Unraveling a Decades-Old Mystery

The long-standing mystery of the “Somerton Man” has intrigued investigators and the public for decades, ever since his body was found on Somerton Beach in Adelaide, Australia in 1948. For years, his identity remained unknown, and theories about his background, occupation, and cause of death fueled public curiosity.

Recent advances in DNA analysis have provided a breakthrough in the case: the Somerton Man has been identified as Charles Webb, an electrical engineer from Melbourne. This significant discovery answers one of Australia's greatest forensic mysteries and sheds new light on the efforts to use genetic technology in solving historical cold cases.

As details about Charles Webb continue to emerge, new questions are being raised about the circumstances that led to his disappearance and death. The story of the Somerton Man remains a compelling example of how modern science can help unravel even the most stubborn mysteries of the past.

Discovery of the Somerton Man

In December 1948, a man's body was discovered on Somerton Beach, located near Adelaide in South Australia. The nature of the death, absence of identification, and failure to identify the man quickly led to lasting speculation and numerous investigative efforts.

Finding the Body

On the morning of December 1, 1948, two trainee jockeys found the body of an unidentified man lying on Somerton Beach. The man was positioned neatly, with his head propped against a seawall and his legs outstretched on the sand.

He wore a suit and tie, unusual dress for a beach setting, and had no hat or wallet. Items found with him included a partially smoked cigarette on his lapel and a few personal belongings, but no documents or ID. The tide and lack of violence initially made the discovery seem puzzling.

Notable details:

Date: 1 December 1948
Location: Somerton Beach, Adelaide
Clothing: Business attire, no hat or ID

Initial Investigation

The South Australia Police led the investigation, immediately struck by the fact that all identifying labels had been removed from the man’s clothes. No obvious cause of death could be established at the scene.

An autopsy showed he was a healthy adult male, with no significant injuries or signs of poisoning detected using methods available at the time. Items in his pockets included an unused train ticket to Henley Beach, a bus ticket to North Glenelg, and a packet of chewing gum. After extensive checks, missing persons records nationwide showed no matches.

Investigators also found a rolled-up slip of paper in a hidden fob pocket of the man's pants. The printed words, “Tamam Shud”, pointed to further mystery, referencing a book of Persian poetry.

Public Reaction

News of the case quickly spread throughout South Australia and garnered national attention. The circumstances—an unidentified, well-dressed man found dead in public—provoked widespread curiosity and speculation.

Local newspapers covered the developments closely, emphasizing the removal of clothing labels and strange details like the Tamam Shud note. People across Australia sent in tips or suggestions, but none led to a breakthrough.

Many regarded the “Somerton Man” as a classic cold case. Over the years, theories flourished in the media and public imagination, ranging from unrequited love to espionage. The inability to name the deceased or explain his death cemented the mystery in Australian cultural memory.

Evidence and Clues

Important physical and written evidence found with the Somerton Man has fueled decades of speculation. Items from his luggage, cryptic notes, and literary references have all contributed significant leads and confounding mysteries to the case.

The Suitcase and Possessions

Investigators discovered an unclaimed brown suitcase at Adelaide Railway Station. Linked to the Somerton Man, it contained various items, including:

Clothes without any identifying labels.
A stencil brush.
A table knife cut down into a crude instrument.

Among the more notable belongings were an American metal comb, a packet of Army Club cigarettes (which instead contained a different, cheaper brand's cigarettes inside), and a pair of scissors.

The suitcase also contained a packet of Juicy Fruit chewing gum, which was more widely available outside Australia at the time. None of the personal items bore his name, and several labels had been deliberately removed, making identification more difficult. The items suggested he had taken steps to obscure his identity, increasing the mystery.

The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam

A translation of the "Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam," a collection of Persian poems, played a unique role in the inquiry. The book—widely available in Australia during the postwar period—was found in the glove compartment of a car parked near where the body was discovered.

This particular edition held critical evidence: it was missing its back page, and on this missing piece the phrase “Tamam Shud” (Persian for “ended” or “finished”) had been torn off. The involvement of Persian poetry in the case led to speculation about coded messages, suicide, or hidden personal meaning.

Investigators considered the prominence of the Rubaiyat significant, as the book’s themes of fate and finality seemed to parallel the mysterious circumstances.

The 'Tamam Shud' Note

A small scrap of paper with the words “Tamam Shud” was found tightly rolled and sewn into the lining of the dead man’s trousers. This phrase matched the missing piece from the Rubaiyat found earlier.

The unusual placement of the note suggested deliberate concealment. Its Persian origin, translating to “it is finished,” raised suggestions of suicide, or signalled intent relating to the man’s fate.

No fingerprints or other marks could be found on the paper, and there was no evidence of who had placed it there. The phrase became a symbolic clue in attempts to understand both identity and motive.

