Unsolved Murders: Cases Like Jack the Ripper Where the Murderer Was Never Found

Serial killers are one of the most perplexing and challenging mysteries that law enforcement agencies face. The infamous Jack the Ripper, though sensationalized by the media, is just one among many cases where the identity of the murderer remains unknown. These unsolved murders often leave a lasting impact on societies and continue to fuel public imagination through speculation and theories.

Speculation Around the Zodiac Killer and the Black Dalia Slayer

The case of Elizabeth Beth Short, more commonly known as the Black Dalia Slayer, serves as a prime example of an unsolved murder. The note found at her scene of death, “Have changed my mind. You would not give me a square deal. Dahlias killing was justified,” sparked years of speculation. Similarly, the identity of the Zodiac Killer, who left cryptic messages and murdered five people in California, remains unidentified despite extensive investigations. More recently, the FBI has identified what they believe to be the Zodiac Killer, a claim made by journalist Thomas Colbert and his team of sleuths known as Case Breakers. This claim refers to Gary Francis Poste, who died in 2018, but the FBI has neither confirmed nor denied the accuracy of their findings.

The Reality of Unsolved Serial Killers

The reality is that many murders, especially those by serial killers, remain unsolved. According to statistics, the overwhelming majority of serial killers are never apprehended or identified. The cases listed below serve as harrowing examples of unresolved serial murders.

The Atlanta Child Murders

The Atlanta Child Murders, which occurred between 1979 and 1981, resulted in the deaths of at least 29 children and young adults. While Wayne Williams was convicted of murders, the evidence against him was not significant enough to conclusively prove his guilt. Many parents and acquaintances of the victims were also considered suspects, but no one was formally convicted for the majority of the killings.

Southern California Highway Killers

The case of serial killers targeting male hitchhikers in Southern California is another example of an unresolved case. Although William Bonin was captured in 1987, there are numerous bodies and missing person reports that cannot be attributed to Bonin and his associates. The total number of victims is likely higher than those accounted for, leaving the true identity of the killers unknown.

The Highway of Tears

In Canada, the Highway of Tears, which refers to the highway through the Canadian Rockies, has seen a large number of First Nations women disappear or be found murdered. No killer has been identified, and several known serial killers were suspected, including Terry Kofi Kergan, who was not linked to the murders. The unsolved nature of these cases continues to devastate the communities and families involved.

The West Mesa Killings

The West Mesa killings, which involved the burial of 12 girls and young women outside Albuquerque, New Mexico, are another chilling example of unresolved murders. Despite a potential suspect being killed by a pimp, no one was ever formally charged with the murders, leading to ongoing investigative efforts.

The Freeway Phantom

The Freeway Phantom, which involved the abduction and murder of at least six African American women in the Washington, D.C. area between 1971 and 1972, remains unsolved. Multiple suspects were investigated, but no one was definitively linked to the crimes, leaving the case open.

These cases, while deeply troubling, reflect a broader reality: the unsolved nature of many serial killers continues to challenge law enforcement and haunt communities. As we continue to seek answers and justice, these cases serve as a stark reminder of the complexity and tenacity of serial murder.