Two years later after being finally identified, the “Boy in the Box” case continues to haunt Philadelphia. The body of Joseph Augustus Zarelli, 4, was found in February 1957 in the Fox Chase neighborhood of Philadelphia. He was naked, severely beaten, and placed in a cardboard box, sparking significant publicity around the case. However, for 65 years, his identity remained a mystery, earning him the nickname “America’s Unknown Child” engraved on his tombstone.
In 2022, the Philadelphia police announced a breakthrough in the case, identifying the boy’s true identity through advancements in DNA testing. Yet, the larger mystery remains unsolved: who killed the boy and what led to his tragic demise?
Discovery and Investigation:
The boy’s body was discovered on Feb. 25, 1957, in a wooded area off Susquehanna Road in Philadelphia. He was found nude, wrapped in a blanket, and placed in a large box that originally held a bassinet from JCPenney. Seemingly malnourished and bearing signs of physical abuse, the boy had also received a recent haircut and nail trimming. Despite extensive efforts by authorities, various theories and leads failed to identify the boy or his killer, leaving “America’s Unknown Child” unnamed.
Breakthrough:
In December 2022, nearly 66 years after the discovery, the Philadelphia police revealed the boy’s identity as Joseph Augustus Zarelli, aged 4 at the time of his death. The breakthrough came through advancements in DNA profiling technology. By matching a genetic snippet to a distant cousin’s profile on Ancestry.com, investigators were able to trace Joseph’s family and locate his birth certificate. A new headstone was dedicated at Joseph’s grave site in January 2023, marking his 70th birthday and restoring his identity.
The Unsolved Mystery:
While Joseph’s identification was a significant breakthrough, the mystery surrounding the Boy in the Box case endures. The circumstances of his death and the identity of his killer remain unknown. With both of Joseph’s parents deceased and nearly seven decades having passed since the crime, solving the case becomes increasingly challenging, leaving many questions unanswered.
The perpetrator is deceased as well. However, the case remains open, and investigators are optimistic about providing closure to Joseph’s surviving siblings and the city of Philadelphia. Captain Jason Smith, who heads the homicide unit of the Philadelphia Police Department, mentioned in 2022 that authorities are anticipating a surge of tips following the identification of the boy. “I remain optimistic that there is an individual in their late 70s or even 80s who can recall this child,” stated Smith. “There must be someone who saw the child at some point. It could be another relative who hasn’t come forward, a neighbor who remembers observing the child, or someone who can recollect events at the specific residence. This is what I am hoping will transpire.” This information was originally reported by People magazine.
