What's Happening?
An unnamed boy, known as the 'Boxcar Boy', was found dead in a Southern Railway boxcar in North Carolina in 1932. Despite efforts to identify him, he remains unnamed. The Ramapo College of New Jersey's Investigative Genetic Genealogy Center is raising
funds to exhume his remains for DNA testing, hoping to finally identify him. The fundraiser, in collaboration with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, is close to its $11,500 goal. The boy, estimated to be between 14 and 16 years old, was buried in Charlotte, with local community members, including the Boy Scouts, contributing to his burial.
Why It's Important?
Identifying the 'Boxcar Boy' could provide closure to a nearly century-old mystery and potentially reunite him with any living relatives. This effort highlights the advancements in genetic genealogy and its role in solving cold cases. Successfully identifying the boy could encourage similar efforts for other unidentified individuals, offering closure to families and communities. It also underscores the importance of community involvement and historical preservation in addressing unsolved cases.
What's Next?
If the exhumation is successful, the center will conduct DNA testing and provide pro bono investigative services to identify the boy. The outcome could lead to a reburial with a proper name and potentially uncover historical connections. The success of this project may inspire further use of genetic genealogy in historical cases, prompting more community-supported initiatives.
