USF researchers have released the first facial composite of one of the unidentified boys found at Dozier School for Boys.
The child is African American, between 10 and 12 years old, and suffered from nutritional stress, according to the researchers. They don’t know what caused his death.
The composite was created after analyzing and piecing together one of 55 sets of remains found on the property.
USF Archeologist Erin Kimmerle said it was an effort to humanize the remains.
“There's a lot of attention on numbers and sometimes it's easy to get lost in the sort of abstract aspect of it," Kimmerle said.
Experts said they've analyzed 12 sets of remains so far. Researchers say they're using new radiographic equipment which analyzes teeth, and can determine the age of the children. They're also hoping artifacts can provide clues, such as parts of the caskets.
"By knowing the ages of the boys, and when they were there, helps us to focus our efforts on looking for those families and trying to make possible matches," said Kimmerle.
Those matches can be made through DNA testing, but the researchers need samples from relatives. They said they have been able to get five good samples from the remains so far, and more are pending. The DNA profiles will be compared to living relatives who have given samples, and six families have now been located.
It’s a lengthy process, and Senator Bill Nelson said he'll continue to support the cause.
"There are a lot of white house boys now old men that deserve answers about their fellow boys in the school. But especially the families who don't know what happened. Don't know, was there a crime committed?" said Senator Nelson.
Researchers say they're closer to getting those answers.
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is assisting with the DNA research in the project. They’re hoping more relatives will come forward, or others who may provide helpful information.