Police reveal identity of "Boy in the Box" victim in notorious Philadelphia cold case | full video

Authorities in Philadelphia revealed the identity of the "Boy in the Box," who was found stuffed inside a cardboard box on Feb. 25, 1957. At the time, police estimated the boy was around 4 to 6 years old. The child's name was Joseph Augustus Zarelli, police said Thursday.
#crime #news #philadelphia
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[@thatgardeninggirl2864]

Rest in Peace Joseph Augustus Zarelli Born Jan 13 1953

[@Emy53]

Well, we now know the parents name, Zarelli. They're dead now, but I imagine those horrible parents killed Joseph. How can they not even acknowledge that their child is missing...smells quilty to me.

[@Emy53]

I hope his name now appears on his monument.

[@jessicajones3379]

@@Emy53because they could have put him up for adoption and therefore would have no clue what happened to him

[@Elly3981]

@@jessicajones3379 my guess was that Joseph was born to unwed parents or was the product of an extramarital affair that they wanted to keep under wraps. It was common for children of such unions to be sent to live with relatives or adopted out to strangers. If they're lucky, they get to live a good life. Poor Joseph wasn't so lucky.

[@Ariel-jf3ec]

This is simply heartbreaking ...this police officer chief is so eloquent in the way she speaks she's taking her time ... To convey gratitude and thanks and relief that this baby was able to be identified

[@veramae4098]

The guy next to her should have stood still. He evidently felt it was important that he move his head almost continuously. This is not about YOU! Let the lady speak.

[@jhhgg7318]

Haga the city has over 500 plus homicides a year since she took over . She’s is literally not capable of her job . U ppl are clowns .

[@reneedennis2011]

I agree.

[@shawnlivers2757]

I agree 🙏🏽.

[@mary7256]

@@veramae4098This statement is ridiculous. You are pretending someone is trying to control her or stop her from speaking, "Let the lady speak", while you simultaneously want to control a man while he is silent and is just moving his head around. Wow.

[@jimthompson5309]

I was 7 years old when tis boy was found in my neighborhood. I still recall the posters in every store window with a picture of the boy as he was found. I personally knew Officer Elmer Palmer who also lived in my neighborhood who I know investigated many leads in this case for years, even into his retirement. It shook the entire community for years.

[@kathyfisher155]

Heartbreaking!! How far away from where they believed he lived (west philly, 61st & maple) to where he was found?

[@LilJollyJoker]

So sad! Is Mr. Palmer still alive?

[@MollyGrenci]

@@LilJollyJoker I was wondering the same thing

[@LilJollyJoker]

@@MollyGrenci I looked it up! He passed away in 2011 at the age of 83. RIP :(

[@teaspoonsofpeanutbutter6425]

I hope the community feel a sense of peace now he has his name and identity back. No longer a nameless mystery. So delighted for the boy and all those who have investigated and cared.

[@stacidify]

I'm so glad he has finally been identified, while I'm sad at the same time that his life was so short. Rest well, Joseph Zarelli.

[@potatopirate5557]

I hope the police departments, the detectives and supervisors, understand how much we appreciate them solving cold cases. A lot of money and effort goes into working on a case like this, but we are so grateful for it. It breaks my heart so much to think of what that child endured.

[@deejacks1]

Why keep the parents names confidential? That's not been the case for most missing/murdered kids. Revealing their names doesn't mean they're guilty (but very likely were). This story was plastered everywhere, locally and nationally, for decades and not a single relative suspected it was him? Highly unlikely! I don't think the parents identity deserve to be protected. They failed to protect Joseph! The fact that they never reported their child missing is very telling.

[@tonyabrookes9931]

His living siblings will be ruthlessly hounded once the names are revealed. I think they're trying to prevent (or postpone) that

[@elaexplorer]

It's more about protecting living relatives who probably had nothing to do with it, and may have never met their cousin or even knew he existed. A lot of unhinged people would attack/threaten them because of their need to blame someone living. It's very likely it was a parent or other caretaker who has since died themselves.

[@deejacks1]

@@tonyabrookes9931 I get that but that's not a privilege afforded to everyone else. Based on other comments, that family is very affluent and connected. If that's the case, money talks...or buys silence & protection.

