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NewsWe don’t know that anyone killed him. He may well have killed himself, even if he did choose a fairly unpleasant way of doing it. He may even have killed himself by accident, or been killed by accident.
The coroners at the time were confident that he was killed by a poison such as digitalis, but couldn’t definitively prove it. But it seems likely that he did die by poison
But was the poison administered to him, or self administered? Its just not known. What does seem likely is that he was the father of the eldest child of Jessica Thompson, the nurse who’s phone number was written in the copy of the Rubiyat that famously had the ending “Tamun Shud” ripped out and was placed in the dead man’s fob pocket. Why is this likely? Because both the Somerton Man and the child (Robin Thompson) suffered from hypodontia, and had unusual ears (cymba larger than cavum). The combination of these 2 conditions is so unusual that the chances of them not being related have been put at 1 in 10 million to 1 in 20 million
Personally I think the most likely cause of death was suicide. I think he came to Somerton to see his child for the last (or perhaps, who knows, the first) time, was either successful or unsuccessful in doing that (but probably unsuccessful), tore out Tamum Shud “it is finished” from his copy of the Rubiyat that Jessica Thompson had given him (she apparently liked giving this book to her boyfriends) , settled down on the beach and killed himself. Why via digitalis who knows? And how he administered we also don’t know
But I think its a more likely explanation than the spy theories. And perhaps he had no intention to be mysterious; perhaps he simply lost his wallet or had it stolen – after all people who saw him on the beach assumed initially that he was drunk. Nothing very mysterious about a drunk being rolled for his wallet
The Somerton Man case, also known as the Tamam Shud case, is one of Australia’s most enduring unsolved mysteries. It began on the morning of December 1, 1948, when the body of an unidentified man was discovered on Somerton Beach in Adelaide, South Australia. The man, who became known as the Somerton Man, was found lying on the beach, his head resting against a concrete seawall. He was dressed smartly in a suit and tie, and there were no obvious signs of injury or foul play. Despite extensive investigations by the police, the man’s identity remained a mystery. He carried no identification, and no one came forward to claim the body. In the days and weeks following the discovery, the police conducted numerous interviews and followed various leads, but they were unable to determine the man’s identity or the circumstances surrounding his death. One of the key pieces of evidence in the case was a scrap of paper found in the man’s pocket, which contained the words “Tamam Shud” (meaning “ended” or “finished” in Persian). This led investigators to believe that the man may have been carrying a copy of the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, a famous collection of Persian poems. The police eventually located the book from which the scrap of paper had been torn, and it contained a phone number and a code written in pencil. However, the identity of the person associated with the phone number remained a mystery. Over the years, various theories have been proposed to explain the Somerton Man’s identity and the circumstances of his death, but none have been conclusively proven. The case remains one of Australia’s most enduring unsolved mysteries.
Over the decades, the Somerton Man case has spawned numerous theories, each attempting to unravel the enigma surrounding his identity and the circumstances of his death. These theories range from espionage to romantic entanglements, reflecting the complex and mysterious nature of the case.
The notion that the Somerton Man might have been a spy is supported by several intriguing clues, including the cryptic sequence of letters found in a Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám and the removal of labels from his clothing. These elements suggest a desire to conceal his identity or origins, which is characteristic of espionage activities. However, the evidence remains circumstantial, and experts like Professor Abbott and retired detective senior sergeant Gerry Feltus express skepticism, acknowledging the spy theory as one possibility among many, with no definitive proof to confirm it.
Another compelling theory involves a potential love triangle. It is speculated that the Somerton Man had a romantic connection with Jo Thomson, a nurse who lived near where his body was found. This theory gained traction when a phone number in the Rubáiyát led investigators to Thomson, who appeared visibly distressed upon viewing the death mask but denied knowing the man. Further intrigue is added by Professor Abbott’s research, which suggests that the Somerton Man and Jo Thomson might have shared a child, deepening the mystery of their relationship.
Recent advancements in DNA technology have opened new avenues for solving this long-standing mystery. Despite previous dead ends, ongoing genetic analysis aims to finally ascertain the Somerton Man’s identity. This scientific approach has already debunked some earlier theories, such as a familial link between the Somerton Man and the Thomson family, and continues to be a crucial element in peeling back the layers of this complex case.
Each theory, whether it points to espionage, a jilted lover, or a concealed identity, underscores the enduring fascination with the Somerton Man case. As investigations continue, the hope remains that new evidence will eventually bring closure to one of Australia’s most baffling mysteries.
Derek Abbott and Colleen Fitzpatrick, experts in biomedical engineering and forensic genealogy respectively, played pivotal roles in advancing the DNA analysis of the Somerton Man case. Utilizing hair strands preserved in a death mask, they extracted DNA that had remained intact for over fifty years. This breakthrough was achieved by analyzing 2 million DNA markers, which they then cross-referenced with genealogical databases to trace the Somerton Man’s lineage.
The meticulous DNA analysis led to the identification of Carl Webb as the Somerton Man. Born in Victoria in 1905, Webb’s profile matched the biological and historical data collected. His life details, such as his passion for poetry and betting on horse races, aligned with the artifacts found with the Somerton Man. This identification also dispelled several longstanding theories about the man’s identity and connections.
The resolution of the Somerton Man’s identity through DNA analysis has significant implications for forensic science and cold case investigations. It demonstrates the power of modern genetic technology to solve cases that have remained mysteries for decades. Moreover, this case sets a precedent for the use of forensic genealogy in unraveling complex cases around the globe, showcasing a growing collaboration between academic experts and law enforcement agencies.
Through the diligent exploration of decades-spanning mysteries, theories, and the cutting-edge breakthroughs in DNA analysis, this article has traversed the enigmatic narrative of the Somerton Man, from the cryptic origins of the case to the groundbreaking identification of Carl Webb. This journey not only sheds light on the complexities of forensic science and its evolving landscape but also underscores the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration in solving cold cases that have long eluded closure. The perseverance in unraveling the Somerton Man’s story reflects a broader quest for truth and justice, illuminating the path forward for similar unresolved mysteries.
The uncovering of Carl Webb’s identity marks a pivotal moment in the Somerton Man case, offering a semblance of closure to a mystery that has captivated the imagination of many for over seven decades. However, while this revelation answers some questions, it also opens new avenues for exploration, inviting further investigation into the life and times of Carl Webb. Such findings not only enrich our understanding of the past but also underscore the profound impact of technological advancements on the field of forensic investigation, promising new possibilities for uncovering truths that have remained hidden in the shadows of history.
