A grisly murder 100 years ago was the East Bays crime of the century

On August 23, 1925, Roger Thomas discovered severed body parts in the tule reeds near San Francisco Bay, igniting the notorious “Tule Marsh Murder” investigation. Initial police findings included a severed ear and clumps of golden hair, leading to the conclusion that a young woman had been brutally killed. Investigators suspected motives linked to an out-of-wedlock pregnancy or an extortion attempt involving a lover. The case quickly drew media attention, reflecting the era's sensational journalism and societal taboos. Police, including future California Governor Earl Warren, faced scrutiny as they searched the wetlands and interrogated numerous suspects without yielding an arrest.

The investigation also intersected with the growing influence of the Ku Klux Klan, which sought to politicize law enforcement failures amid racial tensions. Despite extensive efforts, the case was never resolved, underscoring the challenges of early forensic science and the power of the press in shaping public perception. The unresolved murder serves as a historical lens into the social issues of the time, including women's rights and racial dynamics.