[@robb2055]

The biological parents put him up for adoption as a baby because he was born out of wedlock. All siblings are 1/2 siblings on both sides. They need to figure out who adopted him and then They will likely find the killer. His name may even have been changed by his adoptive parents.

[@deejacks1]

@@robb2055 Thank you for that update Rob! Where did you come across this information? I haven't seen that on any of the news stories/publications.

[@tonyabrookes9931]

Thank God for everyone who worked to help find this poor boy's identity. You are all amazing human beings

[@Emy53]

Why thank God???? I will never understand those words "thank God:...

[@whynot828]

@@Emy53 Why Not Thank God?

[@willowwisp357]

Rest in peace Joseph, many who would have never known of you love you and worked hard to finally find you.

[@teaspoonsofpeanutbutter6425]

*Peace. Piece means a bit of something. Peace means ease, serenity etc

[@jennifermyers66]

THANK GOD FOR TRUMP

[@feurigerStern]

@@jennifermyers66 what has that man got to do with identifying this child.

[@jennifermyers66]

@@feurigerStern BECAUSE HE IS MAKING PEOPLE DO THEIR JOBS

[@feurigerStern]

@@jennifermyers66 Why are you yelling? How does that man make people do their jobs? Cite an example. The people who worked on this case, were working on it long before anyone knew that man. 🙄 No one makes anyone do anything in this country. He sure doesn't make me or anyone I know do anything. I am like most Americans. As long as it is legal, I do what I want, when I want, and how I want.

[@laurieford6373]

I'm glad atleast that poor little baby has his name back. Joseph Augustus Zarelli. Rest In Sweet Peace.

[@LisaCupelli]

Im so glad he now has his name. God bless that boy and may he rest in peace.

[@sooz9433]

These people moved Heaven and Earth to find out who this precious child is. My gratitude to them all. As the Mother of four grown sons my memory of them at this age is vivid... ✨️Joseph Augustus Zarelli✨️ may we never forget your name.

[@bcatblues725]

Rest in peace, Joseph. This is such a heartbreaking story. I don’t know how people do these types of things. It’s so sad and disgusting.😢

[@davidcarlin3850]

Parents did this. Joseph had siblings and even they never came forward ? RIP dear Joseph. You will have justice

[@veramae4098]

The man who first found his body did not tell anyone, he was muskrat trapping and was afraid the police would take his traps away from him. B******!

[@bsouthmama3010]

I have to agree. What other plausible explanation could there be? If they didn’t do it, then they know who did and didn’t report it. But I’m thinking parents too. As for the siblings, u should not pass judgment, u don’t know the facts. Or the ages or anything really. Just that we learned his name and he had siblings is nowhere near enough to be passing judgment

[@janetsides901]

They're as guilty as the parents,they never reported their brother missing.

[@bsouthmama3010]

@@janetsides901 we can’t really know that yet. They haven’t said their ages

[@gvue4396]

@@janetsides901 you don't know, maybe the parents told them some wild story. You can't point fingers without knowing everyone's perspective

[@LTrotsky21stCentury]

The Phila police have known the identity of this boy for a year. This is only the reveal. The idea that no relatives came forward to identify the boy suggests foul play by family members.

[@ericsierra-franco7802]

Ya think!

[@kathyfisher155]

Who else would do it?? Joseph didn’t even have an SS number... he likely was kept in a damn closet & that’s why no neighbors came forward... 💔

[@ERSLIFE-we1mg]

@@kathyfisher155 exactly poor baby 🙏🏽

[@claireconover]

passing judgement on no information whatsoever, makes you foolish.

[@misszee007]

I agree. Let’s say he was abducted I’m sure parents would have reported it, then once found came forward. There’s no way they wouldn’t have known of him being found. I think that the mom had him and hid him away. Once he became more of a problem they got rid of him.

[@willow.bell.illustration]

I'm so glad the gentlemen had said that saying an individual's name out loud keeps them and their spirit alive. The second they said his name I think I said it five times out loud with tears streaming down my face. I may have not known this boy in any way, shape or form, but I feel love for him as if he was my own. Rest in peace Joseph.