Hidden Code

An examination of the Rubaiyat’s back cover revealed faint pencil markings. These markings were later deciphered as a series of seemingly random letters arranged in lines, often referred to as the “codenote.” The note read:

WRGOABABD
MLIAOI
WTBIMPANETP
MLIABOAIAQC
ITTMTSAMSTGAB
Despite extensive efforts, cryptanalysts and scholars could not determine a meaning. No known code matched the sequence, and theories ranged from espionage to a personal cipher. The presence of these coded letters, combined with other strange evidence, elevated the case to international intrigue and reinforced the sense that the Somerton Man was involved in something deliberately concealed.

Autopsy and Investigation Findings

Investigators conducted a detailed autopsy and forensic examination after the Somerton Man’s body was discovered in 1948. Key findings included an unclear cause of death, unusual evidence from the post-mortem, and persistent questions about the possibility of poisoning.

Cause of Death

The original autopsy failed to determine a definitive cause of death. The internal organs were congested with blood, and several presented abnormal conditions.

Coroner Thomas Cleland noted that the spleen was about three times its normal size and the liver showed extensive congestion. However, there were no obvious injuries or marks of violence on the body.

Toxicological analysis detected no lethal substances in the body fluids or tissues. The results left officials unable to state with certainty how or why the Somerton Man died.

Post-mortem Examination

The post-mortem, performed soon after the discovery of the body, revealed a well-built, healthy adult male in his mid-40s.

Investigators documented key physical features, including a small mole near the lip, a straight nose, and attached earlobes. Dental records were taken, but no match was found in Australian files.

The autopsy identified unusual findings such as blood in the stomach, which can be associated with poisoning or certain health conditions. Reports from 1948 and 1949 have since gone missing, complicating efforts to review the original data.

Possible Poison

Given the absence of a clear medical explanation for death, investigators considered poison as a potential cause. No visible evidence of capsules, powders, or residue was found at the scene.

Expert opinion at the time speculated that if poison was used, it would have been a rare and fast-acting variety that decomposes quickly, such as a barbiturate or digitalis. The lack of traceable toxins in the body supported this hypothesis.

Some investigators suggested suicide by poison, based on the circumstances, but without direct evidence, this remains unproven. The mystery about the agent, dose, and intent has persisted due to inconclusive scientific findings.

Suspects and Theories

The Somerton Man case has prompted various theories, ranging from international espionage to tangled relationships and possible foul play. Details such as coded messages, mysterious connections with local residents, and the circumstances of his death remain central to ongoing discussions.

Espionage and Cold War Context

The discovery of a code in a copy of the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, found near the body, fueled speculation about espionage. The late 1940s marked early Cold War tensions, and South Australia had military research facilities that attracted foreign interest.

Many pointed to the man’s lack of identification, his nondescript clothing with tags removed, and the cryptic message “Tamam Shud” as hallmarks of spycraft. The idea that he might have been a covert agent surfaced repeatedly in media and investigative circles. While some dismissed these ideas as unlikely, the circumstances and timing of his death kept espionage suspicions alive for decades.

Aspects of Suicide or Murder

Toxicology reports suggested the possibility of poisoning, but there was no clear evidence of ingestion or administration of a substance. The book left at the scene with “Tamam Shud” torn out—translated as “ended” or “finished”—added to suggestions of suicide.

The lack of signs of violence left room for doubts. Some thought he may have died via self-administered poison to end his life due to personal troubles or terminal illness. Others raised the prospect of murder, suggesting that someone else orchestrated his death to look like suicide, especially due to the care taken to remove labels and identifying items. No known acquaintances came forward to identify him during the initial investigation.

Jessie Thomson and Robin Thomson

Jessie Thomson (formerly Jessie Harkness) lived just a few hundred meters from where the body was found. Police discovered her phone number in the copy of the Rubaiyat linked to the Somerton Man. When questioned, she claimed not to know him, but her reactions suggested otherwise to some investigators.

Jessie’s son, Robin Thomson, became a focus after researchers and journalists noted physical similarities between him and the Somerton Man. Patterns of family secrecy, the timing of her divorce, and the nature of her relationships became points of interest.

Some theorized that Robin Thomson was the Somerton Man’s biological child, though conclusive evidence remained elusive for many years. In later decades, DNA research intensified scrutiny on this family connection, continuing to shape theories about the man’s identity and the story behind his death.

Developments in DNA Analysis

Recent advancements in forensic science have led to crucial breakthroughs in the Somerton Man case. DNA analysis and modern genealogical tools have played a critical role in bringing new clarity to one of Australia’s longest-running mysteries.

Exhumation Efforts

The discovery of the Somerton Man’s body in 1948 left authorities with few leads. Decades later, investigators recognized that modern technology could extract information not available at the time of the original post-mortem examination.

