2 more sets of remains from reform school ID'd

TAMPA, Fla. — Researchers said they have identified two more sets of remains buried on the grounds of a former Florida Panhandle reform school for over a half-century.

The University of South Florida team announced Thursday it has identified the remains of 13-year-old Thomas Varnadoe and 12-year-old Earl Wilson.

Varnadoe died 34 days after being sent to the reform school in 1934, reportedly of pneumonia. Wilson was beaten to death in 1944, reportedly by four other boys.

"I'm humbled to stand here today," said family member Glen Varnadoe. "May those still waiting to bring home loved ones, keep the faith."

In August, researchers said they had identified George Owen Smith as the first of 55 bodies they exhumed from the Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys.

"I just want to say, thank you, thank you, thank you," said family member Wayne Wilson. "We didn't know where he was, period."

Students from the 1950s and 1960s have for at least a decade accused employees and guards of physical and sexual abuse. But the Florida Department of Law Enforcement concluded after an investigation that it couldn't substantiate or dispute the claims.

"Our ability to provide answers to brothers and sisters after 70 years is a remarkable privilege

Forensic researcher," Dr. Erin Kimmerle said. "The children sent to the reform school, did not have basic protections."

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