[@bigmamassoul8323]

Joseph Augustus Zarelli, say his name and remember it and pray that his soul has peace

[@joilegrand5147]

I saw this story as a little kid on something like unsolved mysteries or America’s Most Wanted and it messed with me at the time. Over the years I saw if several times again. I thought it might probably never be solved. But look at God! Proud of all involved in this monumental work! Great job! Law enforcement has its compassion and complexity like anything else. But my heart goes out to those who have to see things like this at all in their lives- ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO VOLUNTEER TO LOOK AT SUCH THINGS AND THEN FOLLOW UP- with the strength they have left- TO SEEK JUSTICE FOR THESE VICTIMS. God bless our law enforcement and scientific community for their collaborations that make a day like this possible for this and other little angels and victims of all ages!

[@nuttybar9]

I saw it on Unsolved Mysteries.

[@claireconover]

god put him in the hands of his killer.

[@GoodGuy-wq4md]

Science identified him, not a god.

[@Violet-hj2fn]

@@GoodGuy-wq4md okay "good guy" allow others to have their beliefs ✋🏻

[@kathyfisher155]

@@GoodGuy-wq4md because you know this firsthand?!? Sit DOWN. 👿

[@krisfinley6706]

Very happy this poor innocent child has his name back. Unfortunately, I can't hear what that is, because the audio is SO low😠 Sound techs literally have one job. All they had to do was boost the audio. One job. And I'm not going to keep holding my phone directly to my ear straining to hear, even when there's no noise around me interfering. Ridiculous. I'll go to some other news channel to find out, no excuse for this, this has been one of the most important unsolved cases for many people for decades, whoever posted this to KZbin with such garbage audio should be fired, at least have the decency to honor this baby's identity and memory by announcing his name loudly and clearly

[@allisel.hemmerling3382]

His name is Joseph Augustus Zarelli💙 keep saying his name. #JusticeForJoseph

[@nizhonichica2005]

Can't release the parents name to "respect" surviving siblings. What about the deceased rights and respect. If they have nothing to hide why not say.

[@deejacks1]

Exactly! The parents don't deserve that level of respect since they didn't report him missing...even after his likeness was all over the news and billboards for decades.

[@claireconover]

@@deejacks1 the parents are both deceased. were you listening at all?!

[@marthasalter405]

the surviving siblings don't need to deal with members of the press, you tubers, etc. I'm sure people will figure out who they are anyway but I hope they can be left alone. I would assume the now-deceased parents would be the primary suspects to be dealt with. I suppose it's possible that it's an older sibling or another person in the home, but it had to have been someone with frequent contact as the child was likely abused many times over his short lifetime.

[@codacreator6162]

Who are also potential suspects. Of course, they won’t say who. 🤦‍♂️

[@mikelouis9389]

@@marthasalter405 Do you mean the surviving siblings who went all Omerta for 65 years?

[@maki7249]

So, basically whoever was responsible for the child (parents/foster parents/grandparents or other relatives) never reported him missing? What the heck?

[@mikelouis9389]

This is "the good old days" some folks long for.

[@ericsierra-franco7802]

Because they probably killed him.

[@juliecrane9647]

@@mikelouis9389 My mom grew up on a farm with 10 siblings. They hauled water indoors from an outside well. They had a 2 seater outhouse. The 2nd floor was one room divided by a curtain to separate the girls from the boys. Downstairs was my grandparents BR, LR and the kitchen. There was no electricity. Their heat was a wood burning stove in the LR and there was a wood burning oven with two stove eyes on top. She was born in 1931 in NW Iowa. She married my dad, a boy from town, when they were 18. My dad finished college on the GI BILL and they had 2 boys and me while he got his degree. They moved south when my dad went to work for NASA in 1959. They had 2 more sons. Most of my friends' families camped a lot. I asked mom why couldn't we start camping too. She set her jaw hard and said, "Drive to the woods and haul water, cook over a fire, pee in a hole and sleep on a hard bed ? That's how we survived growing up. There's not much that was good in the good old days". I never asked again. 🤣

[@mikelouis9389]

@@juliecrane9647 The "good old days" are good only in the mouths of politicians, country songs and the minds of people who never experienced the reality of them. I was raised by my grandmother who lived with us. She was born in 1899. She LIKED the modern world. I guess burying 3 children under the age of 10 biases one.

