The haunting case of the “Boy in the Box” remains one of Philadelphia’s most enduring mysteries.
The body of a 4-year-old boy, severely beaten, malnourished, and found naked in a cardboard box, was discovered in the Fox Chase neighborhood on February 25, 1957.
For 65 years, his identity remained unknown, earning him the heartbreaking title of “America’s Unknown Child.”
After years of unsuccessful leads, breakthroughs in DNA technology finally revealed the boy’s name in December 2022: Joseph Augustus Zarelli.
Joseph was just 4 years old when he was killed, but despite the identification, the case remains unsolved. His death, resulting from severe abuse, still raises questions about who killed him and why.
The boy’s body had been placed in a box that once contained a bassinet, and he had recently been groomed, with trimmed nails and a fresh haircut.
Police investigated multiple theories over the years, from the possibility he was a foster child to claims that he was a refugee or a victim of human trafficking, but none of these leads provided answers.
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The breakthrough came when DNA from the exhumed body was matched to a distant cousin through Ancestry.com. Investigators were able to track down Joseph’s family and confirmed his identity.
However, the case remains open as authorities work to solve the mystery of who killed him.
Joseph’s parents have both passed away, and the passage of time has made solving the case increasingly difficult.
The hope remains that someone who knew Joseph or his family will come forward with critical information that could lead to justice.
In January 2023, a new headstone was dedicated in Joseph’s honor, marking what would have been his 70th birthday.
Despite the years of uncertainty, the case continues to captivate Philadelphia, as investigators and the public alike search for answers.