University of South Florida Associate Professor Erin Kimmerle spoke to reporters Friday after the state archaeologist said more information was needed to process Kimmerles request to exhume the bodies buried at the Dozier School for Boys.
Seven families are asking for repatriation for their brothers and uncles who attended the Dozier School for Boys. Three family members of boys at the Dozier School were DNA tested with mouth swabs at the press conference Friday.
The system for these families to find justice and resolution is not in place, began Kimmerle. Modern criminal investigations have come so far in the past 20 years. We can do amazing things by applying modern technology and science to solve crimes or help enforce human rights, but we cannot have a way to apply the system to cases like this, which is not a criminal or civil investigation.
Kimmerle went on to explain the DNA identification process for the exhumed bodies at the Dozier School. The DNA swabs will be sent to the University of North Texas for testing in the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System.Researchers will eventually compare the family members' DNA to remains found at the school. Researchers will be looking at similarities in the genetic marker of the bodies and family members to see if they are a match.
Because the graves at the Dozier School were not created in chronological order, there wont be a way to only exhume bones of family members present Friday.
Kimmerle was joined by Sen. Bill Nelson, representatives from the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, the Hillsborough County sheriffs office, and two members of the Florida Legislature.
Sen. Nelson fondly recalled memories of his childhood when he would drive by Dozier while visiting family nearby. He recalled the schools immaculate campus and the schools Christmas lights as positive memories. But beneath the exterior, Nelson reminded those present of a darker side to Dozier.
A number of people have told a lot of stories of torture, of intimidation, or beatings and abuse, and indeed, they have told of cases of possible murder. Nelson said he suspected the state archaeologist would grant Kimmerle and her team permission to exhume the bodies at the school.
Seven families are hoping theyll be able to retrieve the remains of their family members at the Dozier School. Some were identified through historical records, while others emerged in the midst of the lengthy investigation of the Dozier School.
James De Nyke, a White House Boy, was present at the conference Friday.When asked about how he felt about Fridays events, De Nykes eyes filled with tears. Its a big relief, he said. This is what weve been working toward for the last six years.De Nyke drove his motorcycle from Oviedo to attend the press conference. He lived at the Dozier School from 1964-1966, recalling his time there as horrific.
Kimmerle and her team have an extended deadline to update their petition to the state archaeologist. She said her team will be formulating a response to the state archaeologists letter sometime next week.
As it stands now, Boot Hill is not only a mystery, but it is far from a respectful, orderly and dignified resting place for children who were in state custody at the time of their deaths, said Kimmerle. Even if we identified only a small number of remains and returned them to their families, bringing a last measure of human dignity to the boys who were buried there should be compelling reasons for the state to act.
Reach Tampa-based reporter Allison Nielsen at allison@sunshinestatenews.com.
