topic Re: boy in a box in Community Chat

boy in a box

drizzellla — Fri, 13 Jan 2023 22:20:48 GMT

Joseph Augustus Zarelli, previously known as Philadelphia's 'Boy in the Box,' got a proper headstone on Friday, on what would have been his 70th birthday
Zarelli was only four-years-old when his dead body was found naked, beaten and stuffed inside a carboard box in the streets in 1957

The boy's remains had been transferred from Philadelphia's Potter's Field to the Ivy Hill cemetery in 1998.

Last month, workers at Ivy Hill spoke out expressing gratitude that the victim's gravestone will soon carry the boy's real name.

'I think it's wonderful,' Dave Drysdale, Ivy Hill's cemetery secretary and treasurer, told KYW-TV.

'Some day, there will be a name on there and it will be great,' Drysdale said. 'It will be great.'

'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."'

Re: boy in a box

skatting44 — Fri, 13 Jan 2023 22:27:37 GMT

So many children are victims to horrible crimes.

Wish they could have traced who beat and murdered this poor boy

Re: boy in a box

DottieBlue — Fri, 13 Jan 2023 22:40:32 GMT

I thought there was a previous thread on this. The parents are long dead and there are some siblings still alive but they said they didn't remember him. I don't think he was ever reported missing. But I could be not remembering this correctly. Poor little guy.

Re: boy in a box

KBEANS — Fri, 13 Jan 2023 22:53:23 GMT

Rest In Peace Joseph.

Re: boy in a box

ECBG — Fri, 13 Jan 2023 23:51:23 GMT

Absolutely heart breaking! Heartfelt thanks to those who persevered to get the headstone and final resting place.

Re: boy in a box

walkingal — Sat, 14 Jan 2023 01:23:30 GMT

This is such a sad story and very upsetting. I can't imagine what his four years here on earth were like. Besides being found nude and beaten, I read his hair had been crudely cut. I wonder if law enforcement received any new tips after this story was released. Joseph...what a beautiful name. Rest in Peace, Joseph.

Re: boy in a box

Lucky Charm — Sat, 14 Jan 2023 01:46:46 GMT

Dear precious Joseph. If I, or hundreds of thousands of people could've helped you---we would have. You were worth it!

I feel bad for the siblings, the name is out there now. But SHAME ON THOSE WHO DID THIS TO YOU.

I hope you are resting in peace little one.

Re: boy in a box

LavernLuvsShoes — Sat, 14 Jan 2023 21:16:48 GMT