Casefile Archives 2: The Somerton Man

Casefile True Crime – Casefile Presents
Release Date: January 17, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode revisits one of Australia's most enduring and bizarre mysteries: the case of the Somerton Man. Originally released in 2016 but now remastered and updated with new information, the episode details the discovery of an unidentified man found dead on Somerton Beach, Adelaide, in December 1948. The host explores the perplexing circumstances around his death, theories ranging from espionage to lost love, the strange clues—including codes and a torn piece of poetry—and brings listeners up to speed with recent developments in forensic genealogy that may have finally identified the mysterious stranger.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Discovery and Initial Investigation

[04:18]– Identification becomes "the biggest mystery":

On December 1, 1948, the body of an unidentified man is found on Somerton Park Beach, Adelaide.
He is found in an uncomfortable, staged position with his head and shoulders against a seawall, legs extended, and feet crossed.
No ID found; labels on his clothing had all been removed. Only distinguishing item is a crumpled piece of paper printed with the words "Tamam Shud" (Persian for "it is finished" or "ended").
The note linked to a rare version of Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, containing what many believed to be a secret code and a local woman's phone number.

[07:42]– Tracing the Somerton Man's Movements:

He likely arrived from Melbourne on November 30, 1948, and checked a suitcase at Adelaide Railway Station.
Bought a ticket to Henley Beach (unused), instead took a bus to Glenelg.
Seen alive at 7:15 pm by a local couple who assumed he was drunk. Last seen before discovery of his body the following morning.

2. Forensics and Evidence

[13:22]– Investigation and Autopsy Findings:

Detailed physical description: athletic Caucasian male, 45 years old, strong build, smooth hands, yellowed fingers from smoking, well-kept nails, enlarged spleen.
Cause of death presumed to be poison, supported by a congested heart and organs, but no poison detected.
His possessions are ordinary except for mismatched cigarette brands and American-made items.

[20:59]– The Mysterious Suitcase:

Found at Adelaide Station, matched to Somerton Man by thread and size.
Contents: normal travel items, most tags removed except a few with the names "Keen" and "T. Keane," potentially a red herring.
The theory emerges that these are second-hand clothes or intended to throw off investigators.

3. The Book, the Code, and Jessica Thompson

[26:05]– The Tamam Shud Phone Number Clue:

The paper fragment traced to a rare 1941 New Zealand edition of Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam.
The actual torn page is found in a book left in a car near the scene.
At the back of this book are lines of handwritten capital letters—a possible code no one has ever cracked—and two phone numbers, one for a local bank, the second for Jessica Thompson, living 400 meters from the beach.

"At the back of this particular copy of the Rubaiyat were five rows of handwritten capital letters that appeared to be some sort of code... the code was published in the news and amateur codebreakers from all over the country got to work on the mystery. Many thought it may have been referencing something in the same book."
— Host [35:28]

[36:41]– Interview with Jessica Thompson:

Jessica denies knowing the Somerton Man but is visibly disturbed when shown the plaster cast of his face.
She admits her favorite book is Rubaiyat and says she gave a copy to serviceman Alf Boxall in 1945.
Boxall, however, is alive and still owns his inscriptioned copy, confirming he isn't the Somerton Man.

[39:40]– Theories on Jessica's Connection:

Jessica was married and had two children, including a son of unclear parentage, Robin.
Jessica's odd behavior and family history lead to speculation about a secret lover, possibly involving Cold War espionage.

"Jessica's daughter Kate has described Jessica as a woman with a very strong dark side. Kate even believed her mother could have been a Russian spy after discovering that Jessica spoke Russian, but wouldn't say where or why she learnt it." — Host [40:55]

4. Spy Theories & Broader Context

[42:28]– Espionage and Migration Theories:

Code, missing labels, unknown identity, and the 1946 Woomera secret missile testing site nearby suggest the Somerton Man could have been a spy.
However, other plausible theories: he could have been a displaced migrant or a returned soldier with PTSD.
All theories are plagued by the same problem: the unexplained, apparently undetectable cause of death.

[44:41]– Literary Parallels and Unsolved Cases:

Jessica's favorite novel, Howards End, involves an affair and a concealed fatality—a possible cryptic hint at her own story?
A similar mystery involving the Rubaiyat and a possibly coded message occurred three years earlier in another suspicious death in Sydney.

Developments and Modern Investigations

1. The Two Key Experts

Detective Jerry Feltus: Long-time investigator, author of "The Unknown Man," remains unconvinced about drastic new claims.
Professor Derek Abbott (Adelaide University): Academic and passionate amateur sleuth, later marries Jessica Thompson's granddaughter. Pursues genealogical and DNA avenues for identification.

"Fun fact, the two experts in the case don't get on... But it can't be denied that both have done excellent work." — Host [52:27]

2. The DNA Breakthrough

[53:10]– Modern Forensics:

In 2021, Somerton Man's body is exhumed for DNA sampling after decades of advocacy by Abbott.
Genetic genealogy links the body to Charles Webb, a Melbourne-born electrical engineer with a troubled marriage and penchant for poetry and betting.

