City Cast Philly logo
December 21, 2022

Why Philly’s Girl in the Box Case Was Forgotten

City Cast Philly

Why Philly’s Girl in the Box Case Was Forgotten

00:00:00
View all City Cast Philly episodes

Joseph Augustus Zarelli, formerly known as the boy in the box, made headline news in the city. But there is another cold case involving a child known as “the girl in the box.” A young Black girl was found discarded in a box in the 60's. She has not received the same treatment as Zarelli. We have new forensic advancements, but how far will they take us? City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri speaks with Lynette Hazelton, Communities and Engagement Desk Reporter for the Philadelphia Inquirer, about why the story about this little girl has been overlooked for decades. 


***Please be advised that this episode includes descriptions of a very graphic crime that involves a child. 


Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter.


We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly.


Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail at 215-259-8170. 

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Hey Philly

Stay connected to City Cast Philly and get ready to join the local conversation.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

Latest Episodes

See all
September 22

Why is PA Fighting the CDC? Plus: City Trash Contracts & Will Roosevelt Blvd Get a Subway

Pennsylvania has reported four measles deaths in the past month, marking the first deaths in the Commonwealth related to once-eradicated...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
September 21

Rocky’s Final Run Up the Art Museum Steps

The Rocky statue has been playing musical chairs between the top, bottom, and inside of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. It’s now taking i...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
September 20

‘Your City Could Be Better’: How Philly Is Reducing Violence With Parks

Did you know that Philly neighborhoods have seen drops in depression and crime, all because vacant lots were revitalized? Thanks to the P...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
September 18

House of Horrors in Olney, Judge Wants Krasner Investigated & an Evacuation at City Hall

City Hall was evacuated Thursday morning during City Council’s first meeting of the season after a suspicious package was found. Host Tre...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
September 17

Should PPA Rent Parking Spots to ICE? Plus: Job Search Tips & Pay-What-You-Can Dining

A couple of Philadelphia restaurants are bringing back the pay-what-you-can model of customers ordering what they want and then just payi...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
September 16

Stopping Data Centers, Preserving Murals & Welcoming … Polo?

Data centers are everywhere, but it’s a booming industry that’s created contentious conversations in communities – Philly included. This...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
September 15

Ranking Philly Sports Experiences, Housing vs. Third Spaces & Where to Scream

Our city's professional sports teams are on a roll — the Eagles won their home opener, the Phillies look like they’re headed to the playo...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
September 14

John Fetterman: Our Very Controversial Senator, Explained

U.S. Senator John Fetterman is inching closer to President Trump and the Republican Party. Is he simply working across the aisle, or dram...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
September 13

‘Your City Could Be Better’: How Las Vegas Is Handling Record-Breaking Heat — Presented By City Cast Philly

It may not feel like it right now, but extreme heat is coming for Philly, and Las Vegas might have the answers you need. An already sizzl...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
September 11

Eagles! Merch & Weird Linc Food, Johnny Doc is Free & Where Else Can 'Open Streets' Go?

In an unexpected move, President Trump commuted former local labor leader John Dougherty’s six-year sentence for bribery and embezzlement...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art