Finding Family DNA10 Dec 2025

Inside the Boy in the Box Case with the Woman Who Solved It

In this special edition of Finding Family DNA, Jay turns the spotlight on co-host and investigative genetic genealogist Misty Gillis, as she walks us through the chilling and historic “Boy in the Box” case — a mystery unsolved for over six decades. Misty shares how she used the same DNA techniques applied in adoptee reunifications to help identify the boy as Joseph Augustus Zarelli, a four-year-old found murdered in Philadelphia in 1957. With compassion, precision, and years of dedication, Misty cracked a case that baffled authorities for generations, giving the nameless child his identity and a family to claim him. This moving episode celebrates Misty’s role in solving one of America’s most haunting cold cases — a testament to the power of DNA and dogged determination.

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Watch this podcast right now on YouTube!

https://youtu.be/JDSLh9OsPog

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:52 Subscriber Growth and Audience Insights

06:13 The Boy in the Box Case Introduction

07:15 Solving the Boy in the Box Case

17:34 Emotional Impact and Press Conference

20:15 Other Notable Cases and Professional Journey

26:31 Conclusion and Future Plans

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This podcast was edited using PodShuttle, the fully-remote podcast editing and management service owned and operated by CHOBO Studios. For more info, visit podshuttle.io and follow us on Instagram to see more shows we've helped bring to life.

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