Podcast Summary: Crime House 24/7

Episode: True Crime This Week – Cold Cases

Host: Vanessa Richardson
Date: February 22, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode of “True Crime This Week” focuses on two notorious American cold cases: the mystery of the “Boy in the Box” (Philadelphia, 1957) and the unsolved murder of Jody LeCornu (Baltimore, 1996). Host Vanessa Richardson guides listeners through the historical details, failed leads, persistence of loved ones, and the emotional toll that cold cases take, illustrating both the pain and hope that define their pursuit of justice.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Boy in the Box (Joseph Augustus Zarelli, 1957)

• Discovery of the Body ([05:13]–[10:21])
  • A college student found the body of a small boy, wrapped in a blanket, inside a cardboard JCPenney bassinet box in Fox Chase, Philadelphia.
  • The scene, resembling a junkyard, was filled with discarded appliances and debris.
  • The boy’s body showed evidence of malnourishment, physical abuse, and blunt force trauma.
• First Steps in Investigation ([10:21]–[13:00])
  • Detailed effort to trace the box and a distinct corduroy cap found nearby led to dead ends.
  • Investigators used innovative, sometimes unconventional methods, including matching hospital footprints and massive community media campaigns.
  • Despite extensive canvassing (incl. 270 recruits), no one recognized or claimed the boy.
• Notable Quote
  • “The most frustrating aspect of the case was that no one seemed to know who the boy was.” (Vanessa, [10:22])
• Emotional Impact on Law Enforcement ([13:00]–[15:00])
  • Philadelphia detectives donated their own money for a headstone: “Heavenly Father, bless this unknown boy.”
• The Remington Bristow Years: Creative Theories & Tireless Advocacy ([15:00]–[16:58])
  • Investigator Bristow, personally affected as a bereaved parent, spent decades following up leads, from psychics’ tips to scouring newspaper records.
  • Efforts included theorizing a local foster home’s involvement, following a psychic’s advice, and making direct appeals via media.
  • Collaborated with fingerprint expert Bill Kelly to investigate the possibility of immigrant or transient roots due to lack of records.
• Breakthroughs & Modern Advances ([16:58]–[27:54])
  • The Vidocq Society, specializing in cold cases, exhumed the body in the late 90s, aiming for DNA comparison.
  • In 1999, a promising tip from a psychiatrist’s patient detailed plausible but uncorroborated abuse and murder, matching some forensic evidence.
• The Power of Forensics and Genealogy
  • In 2019, improved DNA extraction led to a match with a living cousin via GEDmatch.
  • Authorities identified the boy as Joseph Augustus Zarelli, providing a name after 65 years ([27:30]).
• Current Status
  • Joseph's killer remains unknown. Names of his parents are withheld for privacy and investigatory reasons.
• Quote Highlight
  • “After 65 long years, the anonymous boy who had endured so much in his short life got one step closer to justice.” (Vanessa, [27:54])

2. Jody LeCornu Murder (Baltimore, 1996)

• Summary of Events ([28:00]–[34:53])
  • 23-year-old Jody was shot in the back while sitting in her car at a Baltimore strip mall’s parking lot during the early hours.
  • Despite wounds, she attempted to drive away but lost consciousness across the street; the attacker (black male, 20s–30s, 6ft, 200+ lbs, camo jacket, white BMW) followed, retrieved items from her car, and vanished.
  • Multiple witnesses observed the sequence; no clear video or useful prints were available.
• Victim’s Background
  • Jody was a university student, bank employee, and described by family as vibrant but battling anxiety and alcoholism.
  • That night followed a fight with fiancé, bar hopping, an ATM visit, and then parking alone.
• Investigation Obstacles
  • Lack of working CCTV, partial witness statements, and no matches for fingerprints.
  • Initial theories included random robbery, possible connections to her father’s work as a prosecutor, and drug involvement—all leading to dead ends.
• Family's Ongoing Struggle for Answers ([37:01]–[42:00])
  • Jody's father, John, tirelessly pursued the case until his passing in 2007.
  • Twin sister Jennifer Carreri, haunted by grief and fear, assumed the case’s advocacy after two decades, frustrated by police inaction.
• Memorable Quote
  • “[Jennifer] didn’t understand how a crime scene with six witnesses, video footage, fingerprints, and a description of the suspect had gone cold.” (Vanessa, [39:12])
• Innovative Public Awareness Campaigns
  • Inspired by Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, Jennifer erected billboards demanding action and offering large rewards, mobilized online communities, and lobbied authorities for the case file (unsuccessfully).
• DNA Forensics & Current Status ([42:00]–[44:24])
  • Attempts at new DNA analysis on Jody’s clothing were inconclusive due to contamination.
  • The case remains unsolved, with active rewards and family-led advocacy for new leads.
• Enduring Hope and Resilience
  • Jennifer refuses to give up: “She’s always hoping that one day when the phone rings, there will be some answers on the other end of the line.” (Vanessa, [44:00])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “The most frustrating aspect of the case was that no one seemed to know who the boy was.” – Vanessa Richardson ([10:22])
• “After 65 long years, the anonymous boy who had endured so much in his short life got one step closer to justice.” – Vanessa Richardson ([27:54])
• “She didn’t understand how a crime scene with six witnesses, video footage, fingerprints, and a description of the suspect had gone cold.” – Vanessa Richardson, about Jennifer Carreri ([39:12])
• “She’s always hoping that one day when the phone rings, there will be some answers on the other end of the line.” – Vanessa Richardson ([44:00])

Timestamps of Important Segments

• [05:13] – Discovery of the Boy in the Box (Joseph Augustus Zarelli)
• [10:21] – Early witnesses, leads, and community impact
• [15:00] – Investigator Remington Bristow’s unconventional sleuthing
• [16:58] – The Vidocq Society’s forensic breakthrough and DNA exhumation
• [27:30] – Identification of the Boy in the Box: Joseph Augustus Zarelli
• [28:00] – Introduction to Jody LeCornu case
• [34:53] – Procedural dead ends and family’s turn to advocacy
• [39:12] – Jennifer Carreri’s frustration with the case's stagnation
• [42:00] – DNA analysis attempts and the case’s current state

Conclusion & Reflections

Vanessa Richardson closes by reflecting on the underlying theme: cold cases require intense resilience and hope from families, investigators, and the community. As time passes, answers may feel farther out of reach, but persistent advocacy and advances in forensic science continue to bring the possibility of closure—and, sometimes, even justice—closer.

For tips regarding the Jody LeCornu case, listeners are directed to Metro Crimestoppers or to call 1-866-2587.