USF Associate Professor Will Hold Media Availability Friday Regarding Dozier School

University of South Florida associate professor Erin Kimmerle will be holding media availability regarding her research and the possible exhumations at the Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys at 1 p.m. on Friday in the Galleria at the USF Research Park on the Tampa campus.

DNA samples will be taken from surviving family members at this media availability. The Hillsborough County sheriffs office will assist with taking DNA samples, which will be used to create a DNA database to assist in identifying remains at the Dozier School.

Federal, state and local government officials will also be present at the event, as well as agencies and associations with interest in research at the Dozier School.

A judge recently rejected Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi's request to exhume bodies from the "Boot Hill Cemetery" and surrounding areas at the school. It is believed there may be several unmarked graves and boys unaccounted for at the site. USF researchers have requested a permit from the state archaeologist to exhume the bodies. A state permit would be sufficient for the researchers to exhume the remains from the site.

A decision from the state is expected by Friday.