Exhumation was authorized in 2021 by South Australian authorities with the goal of retrieving usable DNA. The process involved specialists carefully recovering remains to avoid contamination. Forensic scientists worked to obtain viable genetic samples from the bones and teeth, which are often the best-preserved sources for old cases.

By securing genetic material during exhumation, teams laid the foundation for the next crucial step—creating a DNA profile from the remains. This procedure required collaboration between forensic pathologists and DNA labs to maintain chain of custody and integrity.

Creation of a DNA Profile

After exhumation, the primary challenge was the degradation of DNA due to decades of burial. Scientists used advanced extraction and sequencing methods to recover as much genetic data as possible from the limited material.

Laboratories focused on extracting mitochondrial DNA and nuclear DNA, maximizing the likelihood of a complete profile. The use of high-throughput sequencing and contamination controls increased the chances of success.

The DNA profile generated included key genetic markers needed for identification. This profile allowed for comparisons against modern databases. Scientists also cross-checked results to confirm accuracy and eliminate external DNA contamination, ensuring reliability for further investigation.

Forensic Genealogy

With a DNA profile secured, researchers turned to forensic genealogy. This approach combines genetic data analysis with public genealogical databases to trace biological relationships.

By comparing the Somerton Man’s DNA with those in various ancestry databases, investigators charted potential links to living relatives and mapped family trees. The process requires detailed analysis of shared genetic segments and careful vetting of candidate matches.

Researchers eventually identified the Somerton Man as Carl Webb, an electrical engineer from Melbourne. This finding relied on both genetic evidence and supporting genealogical records. The use of forensic genealogy transformed the investigation, demonstrating the power of combining DNA analysis with public records to solve cold cases.

Identifying the Somerton Man

After decades of intrigue, recent DNA breakthroughs have brought new clarity to the identity of the Somerton Man. Advancements in forensic science and persistent genealogical research played key roles in solving this long-standing Australian mystery.

Carl Webb and the Webb Family

DNA profiling conducted in the 2020s revealed the Somerton Man is Carl Webb, also known as Charles Webb. He was an electrical engineer from Melbourne, born in 1905. Prior to the discovery, his disappearance from official records in 1947 puzzled family and researchers alike.

His connection to the Webb family was established through close genealogical matches. Family records placed Webb in Victoria, which matched early police suspicions. This helped resolve conflicting theories that had persisted for decades about his origins and identity.

Some initial theories linked him to the name Thomas Keane, but new evidence excluded that possibility. Carl Webb's name is now officially recorded at West Terrace Cemetery, where his remains are interred. The identification has brought closure to Webb’s distant relatives.

The Role of Identifinders International

Identifinders International, a specialist forensic genealogy team, played a critical part in this investigation. Led by Colleen Fitzpatrick, their team used advanced DNA sequencing and cross-referenced public genealogy databases.

Their process involved separating degraded genetic material from the Somerton Man’s remains. After rigorous data analysis, they generated a list of possible relatives. This ruled out previously favored suspects and focused efforts on the Webb family connections.

The team’s expertise was essential in translating raw DNA data into actionable genealogical leads. Identifinders International worked in close coordination with Australian authorities during the investigation. Their methods have set a precedent for similar cold cases globally.

Family Tree Research

Family tree research was key to confirming Carl Webb’s identity. Genealogists reconstructed extensive family networks using birth, death, and marriage records. DNA matches through distant relatives helped narrow down possible candidates.

Webb's family tree connected him to numerous living descendants, some of whom were unaware of their ties to the case. Public records from Victoria aligned with critical DNA matches, adding weight to the identification.

Lists of Webb family members and historic residences provided additional verification. Marriage connections and historical census data further corroborated the findings. This work ruled out unrelated possibilities, strengthening the case for Carl Webb as the Somerton Man.

Public Announcements

The formal identification of the Somerton Man as Carl Webb was made public in mid-2022. Media outlets such as CNN and others reported on the breakthrough, ending decades of speculation. The announcement received strong attention in Australia and worldwide.

Authorities at West Terrace Cemetery updated records to reflect Webb's true identity. Public statements emphasized the contribution of DNA technology and collaboration between police and genealogists. Descendants of the Webb family responded to the news with relief and renewed interest in their ancestry.

The success of this identification highlighted the importance of forensic genealogy in solving historical mysteries. Public engagement in the case increased after the announcement, leading to further exploration of related family histories.

Key Figures in the Investigation

Several individuals and organizations played crucial roles in the quest to uncover the Somerton Man’s identity. Advancements in forensic science and collaboration across disciplines made significant progress possible in this long-standing mystery.

Derek Abbott and the University of Adelaide

Derek Abbott, a professor at the University of Adelaide, became central to the Somerton Man investigation. Beginning around 2009, he led renewed efforts combining modern forensic techniques and genealogical research. Abbott’s team worked to extract and analyze DNA from the Somerton Man after his body was exhumed.

