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'America's Unknown Child' identified solving mystery after 65 years

Home> News

Updated 10:14 3 Dec 2022 GMTPublished 21:06 2 Dec 2022 GMT

'America's Unknown Child' identified solving mystery after 65 years

The boy has been the subject of many theories over the years

Daisy Phillipson

Daisy Phillipson

The boy at the centre of one of America's most well known unidentified person cases has been identified after 65 years.

'America's Unknown Child', also known as the 'Boy in the Box', has been the subject of many theories over the years.

The tragic case unfolded in 1957 when a boy's naked and beaten body was found on the side of Susquehanna Road in Philadelphia.

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You can find out more about the incident in the video below:

Police discovered some unusual details about the boy, including that his body was covered with bruises and scars, and yet he appeared to have been recently groomed with a fresh haircut and trimmed fingernails.

In a 2021 statement shared with CBS3 Investigations, now-retired detective sergeant Bob Kuhlmeier said: "Cause of death is listed as blunt force trauma.

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"He appeared to be cleaned and freshly groomed with a haircut."


A major part of the case has been solved.
Twitter/CBS3

Although plenty of tips came in after his death was reported, and have continued to over the years since, they were ultimately dismissed.

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The child remained an unidentified murder victim for decades, with his tombstone simply stating 'America's Unknown Child' in place of his name.

But this is now set to change in a major breakthrough.

Detectives announced this week that they have finally cracked a significant part of the case thanks to DNA and genealogical information.

Philly police told CBS3 Investigations that they now have a name for the boy, which they're expected to release at a later date.

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What's more, they said criminal charges could still be made in the future.

As for now, workers at Ivy Hill – the cemetery where the boy's headstone resides – were moved to tears after the outlet told them there is finally a name.

Employee Linda Tamburri said: "To have a name on that stone, that's what everybody has been wishing forever.

"I'm just glad I'm here to actually know I'll see that little boy's name on the stone."

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"I think it's wonderful," added another Ivy Hill staff member, named Dave Drysdale.

"I just wish that the police officers and all the people involved who long passed away were still here to see it because that was one of their goals and a couple of them said, 'I hope they live long enough to see a name put on there.'"

Ivy Hill employees are happy to be finally adding a name to the boy's tombstone.
Twitter

As for how detectives solved the mystery, they exhumed the boy's remains in 2019 and were able to obtain more DNA.

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Using the fresh sample alongside data from genealogy databases, they were able to track down the real family members of the child.

It's a significant achievement in America's criminal history, and one that isn't over just yet, as the police prepare to release the name.

If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677

Featured Image Credit: Carl Koppelman (CC BY-SA 4.0)/CBS

Topics: News, Crime, US News

Daisy Phillipson
Daisy Phillipson

Daisy graduated from Kingston University with a degree in Magazine Journalism, writing a thesis on the move from print to digital publishing. Continuing this theme, she has written for a range of online publications including Digital Spy and Little White Lies, with a particular passion for TV and film. Contact her on [email protected]

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@DaisyWebb77

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