Joseph Augustus Zarelli, formerly known as “America’s Unknown Child,” was a tragic figure in one of Philadelphia’s most enduring mysteries. The discovery of his identity decades later provides a poignant closure to a case that has captivated public interest for over 65 years, highlighting the advances in forensic science and the relentless efforts of investigators.
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Table of Contents
Who was Joseph Augustus Zarelli?
Joseph Augustus Zarelli was a young boy tragically known as the “Boy in the Box” for many years. His unidentified body was found in Philadelphia in 1957, and his case remained a mystery for over six decades. His identity was only revealed in 2022, bringing some closure to a long-standing, heart-wrenching story.
How old was Joseph Augustus Zarelli before he died?
Joseph Augustus Zarelli was approximately four years old at the time of his death in February 1957. His short life ended under tragic circumstances, marking a sorrowful chapter in the history of unsolved cases in the United States.
Where was Joseph Augustus Zarelli from?
Joseph Augustus Zarelli was from West Philadelphia. He lived near 61st and Market streets, an area that would later become central to the investigation into his death and subsequent identification.
Joseph Augustus Zarelli Parents
The parents of Joseph Augustus Zarelli were Augustus John Zarelli, known as “Gus,” and Mary Elizabeth (née Abel) Plunkett, known as “Betsy.” Their relationship, which never led to marriage, resulted in the birth of Joseph. The circumstances of Joseph’s upbringing and the events leading to his tragic death remain a subject of investigation.
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Who is Joseph Augustus Zarelli’s mother?
Joseph’s mother was Mary Elizabeth Abel, also known as Betsy. She was the woman with whom Augustus Zarelli had a relationship, resulting in the birth of Joseph. Betsy’s life and her relationship with Augustus Zarelli have been key to understanding the background and familial context of Joseph’s short life.
Who was Joseph Augustus Zerilli’s family?
Joseph Zerilli’s family, different from Joseph Zarelli’s, included notable individuals like his siblings Rosalie Licavoli, Josephine Tocco, and others. The Zerilli family had its own distinct history, separate from that of Joseph Augustus Zarelli.
What happened to the boy in the box?
The “Boy in the Box,” now identified as Joseph Augustus Zarelli, was found dead in 1957 in a JC Penney box, showing signs of severe malnutrition, abuse, and possible surgical scars. The circumstances of his death, caused by blunt force trauma, remain a subject of ongoing investigation.
When was Joseph Augustus Zarelli found?
Joseph Augustus Zarelli’s body was discovered on February 25, 1957, in a small neighborhood in Philadelphia. His discovery sparked one of the city’s most notorious and long-standing unsolved cases, known for many years as the “Boy in the Box” mystery.
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Conclusion
The identification of Joseph Augustus Zarelli brought a measure of closure to a case that had remained unresolved for over six decades. It stands as a testament to the advances in forensic science and the determination of investigators to solve even the coldest of cases. However, the story of Joseph’s short life and tragic death continues to evoke profound sadness and a lingering quest for justice.
FAQs about Joseph Augustus Zarelli Parents
- How were Joseph Augustus Zarelli’s parents identified? Joseph’s parents were identified through genetic testing and genealogical research, with the aid of DNA submitted to public databases, leading to the revelation of their identities.
- What was the impact of identifying Joseph Augustus Zarelli’s parents? Identifying Joseph’s parents provided crucial information about his background and has guided ongoing investigations into the circumstances of his death.
- Did Joseph Augustus Zarelli have siblings? Yes, Joseph had siblings from both his maternal and paternal sides, as revealed by the investigation following the identification of his parents.
- What efforts were made to identify Joseph Augustus Zarelli over the years? Efforts included extensive police investigations, public appeals, forensic reconstructions, and the use of modern DNA and genealogical techniques, which ultimately led to his identification.
- What does the identification of Joseph Augustus Zarelli mean for cold cases? The identification demonstrates the potential for solving cold cases with modern forensic science and genealogy, offering hope for other unresolved cases.
