Boy killed in the '50s is finally ID'd

"It was determined the case of the unknown child...would benefit from the application of modern forensic techniques," Philadelphia Captain John Smith said.

A little boy killed more than 60 years ago has finally been identified thanks to police work and DNA analysis, the Philadelphia Police Department said.On Feb. 26, 1957, a naked, emaciated boy between 4 and 6 years old was found dead in a box in a wooded area in northeast Philadelphia. He had been severely beaten, Philadelphia Police Capt. Jason Smith said.The boy has now been identified as Joseph Augustus Zarelli, born on Jan. 13, 1953, Smith said.

Genealogists used the boy's DNA to research possible relatives and eventually established the identity of his birth parents, Smith said, adding that detectives learned no Social Security number was ever issued for Joseph."We have our suspicions as to who may be responsible, but it would be irresponsible of me to share these suspicions," Smith said, citing the ongoing investigation."Joseph has a number of siblings on both the mother's and father's side who are living.

"In that avalanche, there might be a diamond in the rough," he said. "I'm hopeful there is somebody ... who remembers that child." "I want to thank all who have worked tirelessly since 1957 to give Joseph Augustus Zarelli his voice back," Outlaw tweeted. "However, the search for justice continues. If you have any information on his homicide, please call 215-686-TIPS. As with all homicides, there is a standing $20k reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of a suspect. We will NEVER stop seeking justice for victims.

Gezz poor thing died a few months before I was even born.

😞 'Emaciated body, age 4-6 years...' May this sweet baby rest in peace.

Protecting the parents, really!

It was probably his parents.

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