Philly’s Unknown Children

Episode 18 – Originally Published 2017

Trigger warning – discussions about child abuse and death of a child

While the “Boy in the Box” may be the most infamous cold case from Philadelphia, it’s certainly not the only one and tragically, it’s not the only one about children. This is the story of the “Girl in the Trunk” and the “Boy in the Bag” – children who actually had names – Aliyah Davis and Jerell Willis – but went unidentified for a period of time after their deaths, known only for the way they were found. They spent years without names, without families, without the protection they deserved but didn’t receive. Aliyah and Jerell were on the radar of human service organizations before their deaths, yet no one took action.  

TwistedPhilly is researched, hosted, and produced by me, Deana Marie, and available biweekly wherever you listen to podcasts. Follow me on Tiktok and Instagram at twistedphilly To see many of the locations and histories I discuss in the show.