[@suzybailey-koubti8342]

😢😢😢 God rest this angel’s precious soul. This story just breaks my heart.

[@susanrennker3140]

There is still goodness in this world Rest In Peace sweet Joseph

[@YouSoCute2000]

Rest in peace Joseph. You did not deserve this. It breaks my heart this happened to you. My son just turned 6, l could not imagine. Your story lives on, you are loved by all of us, your life mattered. 😞😞you are our son now.

[@heatherallen385]

What a beautiful, eloquent speech. Finally, this child is honoured as he should be. m

[@c-id-b340]

I seen this as a young kid on Unsolved Mysteries. Plus I remember they would bring it up on the news every now and then. As the anniversary of the day they found little boy in the Box ( Joseph Augustus Zarelli ). Now I will never forget his name. May Joseph Augustus Zerelli rest in peace.🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@deanamc1]

Why not say who may have done this? Why protect this person even if they are dead?!!!!!!

[@jessicastanley8913]

I remember reading the story in the Philadelphia Bulletin, in 1957. It was a horrifying story. I was 10 years old. I am thrilled about the revelation.

[@ImNotaRussianBot]

This is so utterly horrific. That the poor baby's murderer just lived their lives.

[@kathyfisher155]

Rest peacefully, Joseph Augustus Zarelli in the arms of our Savior 🙏🏼♥️ you are loved.

[@westcoastwen8499]

Thank you to all these professionals today and for those that have passed for all the work and dedication to give this boy his name and continued efforts to determine the rest of his story.

[@Scorpio_Moonshine]

Details & name of boy start: (5:05)

[@kirasussane1556]

Just hard to think that many of the past officers that worked in the case are now dead. Can't believe this baby boy spend decades being a Jane Doe denied of an identity and history. I'm glad that we finally know who's this sweet boy was. Now we know his very sad and heartbreaking story. Thanks to all the people involved in the case that helped Joseph to regain his identity and allowed us to know who he was. And to the community that has took care of him as his parents and family never did. You will never be forgotten Joseph.

[@heididietrich9800]

I feel like crying. This poor boy. Bless those who fought to find out who he was. RIP, little one. No SSN? They effectively erased this child. May you be resting with Jesus, Joseph.

[@clairerodden7630]

In that Era, social security numbers weren't assigned at birth, and usually not until you worked, had significant income or other circumstances. Nowadays, and for a while now you have to apply for a number in xx amount of days after a birth.

[@PRDreams]

Social Securities were not common unless you wanted to work until the early 1980s when it became compulsory. I got mine when I was about to turn 3.

[@heididietrich9800]

@@PRDreams I was born in 66. My parents got mine.

[@robb2055]

My mom never worked outside the home and got herein the 80'swhen she was in her 40's because it became required then. She got her's and us kids at the same time.

[@PRDreams]

@@heididietrich9800 i said it wasn't compulsory. My statement is a fact. It isn't up for debate. Due your own du diligence before saying anything. It doesn't matter if your parents did for you. It wasn't something people did back then. Maybe you needed to travel as a child, or you were adopted, or they were hoping to have a working Hollywood baby... it doesn't matter. They *chose* to do it, but it was not common.

[@dag118]

Yes! This woman gives me confidence. She speaks with compassion.

[@InvictumLupus]

🙄

[@bro6568]

🤮

[@alainaevans9683]

This is so very heartbreaking may his soul be in peace now. 😔 This hurts me so much looking at this picture of this beautiful boy and looking over at my 8yr old and 6 month old boys and knowing this little boy had no one come forth and identify him. It just hurts. And it's not just Joseph, it's so many other children and adults as well that go unidentified and their lives are never brought to justice. I pray this stops! This needs to stop now we all have to do better to make this world better for ourselves and our children. ❤️

[@jacks6632]

If either parent was alive they would be in custody. But both are deceased.

[@nerdynellie4729]

Joseph Augustus Zarelli - say his name.

[@gvue4396]

If reincarnation exist, hoping this boy will have a much better family and life in his next one. You can rest now.