The University of Adelaide provided critical resources, supporting both the technical and historical aspects of the inquiry. Abbott’s public advocacy also helped keep the case in the public eye, ensuring continued interest from both law enforcement and the global scientific community. Abbott’s persistence ultimately contributed to the identification of Charles Webb as the likely Somerton Man through DNA analysis.

Colleen Fitzpatrick and Forensic Genealogy

Colleen Fitzpatrick, a renowned forensic genealogist, collaborated with Australian researchers to interpret the genetic data extracted from the remains. Fitzpatrick is known for her expertise in using DNA to build family trees and solve historical mysteries.

She used genealogical databases to match the Somerton Man’s DNA to potential relatives. Her work was vital in narrowing down possible identities by establishing connections between living and deceased individuals through genetic markers. Fitzpatrick’s contributions underscored the powerful impact of forensic genealogy in cold cases and helped bring resolution to one of Australia’s most mysterious deaths.

South Australia Police Involvement

The South Australia Police played a formal role from the discovery of the body in 1948 and continued to oversee the case as new evidence came to light. They coordinated the 2021 exhumation, granting researchers access to the remains for advanced testing.

Police involvement ensured that all investigative steps complied with legal and ethical standards. Their partnership with forensic experts and universities facilitated access to vital records, historical documents, and crime scene details. South Australia Police’s commitment was essential in turning academic research into official findings recognized by the authorities.

The Legacy of the Tamam Shud Case

The Tamam Shud case has had a lasting impact on crime investigation methods and inspired widespread public interest. Its distinctive elements, from the code found in a book to the unresolved identity of the Somerton Man, have influenced multiple fields.

Influence on Pop Culture

The mystery of the Somerton Man has been referenced in novels, films, and television crime shows. Writers have used its themes of espionage, secret codes, and ambiguous identity to create stories that echo elements of the case.

Some documentaries and true crime podcasts have explored the unanswered questions surrounding the Tamam Shud case, highlighting the untraceable origins of the “Tamam Shud” note. The case's details—such as the hidden message in the Rubaiyat and unclaimed suitcase—have helped shape how real-life mysteries influence entertainment.

Artists and musicians have also used the story as inspiration, further embedding the case within Australian and global culture.

Ongoing Research and Public Fascination

Despite decades passing since the discovery of the body on Somerton Beach, researchers still seek answers using new forensic techniques. The recent exhumation of the Somerton Man's body aimed to gather DNA evidence that could resolve outstanding questions about his identity.

Online forums and amateur detectives continue to analyze clues, such as the cryptic code and potential links to Cold War espionage. Media reports and academic articles keep the case in the public eye, driving renewed efforts to connect familial DNA with missing persons databases.

Scientific advancements, particularly in genetic genealogy, hold promise, but the case remains open. The enduring appeal lies in the blend of hard evidence and unsolved mystery.

Personal Life and Background

Charles Webb, later identified as the "Somerton Man," was an electrical engineer and instrument maker originally from Melbourne. His early years, career, and personal circumstances shed light on his later mysterious fate.

Carl Webb's Early Life

Carl "Charles" Webb was born in Melbourne, Australia, in 1905. He grew up as one of several siblings in a stable, working-class household. Education was a priority in the Webb family, and records indicate that Carl attended local schools in the Melbourne area.

Family accounts and historical records show Carl displayed an early aptitude for technical subjects. His problem-solving skills and interest in machinery became apparent during his school years. Little is documented about his personal relationships in youth, though he maintained typical interactions for the era.

Electrical Engineer and Instrument Maker

Carl Webb trained as an electrical engineer, a field requiring specialized knowledge in electronics and mechanics. He applied his skills both professionally and as a hobbyist, developing a deep familiarity with instruments and devices. During the 1930s and 1940s, electrical engineering in Australia was an emerging and respected field.

Webb also had expertise as an instrument maker, which involved constructing and calibrating precision devices. This work called for a meticulous approach, attention to detail, and mechanical proficiency. His technical background positioned him well for employment in manufacturing and maintenance roles.

Life in Melbourne

Webb resided in the Melbourne area for most of his adult life. He lived in close proximity to his family, though some accounts note periods of distance or estrangement in later years. Melbourne, as a major industrial hub, offered many opportunities for someone with his professional background.

Employment records and electoral rolls from the era list Webb’s occupation consistently as electrical engineer or instrument maker. However, by 1947, he seemed to have withdrawn from regular social and professional circles. There are few verifiable details about his employment status or personal connections after this point.

His disappearance from public records led to speculation by family and friends. Webb’s movements in the year before his death remain only partially understood, reflecting a life marked by technical skill and eventual isolation.

The Somerton Man and DNA Discoveries