[54:42]– The Identification as Charles Webb:

Webb had disappeared after separating from his wife around 1947.
Evidence: familial ties to the name "Keane" found on clothes and American connections through a nephew.
No official police confirmation as of episode release, but the identification is strong.

[56:30]– Closure of Some Theories:

DNA evidence rules out any connection between Webb and Jessica Thompson or her son Robin.
While the Russian spy theory is largely discounted, the mystery of why Webb obscured his identity and came to Adelaide—along with how he died—remains.

"Some of the more thrilling theories about the case were ultimately ruled out, like the notion that the Somerton man was a Russian spy killed while undertaking espionage. But questions still remain, such as why was Carl Webb so determined to obscure his identity? Why did he travel to Adelaide? Did he intend to leave hidden messages behind via a crumpled note and an abandoned copy of a poetry book book? And how exactly did he die?" — Host [57:21]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On the initial reaction to the discovery:
"At first, police thought they were dealing with a straightforward matter, the natural death of an unknown man... However, it soon became apparent that the case was anything but straightforward."
— Host [03:59]
On the impossibility of a simple answer:
"All of the identifying tags on his clothing had been deliberately removed, so it was impossible to see where the clothes had been made."
— Host [20:10]
The allure of mystery:
"But as time went on, the mystery surrounding the Somerton man's identity and the exact circumstances of his death captured the interest of the media and the public alike. I mean, who doesn't like a good mystery?"
— Host [28:10]

Important Segment Timestamps

[04:18] – Discovery of the body & initial reactions
[13:22] – Autopsy results and early forensic observations
[20:59] – Discovery and examination of the suitcase
[26:05] – Finding "Tamam Shud" note and linking it to the book
[35:28] – Introduction and analysis of the possible code
[36:41] – Jessica Thompson's interview
[42:28] – The spy theory and broader historical context
[53:10] – DNA exhumation and genetic genealogy breakthroughs
[54:42] – The identification as Charles Webb
[57:21] – Professor Abbott’s summary and remaining mysteries

Conclusion

This special edition of Casefile brings a legendary true crime case into the modern era, updating loyal listeners on both the myth and the science behind the tragedy of the Somerton Man. While DNA evidence has very likely ended the search for his name—Carl Charles Webb—many of the emotional, cryptic, and existential mysteries remain unsolved. The episode captures both the methodical approach and the lasting enigma of an unsolved case that gripped a nation and continues to fascinate the world.

Casefile Archives 2: The Somerton Man

Casefile True Crime – Casefile Presents
Release Date: January 17, 2026

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Discovery and Initial Investigation

[04:18]– Identification becomes "the biggest mystery":

On December 1, 1948, the body of an unidentified man is found on Somerton Park Beach, Adelaide.
He is found in an uncomfortable, staged position with his head and shoulders against a seawall, legs extended, and feet crossed.
No ID found; labels on his clothing had all been removed. Only distinguishing item is a crumpled piece of paper printed with the words "Tamam Shud" (Persian for "it is finished" or "ended").
The note linked to a rare version of Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, containing what many believed to be a secret code and a local woman's phone number.

[07:42]– Tracing the Somerton Man's Movements:

He likely arrived from Melbourne on November 30, 1948, and checked a suitcase at Adelaide Railway Station.
Bought a ticket to Henley Beach (unused), instead took a bus to Glenelg.
Seen alive at 7:15 pm by a local couple who assumed he was drunk. Last seen before discovery of his body the following morning.

2. Forensics and Evidence

[13:22]– Investigation and Autopsy Findings:

Detailed physical description: athletic Caucasian male, 45 years old, strong build, smooth hands, yellowed fingers from smoking, well-kept nails, enlarged spleen.
Cause of death presumed to be poison, supported by a congested heart and organs, but no poison detected.
His possessions are ordinary except for mismatched cigarette brands and American-made items.

[20:59]– The Mysterious Suitcase:

Found at Adelaide Station, matched to Somerton Man by thread and size.
Contents: normal travel items, most tags removed except a few with the names "Keen" and "T. Keane," potentially a red herring.
The theory emerges that these are second-hand clothes or intended to throw off investigators.

3. The Book, the Code, and Jessica Thompson

[26:05]– The Tamam Shud Phone Number Clue:

The paper fragment traced to a rare 1941 New Zealand edition of Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam.
The actual torn page is found in a book left in a car near the scene.
At the back of this book are lines of handwritten capital letters—a possible code no one has ever cracked—and two phone numbers, one for a local bank, the second for Jessica Thompson, living 400 meters from the beach.

