Robert Stephens
Robert Stephens was 15 when he died at the Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys in Marianna, Florida, in July 1937. The school ledger records that another boy stabbed him, and his death certificate lists a knife wound followed by hemorrhage. Researchers at the University of South Florida found his remains in an unmarked grave on the former school grounds and identified him in 2015 through DNA from a nephew who shares his name. The researchers reported signs of disease and starvation but could not confirm other trauma, so the stabbing account rests on school records. His great-niece, the writer Tananarive Due, said the family hopes further excavation will explain how he died and return his remains to them.
Cause of death, as reported: Killed by another person in custody (disputed). School records say another boy stabbed him, and his death certificate lists a knife wound followed by hemorrhage; USF researchers who identified his remains found signs of disease and starvation but could not confirm other trauma, and his family, including great-niece Tananarive Due, doubts the official account and wants the excavation to explain how he died.
Reported by: school ledger and death certificate; University of South Florida researchers (outside investigators); Tananarive Due, his great-niece (family or their lawyers).
Custody: Serving a sentence.
Sources (6)
- Exhumation of graves begins at Fla. reform school site
- New excavations begin at Florida reform school
- Tampa man learns his uncle died at Dozier School for Boys
- Researchers identify another Dozier School victim
- DNA Testing Identifies Another Victim Of Brutal Florida Reform School
- Florida to Pay Millions to Victims of Abuses at Notorious Reform School (Published 2024)