TAMPA_University of South Florida researchers have found the remains of 55 boys in a graveyard at the former Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys in Marianna. Previously, official records had indicated that only 31 bodies should have been in the graveyard. The number is even higher than USFs earlier prediction of 49 bodies. The Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys has been the subject of several investigations amid allegations of child abuse during its 100-year history. The school was closed in June 2011. The researchers are now working to identify the bodies found buried on the schools grounds. They also found bones, teeth and several artifacts, including belt buckles, zippers and buttons, during their search. Part of the analysis process will include writing a summary report for each body, along with all of the information gathered from the bones and dental remains, the artifacts and the context of the burial. The bone and tooth samples will be sent to the University of North Texas Health Science Center for DNA testing. The team is working with various agencies, including the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office, to find possible next of kin so they can collect DNA samples for comparison purposes. So far they said 11 families of former Dozier students have been located. Researchers hope to find 42 more families. They have published a list of those families, which can be found here. Anyone with information is asked to call HCSO Master Detective Greg Thomas at 813-247-8678.
Posted on: Wed, 29 Jan 2014 00:08:06 +0000
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