The Boy in the Box (Joseph Augustus Zarelli) - Pennsylvania 1957

Reference TimelineLast updated MAR 28
SUMMARY

Philadelphia police identified a deceased suspect on March 28, 2026, in the 1957 murder of Joseph Augustus Zarelli, known as "The Boy in the Box," using DNA evidence and genealogical research. As of March 28, 2026, the investigation continues, though police suspect family involvement but lack prosecutable evidence. Zarelli's identity was confirmed in December 2022, over 65 years after his body was found, and his death was ruled an unsolved homicide by blunt force trauma by the Philadelphia Police Department on April 17, 2024. A new headstone was dedicated on January 13, 2023, and a historical marker now stands at the site where his body was found.

Timeline

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March 2026 — 1 developments

  1. Philadelphia police have identified a suspect in the 1957 murder of Joseph Zarelli, the "Boy in the Box.

    Philadelphia police have identified a suspect in the 1957 murder of Joseph Zarelli, the "Boy in the Box." The suspect, who is deceased, was identified through DNA evidence and genealogical research. Zarelli's identity was confirmed in December 2022, over 65 years after his body was found.

January 2026 — 1 developments

  1. The Vidocq Society has launched a national initiative to identify all unidentified children, inspired by the identification of Joseph Augustus Zarelli.

    The Vidocq Society has launched a national initiative to identify all unidentified children, inspired by the identification of Joseph Augustus Zarelli. This initiative was rolled out on what would have been his 73rd birthday.

December 2025 — 1 developments

  1. Police investigating the murder of Joseph Augustus Zarelli suspect family involvement but currently lack prosecutable evidence.

    Police investigating the murder of Joseph Augustus Zarelli suspect family involvement but currently lack prosecutable evidence.

January 2025 — 1 developments

  1. A historical marker now stands at the site on Susquehanna Road where Joseph Augustus Zarelli's body was found.

    A historical marker now stands at the site on Susquehanna Road where Joseph Augustus Zarelli's body was found.

December 2024 — 1 developments

  1. Investigators exhumed eight other bodies from Potter's Field to use DNA for identification, hoping to solve more cold cases.

    Investigators exhumed eight other bodies from Potter's Field to use DNA for identification, hoping to solve more cold cases. The Vidocq Society held its annual memorial tribute and birthday remembrance for Joseph Augustus Zarelli on January 13, 2024. It was also reported that Joseph Augustus Zarelli's biological parents are deceased, but he has living siblings.

April 2024 — 1 developments

  1. Joseph Augustus Zarelli's death was ruled an unsolved homicide by blunt force trauma by the Philadelphia Police Department.

    Joseph Augustus Zarelli's death was ruled an unsolved homicide by blunt force trauma by the Philadelphia Police Department.

March 2023 — 1 developments

  1. As of March 2023, the investigation into Joseph Augustus Zarelli's murder has received only one tip …

    As of March 2023, the investigation into Joseph Augustus Zarelli's murder has received only one tip since his identification in December 2022, a detail that disappointed police officials.

January 2023 — 1 developments

  1. A new headstone bearing Joseph Augustus Zarelli's name and picture was dedicated at Ivy Hill Cemetery on what would have been his 70th birthday, restoring his identity.

    A new headstone bearing Joseph Augustus Zarelli's name and picture was dedicated at Ivy Hill Cemetery on what would have been his 70th birthday, restoring his identity.

December 2022 — 5 developments

  1. Joseph Augustus Zarelli, identified as "The Boy in The Box," was laid to rest in Philadelphia in December 2022, nearly a month after police publicly identified him.

    Joseph Augustus Zarelli, identified as "The Boy in The Box," was laid to rest in Philadelphia in December 2022, nearly a month after police publicly identified him. Services were held to honor his life.

  2. Following his identification, investigators noted that Joseph Augustus Zarelli was never reported missing.

    Following his identification, investigators noted that Joseph Augustus Zarelli was never reported missing.

  3. Following Joseph Augustus Zarelli's identification, authorities stated they have suspicions about who may be responsible for his death, though no names have been publicly released.

    Following Joseph Augustus Zarelli's identification, authorities stated they have suspicions about who may be responsible for his death, though no names have been publicly released.

  4. The Philadelphia Police Department announced a $20,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the murder of Joseph Augustus Zarelli.

    The Philadelphia Police Department announced a $20,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the murder of Joseph Augustus Zarelli.

  5. More than 65 years after his body was found, the boy was publicly identified as Joseph Augustus Zarelli, born January 13, 1953.

    More than 65 years after his body was found, the boy was publicly identified as Joseph Augustus Zarelli, born January 13, 1953.

November 2022 — 1 developments

  1. The Philadelphia Police Department announced that detectives had determined the boy's identity using DNA and genealogical databases.

    The Philadelphia Police Department announced that detectives had determined the boy's identity using DNA and genealogical databases.

March 2019 — 1 developments

March 1998 — 1 developments

  1. The boy's body was exhumed for the first time to obtain DNA samples, though initial efforts to extract usable DNA were challenging.

    The boy's body was exhumed for the first time to obtain DNA samples, though initial efforts to extract usable DNA were challenging.

February 1957 — 1 developments

  1. The nude, severely beaten, and malnourished body of a young boy, wrapped in a plaid blanket and plac…

    The nude, severely beaten, and malnourished body of a young boy, wrapped in a plaid blanket and placed in a cardboard box, was discovered in a wooded area off Susquehanna Road in Philadelphia's Fox Chase neighborhood. He had surgical scars and a recent haircut. Authorities believe the cause of death was blunt force trauma.