Murder: True Crime Stories — Episode Summary: "UNSOLVED: The Boy in the Box 1"

Release Date: August 5, 2025
Host: Carter Roy
Produced by Crime House, powered by PAVE Studios

Introduction

In the gripping first installment of the two-part series on one of America's most haunting cold cases, "The Boy in the Box," host Carter Roy delves deep into the mysterious disappearance and murder of a young boy in 1957. This episode explores the discovery of the boy's body, the initial investigation, the relentless efforts of detectives, and the eventual cooling of the case—all while highlighting the profound emotional impact on those involved.

Discovery of the Boy in the Box

On February 25, 1957, Frederick Bonones, a 26-year-old man from northeast Philadelphia, stumbled upon a disturbing scene while walking through the woods near Susquehanna Road. Initially checking rabbit traps, Frederick was compelled to peer into a large cardboard box discarded along the roadside.

"Initially, Frederick thought it was a doll. Then he looked closer. That's when he realized it was the small, naked body of a young boy [...] Frederick was so spooked, he took off." (05:26)

Terrified by the sight, Frederick fled the scene and delayed notifying the authorities. It wasn't until the next day that he confided in a priest, who urged him to report the discovery. Officer Elmer Palmer was dispatched to the site, uncovering the lifeless boy, estimated to be between four and six years old.

Initial Investigation

Officer Palmer and his team began what seemed like a straightforward investigation. The box containing the boy had identifiable markings and a shipping label indicating it previously held a baby bassinet sold at a nearby department store. Additionally, a men's cap from the Eagle Hat and Cap Company was found nearby.

"The box the boy had been left in had a serial number and markings that read, furniture fragile. Do not open with knife." (07:45)

Despite these clues, the autopsy revealed a grim reality: the boy had been brutally abused and murdered, with signs of malnourishment, bruises, and blunt force trauma. This shattered the initial assumption of an accidental death or illness, complicating the investigation.

Challenges and Dead Ends

Detectives canvassed hospitals, matched footprints with birth records, and even lifted fingerprints, but every lead turned cold. The boy had no dental records, fingerprints, or identifiable features that matched any existing databases.

"He had no dental records, no fingerprints in any system, no hospital or birth record to be found." (19:30)

Efforts to trace the blanket led to manufacturing plants in North Carolina and Quebec, but mass production made it impossible to pinpoint the boy's origin. Media involvement yielded no actionable tips, despite extensive efforts to publicize the boy's image.

Remington Bristow's Dedication

The case took a personal toll on Remington Bristow, a 35-year-old investigator who had previously lost his daughter to sudden infant death syndrome. Bristow became deeply invested in the case, spending countless hours and resources attempting to uncover the boy's identity.

"Remington Bristow had been haunted by the case ever since it came across his desk. He'd papered the walls of his office with newspaper clippings and photos of the boy." (27:50)

Bristow's unwavering commitment led him to explore unconventional methods, including consulting a psychic, which temporarily steered him towards the Arthur and Catherine Nicoletti foster family.

Attempts to Identify the Boy

Bristow theorized that the boy might have been an illegitimate child in the Nicoletti family, leading detectives to an estate sale where a matching bassinet was found. However, Detective William Kelly, a fellow investigator, expressed skepticism about Bristow's theory, citing insufficient evidence.

"I saw several holes in the theory, and he also saw how caught up Bristow was in the search for answers." (32:10)

Despite their divergent views, Bristow continued his pursuit, filing a comprehensive report in 1985 and remaining steadfast in his belief until his passing in 1993.

The Case Goes Cold

With each passing year, leads dwindled, and the public's interest waned. The boy was eventually interred in a pauper's grave, and the original crime scene was obliterated by urban development, erasing potential future clues.

"By then, the boy's memory lingered. For those detectives who'd seen his face, it gnawed at them." (33:45)

The case became emblematic of unsolved mysteries, symbolizing both grief and the relentless quest for justice that often remains unfulfilled.

Legacy and Continued Interest

Decades later, the Boy in the Box case inspired a new generation of sleuths determined to uncover the truth. Recognized as America's Unknown Child, efforts to identify him continued alongside a growing national database assisting with similar cases.

"Currently, the national center for Missing and Exploited Children is assisting with more than 635 cases of unidentified children's remains." (34:55)

The enduring mystery serves as a poignant reminder of the countless forgotten victims and the importance of persistent investigative efforts.

Conclusion

"The Boy in the Box" remains one of America's most poignant unsolved cases, embodying themes of loss, identity, and the unyielding pursuit of answers. Through meticulous investigation and emotional storytelling, Carter Roy illuminates the profound implications of this cold case, setting the stage for the forthcoming second part, which promises to explore the wild theories and forensic breakthroughs that have attempted to finally bring closure to this decades-old mystery.

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