18. The Boy in the Box: Americas Unknown Child

In 1957, the body of a young boy was found in a cardboard box on the edge of the woods in Philadelphia. He was malnourished, bruised, and alone—no name, no identity, and no one came forward to claim him. For over 60 years, the world would only know him as The Boy in the Box.

In this chilling episode of Macabre Mondays, Alejandra dives into the decades-old cold case, the haunting crime scene, strange clues like a discarded hat and a box traced to a baby bassinet, and the heartbreaking theories that surrounded the boy’s death. From psychics and secret foster homes to DNA breakthroughs and forensic genealogy, this is the story of how modern science finally gave this child a name: Joseph Augustus Zarelli.

Sources:
Philadelphia Police Press Conference
America’s Unknown Child Official Memorial Site
NBC Philadelphia – In-depth article on the identification
Philadelphia Inquirer – Coverage on Joseph Zarelli’s identity
WHYY – Local media coverage
Parabon NanoLabs – Forensic genealogy compa...

In 1957, the body of a young boy was found in a cardboard box on the edge of the woods in Philadelphia. He was malnourished, bruised, and alone—no name, no identity, and no one came forward to claim him. For over 60 years, the world would only know him as The Boy in the Box.

In this chilling episode of Macabre Mondays, Alejandra dives into the decades-old cold case, the haunting crime scene, strange clues like a discarded hat and a box traced to a baby bassinet, and the heartbreaking theories that surrounded the boy’s death. From psychics and secret foster homes to DNA breakthroughs and forensic genealogy, this is the story of how modern science finally gave this child a name: Joseph Augustus Zarelli.

Sources:

• Philadelphia Police Press Conference
• America’s Unknown Child Official Memorial Site
• NBC Philadelphia – In-depth article on the identification
• Philadelphia Inquirer – Coverage on Joseph Zarelli’s identity
• WHYY – Local media coverage
• Parabon NanoLabs – Forensic genealogy company used in this case
• Find a Grave – Joseph Augustus Zarelli memorial
• CBS News – Historical overview of the case
• Philadelphia Inquirer – Reburial and new headstone (Jan 2023)
• Buzzfeed Unsolved Episode 
• Stuffed Memories Episode
• The Casual Criminalist Episode
   

What do you think happened to Joseph Augustus Zarelli? Share your thoughts with us @MacabreMondaysPodcast.

🎧 Macabre Mondays is a true crime and paranormal podcast hosted by Alejandra and her husband Tom. Each week, storyteller and spooky enthusiast Ale unpacks some of the most haunting cases she’s researched, dragging her husband along for the ride, whether he’s ready for it or not. He’s hearing it all for the first time… just like you.

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Disclaimer: Macabre Mondays is a true crime and paranormal podcast created for informational and entertainment purposes only. All information discussed in this episode has been compiled from publicly available sources, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee that every detail is complete or free of error. The views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts and do not represent any law enforcement agency, court, or official organization. This content may include graphic descriptions of violence, which may not be suitable for all audiences. Listener and viewer discretion is advised. Macabre Mondays does not condone or glorify criminal behavior.