Roughly 185,000 murders went unresolved from 1980 to 2008, with non-murder crimes equally staggering in number. Despite the multitude of unsolved cases, certain crimes stand out due to their unique nature and the perplexing circumstances surrounding them. Below is a list and summary of some of the most renowned unsolved crimes.
Jack the Ripper (August to November, 1888)
In 1888, a notorious killer haunted London's Whitechapel district, preying on prostitutes. The murders were exceptionally gruesome and occurred in public areas, increasing the risk of capture yet eluding law enforcement. Jack the Ripper is infamously linked to five victims, though some suggest there may have been more. Despite numerous investigations, no prime suspect was ever identified, leaving the case perpetually unsolved.
The Zodiac Killer (1968-1969)
The Zodiac Killer claimed responsibility for 37 murders, though investigators have only attributed five confirmed killings to him. In 1968 and 1969, he taunted authorities by sending letters and a 408-symbol cryptogram to San Francisco newspapers. Although the cryptogram was deciphered, it offered no substantial leads. Prime suspect Arthur Leigh Allen was never definitively linked through DNA or handwriting analysis, and the case remains open.
Dan Cooper Skyjacking (November 24, 1971)
This infamous crime unfolded aboard a Boeing 747 when a man known as Dan Cooper hijacked the plane, claiming to have a bomb. He demanded $200,000 and four parachutes in exchange for the hostages. After receiving the ransom, Cooper parachuted from the aircraft mid-flight, vanishing without a trace. Some speculate he did not survive the jump, as $6,000 of the ransom was discovered near the Columbia River in 1980.
The Gardner Museum Art Theft (March 18, 1990)
Opened in 1903 by Isabella Stewart Gardner, the Gardner Museum is famous not only for its art but also for the largest art heist in U.S. history. In 1990, thieves disguised as police officers stole 13 pieces of art valued at approximately $200 million. Despite intensive investigations, the whereabouts of the stolen art remain a mystery.
Japan's Million Yen Robbery (December 10, 1968)
A man posing as a police officer stopped four bank employees transporting 300 million yen, claiming their vehicle was rigged with explosives. As smoke emerged from the car, he urged them to flee, then drove away with the money. Despite leaving behind numerous clues, including the fake police motorcycle, no arrests were made, and the statute of limitations has expired.
The Killing of JonBenet Ramsey (December 25, 1996)
JonBenet Ramsey, a child beauty queen, was found dead in her family's basement the day after Christmas. Despite a ransom note demanding $118,000, the family contacted the police, who found no signs of forced entry. The note was written on the family's notepad, and the ransom amount matched JonBenet's father's recent bonus. Although family members were cleared, the case remains unsolved.
Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls (September 7, 1996, and March 9, 1997)
Rap icons Tupac Shakur and Christopher Wallace, also known as Biggie Smalls, were embroiled in the infamous East Coast-West Coast rivalry. Tupac was fatally shot in Las Vegas, and Biggie was killed in Los Angeles just months later. Despite occurring on busy streets, neither murder has been solved, and no evidence conclusively links the shootings to the rap feud.
The Black Dahlia (January 15, 1947)
Elizabeth Short, dubbed "The Black Dahlia," was an aspiring actress whose mutilated body was discovered in Los Angeles. Her death, marked by her face being slashed from ear to ear, captivated the public and media alike. Despite numerous theories and suspects, her murder remains an enigma.
Jimmy Hoffa's Disappearance (July 30, 1975)
Jimmy Hoffa, the influential Teamsters Union president known for his mob connections, vanished under mysterious circumstances. Although widely believed to have been murdered by the mob, his body has never been found, and the case remains unsolved.
Tylenol Poisonings (September and October 1982)
In 1982, seven individuals in the Chicago area died after ingesting Tylenol capsules laced with cyanide. This tragedy led to the widespread adoption of tamper-proof packaging for medications. Despite extensive investigations, no one has been charged with these crimes.