Jack the Ripper Suspect – Jacob Isenschmid

Isenschmid, a butcher, came under suspicion after the murder of Annie Chapman, by Dr Cowen, and Dr Crabb. Cowen and Crabb went to the police on 11 September 1888 and told them that Mr George Tyler, of 60 Milford Road, had become suspicious of his tenant, Joseph Isenschmid, Swiss born and known locally as the Mad Pork Butcher.

Tyler told the police that he had met Isenschmid on 5 September and provided him with accommodation. Tyler also told the police that Isenschmid often stayed out late at night, and had been absent from his lodgings since Annie Chapman’s murder.

A visit to his wife Mary, revealed that she had not seen her husband for two months, since an argument. Even though she had not seen her husband for sometime she helpfully told the police that he was in the habit of carrying large knives around with him, saying ‘I do not think my husband would injure anyone but me, I think he would kill me if he had the chance’. She also told Sergeant Thick that her husband had not been right in his head since a fit in 1882/83.

According to the Star newspaper, Isenschmid’s behaviour during this period of insanity was frequently violent, and he was often seen sharpening a long knife. He also began to suffer delusions, one being that everything belonged to him.

When Sergeant Thick learned that Isenschmid had told a number of women in Holloway that he was Leather Apron, a watch was put out for this promising suspect. Isenschmid was arrested on 12 September and taken to Holloway police station, where he was judged to be insane. He was sent first to the Islington workhouse, and later on 17 September, to the Bow infirmary asylum. On the 18 September, Inspector Abberline reported that, ‘Although we are unable at present to procure any evidence to connect him with the murders, he appears to be the most likely person that has come under our notice to have committed the crimes’.

Isenschmid was in custody when the later murders occurred, so he was exonerated.

Conclusion: Jacob Isenschmid was not Jack the Ripper.