Morbid Podcast Episode 635: Gordon Cummins: The Blackout Ripper (Part 1)
Released January 9, 2025
Hosted by Elena and Ash from Morbid Network | Wondery

Introduction to the Blackout Ripper

In Episode 635 of Morbid, hosts Elena and Ash delve into the harrowing case of Gordon Cummins, infamously known as the Blackout Ripper. Set against the tumultuous backdrop of World War II-era England, the episode explores how the chaos and fear of the time provided the perfect environment for one of history's most brutal serial killers to operate.

Historical Context: England During World War II

Elena sets the stage by describing the intense atmosphere in England during the late 1930s and early 1940s. With the imminent threat of German bombing raids, the British government implemented widespread nightly blackouts to obscure cities from aerial attacks. This period saw millions of citizens evacuated from urban centers to safer rural areas, leading to widespread displacement and heightened vulnerability.

Elena [07:12]: "But the thing with the Blackout Ripper... he is, like, sadistic because his mutilation is not done post mortem. It seems like he enjoys hurting women. And he enjoys hurting women when they can feel it, like torturing them."

These blackouts not only disrupted daily life but also inadvertently created opportunities for criminal activities to flourish under the cover of darkness.

Rise of Crime and Social Tensions

The evacuation and blackouts led to a significant increase in criminal activities. With law enforcement stretched thin, the government released prisoners with short sentences and utilized civilian volunteers to support air raid precautions. However, these volunteers were often exploited by petty criminals who donned ARP wardens' uniforms to carry out thefts and other illicit acts.

Ash [08:52]: "He’s Gordon. He got caught."

This surge in crime and the general sense of insecurity contributed to a climate of fear and desperation, setting the stage for Gordon Cummins' reign of terror.

The Emergence of Gordon Cummins

Elena introduces Gordon Cummins, highlighting the stark differences between his methods and those of the infamous Jack the Ripper. Unlike Jack, who primarily mutilated victims postmortem, Cummins employed brutal, sadistic violence while his victims were still alive. This distinction underscores the unique and horrifying nature of Cummins' crimes.

Elena [07:37]: "He's a different level of Ripper. I would say he's... it's very upsetting. I'm giving you a trigger warning up front. This is very graphic, and there are a lot of really gruesome things that he does to his victims."

First Murders: Isabella Ralph and Evelyn Hamilton

The episode recounts the initial murders attributed to Cummins. Isabella Ralph, a 52-year-old woman with no fixed address who occasionally engaged in sex work, was the first known victim. Her murder was dismissed by the press amidst the overwhelming focus on the war, and her assailant, John Henry Connell, was swiftly apprehended and sentenced to a mere three years for culpable homicide.

Shortly after, Evelyn Hamilton, a 41-year-old pharmacist, was brutally murdered in her London apartment. The meticulous violence inflicted upon her suggested a level of sadism beyond Connell's acts, prompting suspicions of a more sinister perpetrator at work.

Elena [08:00]: "Good news is, though, they caught him. He's not a Jack the Ripper. He's a Gordon."

Escalation of Violence: Catherine Mulkay and Margaret Lowe

As Cummins' spree continued, the brutality of his crimes escalated. Catherine Mulkay narrowly escaped death, providing a crucial eyewitness account that led investigators closer to identifying Cummins as the Blackout Ripper. However, his subsequent murders only heightened the sense of fear, with victims like Margaret Lowe facing horrific mutilations that shocked even seasoned investigators.

Margaret Lowe's murder, in particular, highlighted Cummins' extreme violence, involving tools like razor blades, curling tongs, and broken mirrors to inflict pain and terror on his victims.

Elena [34:24]: "It's literally unthinkable rage and sadism in this case. That's why I was saying that he's... There's a different element here than there was in Jack the Ripper case."

Investigative Challenges and Patterns

The grisly nature of Cummins' crimes, coupled with the chaotic wartime environment, posed significant challenges for law enforcement. Limited forensic technology of the era made it difficult to connect the dots between the murders swiftly. However, patterns began to emerge, such as the left-handedness of the killer and the use of everyday household items as murder weapons.

Ash [30:38]: "Ah, interesting that they could figure that out back in the 30s."

These emerging patterns were crucial in linking the seemingly disparate murders and building a profile of the Blackout Ripper.

Social Commentary: The Impact of War on Society

Throughout the episode, Elena and Ash underscore the profound impact of wartime conditions on societal behavior and criminal activity. The blackouts, widespread evacuations, and increased stress levels created an environment ripe for violence and desperation. The episode also touches on how societal norms and priorities shifted during the war, often overshadowing serious crimes like those committed by Cummins.

Elena [25:20]: "It's very interesting and you and I have been talking about it lately, how certain social climates will just desensitize people completely. The worst things."

Conclusion and Teaser for Part 2

As Part 1 of the episode concludes, Elena and Ash emphasize the ongoing investigation and the escalating violence perpetrated by Cummins. They hint at the impending capture and sentencing of the Blackout Ripper, promising a continuation of the story in the subsequent episode.

Elena [46:44]: "And that's where we're going to end part one, just because I think there's a lot in here and it's very heavy."

Notable Quotes

• Elena [07:12]: "But the thing with the Blackout Ripper... he is, like, sadistic because his mutilation is not done post mortem. It seems like he enjoys hurting women. And he enjoys hurting women when they can feel it, like torturing them."

• Ash [30:38]: "Ah, interesting that they could figure that out back in the 30s."

• Elena [34:24]: "It's literally unthinkable rage and sadism in this case. That's why I was saying that he's... There's a different element here than there was in Jack the Ripper case."

• Elena [25:20]: "It's very interesting and you and I have been talking about it lately, how certain social climates will just desensitize people completely. The worst things."

Final Thoughts

Episode 635 of Morbid offers a chilling exploration of Gordon Cummins' heinous crimes during one of history's darkest periods. By intertwining historical context with detailed accounts of the murders, Elena and Ash provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the factors that allowed the Blackout Ripper to terrorize London. Part 2 promises to unravel the culmination of Cummins' spree and his eventual apprehension, delivering further insights into this disturbing chapter of true crime history.

For those intrigued by this episode, stay tuned for Part 2, where Elena and Ash continue their deep dive into the investigation and downfall of Gordon Cummins.