Murder of Joseph Augustus Zarelli

Overview

Joseph Augustus Zarelli, born on January 13, 1953, tragically became known as the "Boy in the Box," "Boy in a Box," or "America's Unknown Child" after his malnourished and beaten body was discovered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on February 25, 1957. This heartbreaking case would capture the attention of the nation and remain unsolved for over six decades.

Zarelli's body was found on the side of Susquehanna Road, wrapped in a plaid blanket. What makes this case particularly chilling is the condition in which he was discovered: his body had been cleaned and groomed—his hair freshly cut and fingernails neatly trimmed—yet he bore the scars and bruises of severe abuse. The authorities estimated that he had suffered extensive physical attacks before his death, with multiple bruises and signs of malnutrition. An autopsy later revealed that the cause of death was homicide by blunt force trauma.

Quick Facts

• Born: January 13, 1953
• Died: February 1957 (aged 4)
• Status: Identified on December 8, 2022 (65 years, 9 months, and 13 days after discovery)
• Cause of Death: Homicide by blunt force trauma
• Body Discovered: February 25, 1957, in Fox Chase, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
• Burial Place: Ivy Hill Cemetery, Cedarbrook, Philadelphia, U.S.
• Monuments: Grave memorial inscribed with "America's Unknown Child" and a sign memorial at the discovery site.
• Parents: Augustus John Zarelli (father) and Mary Elizabeth Plunkett (mother)

Discovery of the Body

The grim discovery of Zarelli's body occurred on February 25, 1957, when a young man checking his rabbit traps stumbled upon the remains. Initially hesitant to report his find due to fears of police confiscating his traps, he ultimately did not inform authorities until days later, after a college student, who also noticed suspicious activity in the area, reported the body.

Zarelli's lifeless form was found inside a cardboard box that had once held a bassinet sold by J.C. Penney. The details surrounding the body were deeply unsettling: his hair had been crudely cut, and there were several visible surgical scars, including an L-shaped scar beneath his chin. The police quickly recognized the signs of severe malnutrition, indicating that this child had endured a life of hardship before his untimely death.

Investigation Prior to Identification

The investigation into Zarelli's murder began on February 26, 1957, with police taking fingerprints and initially hoping to identify the child quickly. However, as time passed, leads dried up, and the case went cold. The media played a significant role in keeping the case alive, as the Philadelphia Inquirer printed 400,000 flyers depicting Zarelli's likeness, distributing them widely across the area.

A search of the crime scene involved 270 police academy recruits, uncovering a blue corduroy cap, a child's scarf, and a white handkerchief monogrammed with the letter "G." Despite these clues, they led to no substantial breakthroughs. In 1998, Zarelli's body was exhumed for DNA extraction, and in 2016, a forensic facial reconstruction was released, reigniting interest in the case. This would not be the last time investigators would turn to modern forensic techniques; another exhumation occurred in 2019 for additional DNA samples.

Identification

For decades, Zarelli remained an unidentified victim, but on November 30, 2022, a breakthrough occurred. The Philadelphia Police Department announced that they had identified him through advanced genetic testing and investigative genealogy. Authorities indicated that the child hailed from a prominent family in Delaware County, Pennsylvania.

On December 8, 2022, exactly 65 years after his body was found, Zarelli was publicly identified. Interestingly, genealogists had uncovered his name a year prior in October 2021, and it was a cousin's DNA upload to a public database that ultimately led to his identification. Investigators encouraged this cousin's mother to submit her genetic profile to GEDmatch, facilitating a court order for Zarelli's birth certificate, which confirmed his identity and that of his parents.

Theories Prior to Identification

The mystery surrounding Zarelli’s death gave rise to several theories, some more plausible than others.

The Foster Home Theory

One prominent theory emerged regarding a foster home located just 1.5 miles from where Zarelli's body was found. Remington Bristow, a medical examiner's office employee who was deeply invested in the case until his death in 1993, consulted a psychic in 1960. This psychic led him to a foster home where Bristow found a bassinet similar to the one Zarelli had been placed in.

Bristow theorized that Zarelli might have been the son of the foster home's stepdaughter, who disposed of him to cover up her pregnancy. However, police later determined that all foster children were accounted for, leading to the conclusion that the family was not involved.

The Woman Known as Martha or "M"

In February 2002, a woman known only as Martha or "M" claimed that her mother had acquired and killed Zarelli, whom she identified as Jonathan. Although her story was compelling, police found it difficult to corroborate due to her history of mental health issues. Neighbors dismissed her claims, asserting that no young boy had lived in her home during the relevant time period.

Other Theories

Another theory posited by forensic artist Frank Bender suggested that Zarelli may have been raised as a girl, based on the haphazard nature of his haircut and the grooming of his eyebrows. In 2008, Bender released a sketch of what Zarelli might have looked like if he had long hair, reflecting the strands found on his body.

In 2016, two writers believed they had identified a potential connection between Zarelli and a family from Memphis, Tennessee. Their investigation led to DNA comparisons, but ultimately, no links were confirmed.

Burial

Initially buried in a potter's field, Zarelli was reinterred at Ivy Hill Cemetery in Cedarbrook, Philadelphia, in 1998. This reburial was made possible by public donations, including the coffin and headstone. The grave quickly became a place of remembrance, with local residents regularly leaving flowers and toys to honor the memory of this unknown child.

The original headstone bore the inscription “America’s Unknown Child,” accompanied by a plaque reading, “Heavenly Father, Bless This Unknown Boy.” On January 13, 2023, which would have marked Zarelli’s 70th birthday, a new memorial was unveiled featuring his full name and image, along with an addition to the existing headstone.

Homicide Investigation

During a press conference in December 2022, Philadelphia Police Commissioner Outlaw emphasized that Zarelli's death remains an active homicide investigation, and they continue to seek assistance from the public. While both of Zarelli's biological parents have passed away, he does have living half-siblings, and law enforcement has indicated that Zarelli resided around 61st and Market streets before his death.

Investigators stated that although Zarelli lived past the age of four, it remains uncertain how many people might have seen him in the neighborhood or witnessed any suspicious behavior in the household.

Conclusion

The case of Joseph Augustus Zarelli is a tragic reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by children and the enduring quest for justice. His identification in 2022 brought a sense of closure to a case that had haunted Philadelphia for decades, but the search for answers regarding his death continues.

Sources

• Wikipedia contributors. (2023). Murder of Joseph Augustus Zarelli. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Joseph_Augustus_Zarelli