....A response to the question regarding the validity of the claims that Carl Webb was the Somerton Man produces a most interesting result...
As many would know, the opinion of this writer is that there is no proof that Carl Webb was the Somerton Man. This opinion was formed based on examining the evidence such as the detailed facial comparison of Carl Webb and that of the Somerton Man post autopsy photographs, the absence of any proof that the body used to make the plaster bust was in fact the body of the Somerton Man and that correct forensic protocols were not followed. I put the question to Chat GPT4 and received the following response:
CHAT GPT4
Based on the information provided, it appears that there are significant doubts and inconsistencies surrounding the claim that Carl Webb was the Somerton Man. The fact that proper forensic rules were not followed in the gathering of DNA samples, as suggested by Dr. Xianthe Mallet, raises questions about the reliability and accuracy of the DNA evidence linking Carl Webb to the Somerton Man.
Furthermore, the facial appearance of Carl Webb does not match the face of the police photograph taken of the Somerton Man shortly after his autopsy, which also casts doubt on the claim. Without reliable evidence linking Carl Webb to the Somerton Man, it is difficult to take the claim seriously.
Moreover, there is no proof that the plaster bust from which the hair samples containing the DNA of Carl Webb were purportedly taken was actually the body of the Somerton Man. This further raises questions about the validity of the claim that Carl Webb was the Somerton Man.
Therefore, it would be reasonable to approach the claim that Carl Webb was the Somerton Man with skepticism until further evidence is produced to support it. It is important to rely on sound forensic practices and reliable evidence before drawing any conclusions about the identity of the Somerton Man.
Over to you...
Over to you...
Anyone suggested Aqua Tofana as the poison? Arsenic, lead and bella donna?
ReplyDeleteIt is almost 2 years since The Somerton Man was exhumed. One does have to wonder, what is taking SAPOL so long to conduct their investigations in identifying him, either to confirm or eliminate Carl Webb as The Somerton Man?
ReplyDeleteIt is an interesting observation. Nearly two years and nothing to show. Des Bray said at the time that the body was in good condition and, to my understanding, the funding was in place to get the forensic work done. We read of the backlog of work the police forensic people have, but how much of that was there 2 years ago?
ReplyDeleteWhat are the possible, logical reasons for the delay apart from the aforementioned backlog? Some thoughts:
1. The body wasn't in such good condition presenting the forensic team with a far more complex task than was anticipated.
2. The presence of two other bodies in the same grave may have added to the necessary steps required for a detailed, compliant forensic examination of the remains.
3. The examination produced an entirely unexpected result and one that could prove embarrassing to the powers that be.
Other thoughts?
The time when the Coroner presents his findings is drawing nearer. What will those findings say?
ReplyDeleteThe way I see it there are 3 basic options:
1. Unable to ascertain the identity of the exhumed remains but a country of origin and family group may be named along with, depending of the quality of the DNA, the man’s height, hair colour, eye colour, and body mass index. The dental chart taken by Dr Dwyer matches those of the exhumed remains.
2. The dental chart taken by Dr.Dwyer does not match the dental chart of the exhumed remains. The DNA taken from the remains provides height, BMI, hair colour and eye colour. The DNA does/does not match the DNA of Carl Webb.
3. The dental chart of the exhumed remains matches the dental chart taken by Dr.Dwyer, the DNA matches the DNA of Carl Webb as provided by Professor Abbot.
Whether a toxicology report is included is an unknown. The SAPOL enquiry
I understand, was to focus on the identity of the body, not the cause of death.
Those are the basic options but I am not the Coroner neither do I have the Police report to work from.
Any other thoughts?