Body count raises to FIFTY FIVE children at abusive Florida reform school

The remains of 55 people have been unearthed from a graveyard at a former reform school with a history of abuse, researchers said today.

University of South Florida researchers began excavating the graveyard at the now-closed Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys in September. The dig finished in December.

Official records indicated 31 burials at the Marianna site but researchers had estimated there would be about 50 graves.

All the bodies found were interred in coffins either made at the school or bought from manufacturers, said Erin Kimmerle, a forensic anthropologist leading the university's investigation.

Some were found under roads or overgrown trees, well away from the white, metal crosses marking the 31 officially recorded graves.  (more...)

Body count raises to FIFTY FIVE children at abusive Florida reform school