VA VA-James Bryant,6 mths.,travelling from PA to VA, w. mom, Vera Bryant & b.f. James Hedgepeth, (both dec.)& brother, Carl B.,4, (murdered), June 1972.

[dotr]

August 5, 2025

4-year-old boy murdered in 1972 identified, baby brother still missing

Detectives believe his mother and her boyfriend, who had already served time for murder, were involved in the Carl's death.

abc7.com

''In June 1972, detectives say Vera and her boyfriend James Hedgepeth -- who was a convicted murderer -- were traveling from Philadelphia to Hedgepeth's relatives in Middlesex County, Virginia, with Carl and his six-month-old brother.
However, when the couple arrived, they didn't have her sons with them, police said.''

''Although Carl has a name, police are now searching for his little brother, James Bryant.
James has never been found.
Detectives believe the missing baby was killed around the same time as his older brother, police said.''

 

[dotr]

Thread for James' recently identified older brother..

Identified! Post in thread 'VA - Lorton, Massey Creek near I-95, BlkMale 3-6, 461UMVA, 13 June 1972 - Carl Matthew Bryant (4)'

Aug 5, 2025

His body was found on June 13, 1972, and an autopsy revealed he died from blunt force trauma to the head, making his death a homicide. A local church gave the child the name “Charles Lee Charlet” and assisted in his burial at Colman Cemetery.

“I have my own son, and I think most of us are parents here,” said Detective Melissa Wallace, who helped identify the remains. “And to see the extent of that boy’s injuries, and what he had suffered through, I’m happy to be here announcing today that we’ve at least identified him.”...

• imstilla.grandma

• 

 

[dotr]

James the baby, may look similar to his 4 yr old brother Carl, imo.

Police Spent 53 Years Trying to Identify a Deceased Boy — They Learned a Disturbing Family Secret

The Fairfax Police Department announced it solved a 1972 cold case surrounding the death of a Carl Matthew Bryant, 4, using forensic genealogy.

people.com

 

[ChatteringBirds]

Thank you for creating a thread, @dotr.

 

[Jbetty567]

Gotta wonder whether the boys were dumped in the same place, and the baby just washed farther down/out to sea. It seems like a lot of effort to ditch them in separate locations, and unlikely, IMO.