[@claireconover]

I get the good intentions talking about this boy… but it seems wrong to keep referring to him as “the boy in the box”, rather then immediately and straightforwardly announcing his name. this boy’s been a phrase for longer then I’ve been alive… he shouldn’t have had to wait a moment longer to be known by his name.

[@traciescott1871]

It does; however, this was "the code name" for the cold case. There were generations of people sitting on the edges of their seats to find out "who" the child was and "Who Done It!" Very, very sad times. God is good! The baby has his identity and may rest in peace. 🙏

[@faithclark-crawford526]

RIP Joseph Augustus Zarelli. You are gone but not forgotten. Great job for all those people involved in cracking this case.

[@Sbamabelle]

May your sweet soul finally be at peace Joseph

[@ChaChaLaguna]

This small child has been in Gods hands for 57 years and many peoples thoughts for 57 years.now he has a name. Hopefully the person or person's responsible for this horrible act has suffered these many years. May they be brought to justice.

[@WillBlindYouWithLight]

Finally. I wanted this my whole life. Praise the lord. I can't stop crying I am so very happy. So very much. And I am happy because this means so many possibilities for all the coold cases, the other ones I have been obsessed with for years and I am only 35. And this case I for years and years thought of it at least once a day.

[@cheleftb]

I know what its like to be separated from your truth. This makes me cry. Sending love to this little lost soul. I know what this is like living! I can't imagine what this sweetheart had to endure and his soul has yet to find peace God. Who did this to him???!!!!

[@claireconover]

separated from your truth?! seriously? this boy died. he couldn’t tell anyone who he is. you are alive to tell people who you are. nobody’s “separated” you from your “truth”.

[@tonyabrookes9931]

@@claireconover yikes. Be nice

[@alibobo2009]

Thank you for sharing your feelings. Find your truth.

[@kathyfisher155]

@@claireconover calm down, hot damn!! Who are you to criticize comments?!? 🙄😈

[@claireconover]

@@kathyfisher155 who am I? is the internet an entirely new concept for you? I’m genuinely asking because I’m hardly the first person to post a strong opinion/comment. and I stand by what I said.

[@redacted9506]

No birth certificate or social security number for Joseph… meaning he wasn’t born in a hospital? Yet he has potential scars from intravenous fluids? So much potentially going on there.

[@reymonddeamigo]

there was a birth certificate just not a social security number issued

[@jacks6632]

In old days, people didn’t get ssn until they became working age

[@elaexplorer]

​@@jacks6632 LoL in olden days. I'm going to tell my mom she was born in the olden days

[@redacted9506]

@@jacks6632 this ads valuable context to the situation, thank you!

[@amieezee1]

RIP, little Joey. I’m so sorry that you were dealt such an unfair hand in your short time here on earth. 😢

[@waynek3366]

Little guy your no more the boy in the box and no more a number your Joseph the boy with a name congratulations Joseph and Merry Christmas Joseph the world love you.

[@krystalm3528]

I hope they pay for what they did

[@k8marlowe]

The very fact that this child did not have a SS number- particularly in the 1950s, when Social Security was viewed as a positive public service- tells me a lot about who likely perpetrated this crime. I’m just so glad that baby Joseph has his identity back, and that all efforts to erase him from existence failed in the end.

[@kathydavenport4422]

Rest In Peace beloved Jo. May you always be in the arms of our lord. Jesus Christ amen. I am so happy to know your name. I have prayed about you for years

[@Selaithify]

Colleen AND Misty are absolute rock stars in Genetic Genealogy. They are amazing and doing cutting edge work that will change the world.

[@jennifertorres235]

Out of respect for the parents???? He was never reported missing poor child was missing and he was thrown out like a piece of trash no they’re names should be released this child died a horrible death at most likely his parents hands there is signs of neglect and abuse for a long time before he died! So in my opinion they don’t deserve the respect to be hidden by the police !

[@susanfantozzi4415]

Very sad case. So where do the parents think the child has been? Did they file a missing person report?

[@ericsierra-franco7802]

The parents probably killed him.

[@elaexplorer]

It sounds like it was an out of wedlock case in the 1950s. Since the detective spoke about siblings on the mother's side and siblings on the father's side as being different. One of the parents may have done it but it's also likely (given it's the 1950s) that he was given away to another caretaker as a baby and neither parent was aware anything untoward had happened and had no idea what he looked like.