"At the back of this particular copy of the Rubaiyat were five rows of handwritten capital letters that appeared to be some sort of code... the code was published in the news and amateur codebreakers from all over the country got to work on the mystery. Many thought it may have been referencing something in the same book."
— Host [35:28]

[36:41]– Interview with Jessica Thompson:

Jessica denies knowing the Somerton Man but is visibly disturbed when shown the plaster cast of his face.
She admits her favorite book is Rubaiyat and says she gave a copy to serviceman Alf Boxall in 1945.
Boxall, however, is alive and still owns his inscriptioned copy, confirming he isn't the Somerton Man.

[39:40]– Theories on Jessica's Connection:

Jessica was married and had two children, including a son of unclear parentage, Robin.
Jessica's odd behavior and family history lead to speculation about a secret lover, possibly involving Cold War espionage.

"Jessica's daughter Kate has described Jessica as a woman with a very strong dark side. Kate even believed her mother could have been a Russian spy after discovering that Jessica spoke Russian, but wouldn't say where or why she learnt it." — Host [40:55]

4. Spy Theories & Broader Context

[42:28]– Espionage and Migration Theories:

Code, missing labels, unknown identity, and the 1946 Woomera secret missile testing site nearby suggest the Somerton Man could have been a spy.
However, other plausible theories: he could have been a displaced migrant or a returned soldier with PTSD.
All theories are plagued by the same problem: the unexplained, apparently undetectable cause of death.

[44:41]– Literary Parallels and Unsolved Cases:

Jessica's favorite novel, Howards End, involves an affair and a concealed fatality—a possible cryptic hint at her own story?
A similar mystery involving the Rubaiyat and a possibly coded message occurred three years earlier in another suspicious death in Sydney.

Developments and Modern Investigations

1. The Two Key Experts

Detective Jerry Feltus: Long-time investigator, author of "The Unknown Man," remains unconvinced about drastic new claims.
Professor Derek Abbott (Adelaide University): Academic and passionate amateur sleuth, later marries Jessica Thompson's granddaughter. Pursues genealogical and DNA avenues for identification.

"Fun fact, the two experts in the case don't get on... But it can't be denied that both have done excellent work." — Host [52:27]

2. The DNA Breakthrough

[53:10]– Modern Forensics:

In 2021, Somerton Man's body is exhumed for DNA sampling after decades of advocacy by Abbott.
Genetic genealogy links the body to Charles Webb, a Melbourne-born electrical engineer with a troubled marriage and penchant for poetry and betting.

[54:42]– The Identification as Charles Webb:

Webb had disappeared after separating from his wife around 1947.
Evidence: familial ties to the name "Keane" found on clothes and American connections through a nephew.
No official police confirmation as of episode release, but the identification is strong.

[56:30]– Closure of Some Theories:

DNA evidence rules out any connection between Webb and Jessica Thompson or her son Robin.
While the Russian spy theory is largely discounted, the mystery of why Webb obscured his identity and came to Adelaide—along with how he died—remains.

"Some of the more thrilling theories about the case were ultimately ruled out, like the notion that the Somerton man was a Russian spy killed while undertaking espionage. But questions still remain, such as why was Carl Webb so determined to obscure his identity? Why did he travel to Adelaide? Did he intend to leave hidden messages behind via a crumpled note and an abandoned copy of a poetry book book? And how exactly did he die?" — Host [57:21]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On the initial reaction to the discovery:
"At first, police thought they were dealing with a straightforward matter, the natural death of an unknown man... However, it soon became apparent that the case was anything but straightforward."
— Host [03:59]
On the impossibility of a simple answer:
"All of the identifying tags on his clothing had been deliberately removed, so it was impossible to see where the clothes had been made."
— Host [20:10]
The allure of mystery:
"But as time went on, the mystery surrounding the Somerton man's identity and the exact circumstances of his death captured the interest of the media and the public alike. I mean, who doesn't like a good mystery?"
— Host [28:10]

Important Segment Timestamps

[04:18] – Discovery of the body & initial reactions
[13:22] – Autopsy results and early forensic observations
[20:59] – Discovery and examination of the suitcase
[26:05] – Finding "Tamam Shud" note and linking it to the book
[35:28] – Introduction and analysis of the possible code
[36:41] – Jessica Thompson's interview
[42:28] – The spy theory and broader historical context
[53:10] – DNA exhumation and genetic genealogy breakthroughs
[54:42] – The identification as Charles Webb
[57:21] – Professor Abbott’s summary and remaining mysteries

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Casefile Archives 2: The Somerton Man

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Summary

Casefile Archives 2: The Somerton Man

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Discovery and Initial Investigation

2. Forensics and Evidence

3. The Book, the Code, and Jessica Thompson

4. Spy Theories & Broader Context

Developments and Modern Investigations

1. The Two Key Experts

2. The DNA Breakthrough

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Important Segment Timestamps

Conclusion

Summary

Casefile Archives 2: The Somerton Man

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Discovery and Initial Investigation

2. Forensics and Evidence

3. The Book, the Code, and Jessica Thompson

4. Spy Theories & Broader Context

Developments and Modern Investigations

1. The Two Key Experts

2. The DNA Breakthrough

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Important Segment Timestamps

Conclusion