killed and buried her.

He was captured about three months later and sentenced to death by hanging on May 23rd of 1892.   I guess when criminals make up 70% of your population and police force, they really are going to get stuff done.  His final resting place is in Old Melbourne Gaol, Australia.  His death mask is on display there, as well as in Scotland Yard, under the plaque of Jack the Ripper, finalizing the fact that he was indeed their primary suspect.

If none of that seals the deal for you, he even had a motive.  He contracted syphilis from a prostitute, and apparently often remarked on how they should be taken off the streets.   Either way, believe as you will, but if you're willing to take a trip to the creepy side of town, then Australia is the way to go.  If you take the trip down under, just remember you may be breathing the same air that Deeming, the prime Jack the Ripper suspect, once breathed.  Good luck, and take lots of pictures!