Berkeley Cecil Williams

Berkeley Cecil Williams was found dead in a burned out car at Pennymoor near Tiverton on Monday 1 May 1961.

His body was so badly burned that the police could not determine whether the remains were those of a man or a woman. However, the car was soon identified as having belonged to Berkeley Williams.

Scientists at the South-West Forensic Science Laboratory in Bristol were called in to assist with the identification and they later said that because his remains were burned beyond recognition that his identification would have to made by circumstantial, scientific and medical evidence against which it would be for the Coroner's jury to decide upon his identity.

Berkeley Williams had been a widower and had lived at Burnthouse Lane Stores in Exeter. He was said to have left his sister's home in Crediton on the Monday night to return to Exeter but failed to arrive.

His inquest was held at Crediton on Friday 9 June 1961 where an open verdict was returned.