ADP

Peter Sutcliffe

Peter Sutcliffe, known as the Yorkshire Ripper, murdered 13 women and teenage girls and attempted to murder seven others in northern England. His victims included 16-year-old Jayne MacDonald. He used weapons including hammers and knives.

At a glance

What happened
Sutcliffe struck and stabbed women and teenage girls in a series of attacks between 1975 and 1980. His victims included 16-year-old Jayne MacDonald and women from different backgrounds. He was convicted of 13 murders and seven attempted murders in 1981.
When
1975–1980: murders. 1981: conviction. November 13, 2020: death in hospital while a prisoner.
Where
Yorkshire and north-west England. Sutcliffe was held at HMP Frankland before his death at University Hospital of North Durham.
Why / motive
Sutcliffe claimed that a voice commanded him to kill. That claim was part of his account and defense, not a verified external cause of the murders.
Outcome
He received life imprisonment and eventually a whole-life term. He died on November 13, 2020, and was not released.

Who is involved

  • Peter Sutcliffe — subject

Sources

  1. West Yorkshire PCC — Sutcliffe death statement“13th November 2020”
  2. Sky News — Sutcliffe's killings and victims“murdering 13 women across Yorkshire and the North West between 1975 and 1980.”
  3. ITV News — Sutcliffe's victims“Jayne MacDonald, 16, a shop assistant from Leeds.”

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