[@austinballard6815]

At least his name has been restored. I long had a feeling the only viable way this would come about was via DNA and genealogy matching. I do wonder if Martha's story (aka lady M, came forward in 2002) was true. Now the boy's true name is known, maybe it can now be found how he was murdered. So awful but at least he has his name back...whoever killed him was not able to take that away from him forever.

[@ratdog6317]

Im almost 100% sure Martha's story was correct, Jonathan was probably just what they called him. Her story lined up with the evidence way too closely for it to just be bs. The fact that she knew he had baked beans, knew he vomited, knew had taken a bath, knew his hair was cut, the fact that she said her and her mother were on the side of the road standing by the car when a man stopped and asked if they needed help which lines up with the witness who said he saw a "woman and a boy" standing on the side of the road by their car (Martha was constantly mistaken for a boy) and asked them if they needed help

[@tonyabrookes9931]

@@ratdog6317 that story is so awful that I dont want it to be true but Im sure no matter that poor little boy's story is it will be horrific. Its just heartbreaking what so many children are forced to endure

[@ratdog6317]

@@tonyabrookes9931 I wish it weren't true but I guess there's no way around it, I just hope there will be some kind of justice

[@williamschmidt4229]

This case ripped my heart out how could someone be so cruel to a other human a child at that I hope he is in heaven without pain and abuse

[@mommamomma3607]

So his parents are dead. And siblings are saying to keep it hush..🙄 well it's obvious it's either the parents or who ever was taken care of Joseph. Since he was never reported missing.

[@dianeiaquinto2474]

This little boy what a sad story and that no one claimed him Joseph rest in peace ♥️

[@jacks6632]

Respect for these law enforcement officers that stuck with this for years.

[@uberurbana4894]

I wish when these people hold press conferences, they took questions....one by one...into a microphone where the listeners could actually HEAR the questions being asked....

[@elaexplorer]

You didn't miss much most of the questions were morbid and/or overly invasive.

[@michelleevans5531]

I agree! So frustrating when you can't hear the questions at press conferences.

[@hunterharpool4001]

Can we donate to help make the headstone?

[@whigrose9753]

Audio is too low

[@RIRN56]

Joseph, I’m sure you are sitting right next to Jesus. Poor Sweetie, Rest In Peace. ✝️

[@lauriemadsen3786]

I really wanted to watch this. Unfortunately, I can't hear it.

[@anne-mariegreenhalgh2835]

Adverts are 4 times louder. Aaahhhh!

[@Curious.Badger]

I remember first learning about this case. I'm so happy this little boy has his name back. 💙

[@MaryjByers]

Why ???? Many people would take a child in all you have to do is know on someone's door and hand him over. This poor little guy was thrown away like garbage.. so glad they have his name

[@Cin2023]

We can't hear the questions.

[@dovelove99]

So sad and heartbreaking 😢💔

[@Katwoman4318]

🙏Thank you Police Officers & personnel involved in this case. 💙 He has a name; may he be smiling down on us all from Heaven. 💙🙏💙🙏💙🙏💙🙏💙🙏💙🙏💙🙏💙🙏💙🙏💙🙏💙🙏💙🙏💙🙏💙🙏💙🙏💙🙏💙🙏💙🙏💙🙏

[@mssmith225]

RIP Joseph. We Love you.

[@maryedwards672]

Thanks to all of you all for not giving up

[@gavvo-7640]

Finally that poor sweet boy has his identity back 👍We will never know exactly what he went through. But nobody deserves to simply be known as "America's Unknown Child" R.I.P dear Joseph ❤

[@AdvMedic2010]

Information from the siblings should solve the case since it was never reported their could be a connection to the death.

[@elaexplorer]

They may never even have known about him. The detective implied he was born out of wedlock as he refers to siblings on the mother's side and then others on the father's side and they had to get the father's name from the birth certificate. Very likely all siblings are younger and only born after his death.

[@shelleyagua2864]

God bless this beautiful child. It breaks my ❤️. May he rest in peace!

[@potatopirate5557]

Was he ever reported as a missing child? -No Later he was asked if there was a theory as to why the boy was found in a field and why he was taken there. He answered, "well the theory is just common sense, it was a rural area far away from their house." Well folks, I guess we know who they suspect now. It will be interesting to see what the siblings have to say, I'm guessing at least one will end up taking an interview.

[@sea4849]

I am glad he has identity returned to him. That poor child. He deserved so much better.

[@garry48gf]

Now we can call him by his Name! 💐🌷🌹 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾Rest In Peace Mr Joseph Augustus Zarelli!

[@cherylgyrl3427]

Although I am happy the boys identity was found and his name given back.... However I have a problem with it, they know who the relatives are....someone knows something, and they said the child was a part of a prominent family... so they know where the family is, the mother and father are deceased, and the child had siblings on both parents side... someone knows something, rumors pass down through generations within families, the child was found dead with bruises, naked and thrown in a cardboard box dumped on the side of the road like trash, someone knows something!!

[@ramonacain-jackson3153]

Thank God for the tenacity and dedication of all these individuals and groups involved in getting to this point and beyond.

[@GalaxyIsADork]

R.I.P Sweetie❤😢😔so glad you finally have a name,Joseph zarelli.❤

[@saraxdouglas8577]

Joseph has living siblings I would love to hear from them who the abusive parent was mommy or daddy. ✝️❤️☮️🙏

[@abencutler]

I remember this well I grew up in Philadelphia also it is great they finally found him and gave him back his name

[@GIGI-hz7ps]

This child was tortured. So many wicked, evil people having and are responsible for caring for children. RIP Joseph

[@karenmccann8644]

Nobody ever reported him missing. His parents didn't report that the little boy was missing?

[@summervibes1622]

God bless joseph

[@IratePuffin]

That poor baby! I’m thankful the authorities never gave up on trying to find him.

[@martaaltheide5146]

No one takes us out of His Hand. He is with his maker. In heaven forever, thank God

[@nelsonvega3444]

What makes me so angry ..is that not one family member not one neighbor came forward when this child was found …what kind of people are they ..? And how can a person do this to a little boy ..the abused this little boy went through…and no ..is not mental illness ..is pure evil ..pure evil…may he rest in peace…

[@AmyMichelleMosier]

It’s possible somebody noticed a missing cousin or nephew but felt it would endanger their own life by speaking up. Also, the surname is Italian. There might be a mob connection but I think that’s a small possibility.

[@nelsonvega3444]

@@AmyMichelleMosier Is very cruel that not one family member not one neighbor said anything about the boy found in a box ….what kind of people are they …to me the family members and the neighbors are just as evil …

[@Liz_678]

So happy they identified this poor baby! Much respect to all involved👏🏻👍🏻.

[@elizabethseals2001]

This is the first time I've heard about him. I'm so happy they found his identity. He deserved it. Poor baby.

[@hayaq9991]

Most like the person who killed him is mostly deceased

[@kyliegrady]

most likely his deceased parents

[@angiejones968]

If it wasn’t a parent or both why didn’t they report this baby missing. When his sweet face was on the news then and over the years why didn’t they come forward, or his siblings? We know who this baby is but still unanswered questions 😢

[@trailrider7046]

Because it was one of the parents.

[@BarbAF100]

I can't get any volume on this even though I can on all the other youtube videos. Anyone else having this problem? All volume controls are up.

[@ellis.mcpickle7131]

It’s low on mine as well

[@Gypsygirl9]

Now that they know his name, they know his parents, so? Are they alive? Are they talking? Will there be charges?

[@PRDreams]

We mourn your loss, now in your name, Joseph Augustus. May you finally be able to rest easy...

[@ERSLIFE-we1mg]

i’m sorry but the parents names should be exposed

[@Paula_Shelton]

If you want him to claim his rightful identity, name his parents. I think it’s ridiculous that they’re not stating who are the parents are.

[@jennifervazquez4953]

Thank God these dedicated people have never given up on this precious child and he has the dignity of his name back. I pray he gets the justice he deserves. 🙏

[@heathernikki5734]

Thank you to all past and president who helped this child get his name back ❤❤❤ if you read how tirelessly the original investigators searched any and every lead and went above and beyond, it’s very touching