Investigators Tested the Toy Chest... #truecrimestories #truecrimeshorts #crimejunkies | Forensic Files

The autopsy that was performed came back as manner of death undetermined with the
cause of death listed as global hypoxic encephalopathy. And they say it was due to smothering with absence of oxygen
following prolonged entrapment in a sealed toy chest. As part of this fresh look,
they actually decide to test the ME's ruling. That whole part about lack of oxygen because he was in a sealed
[music] toy chest. Because was it even sealed? They test this thing by putting a light inside.
And light shines through the cracks. Which means if light can get through the cracks, uh that means air is got to be
able to pass through, too. So, it was not sealed like the autopsy said. They use a mannequin similar in size to Jojo,
and this thing barely fits inside the chest at all because the chest wasn't empty when Brandon says he went in
there. There were toys inside of it. Specifically, there was this large Batman doll that took up a significant
amount of space. So, with all of this new info, the medical examiner actually goes back to amend the report. In
non-medical jargon, it now says that Jojo died from lack of oxygen, but they just can't say how. Undetermined. Still
undetermined. But, there is one more addition to this report that makes Joseph stop cold in his tracks
and just have this like almost like I freaking knew it moment, right? Like this aha moment. And here,
Brett, I'm actually just going to have you read it because you'll know exactly what he was feeling.
Responding officers reported the decedent was wet when they arrived on the scene,
and there was concern for possible homicidal drowning. Now, it's not a ruling, just a concern for
homicidal drowning. But, it's concerned enough for investigators to reassess everything. To go back to the drawing
board and to try and figure out if Jojo didn't die from being trapped in a toy chest, then what really killed him?

Investigators tested the key claim in the death of 6-year-old Joseph “Jo-Jo” King III.

The toy chest was not airtight. A child his size could barely fit inside.

After new findings, the medical examiner amended the report: Jo-Jo died from lack of oxygen—but how it happened remains unknown.

One detail stood out to investigators: Jo-Jo was reportedly wet.

His death is still ruled undetermined. No one has been charged.

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Brief Summary

Investigators reassess Jojo's death, questioning the autopsy findings and considering possible homicide after discovering new evidence.

Key points

New Evidence Emerges. Investigators find that the toy chest wasn't sealed, challenging the initial ruling.
Autopsy Findings. The autopsy ruled the death as undetermined, raising questions about the circumstances.
Homicidal Drowning Concern. Officers noted Jojo was wet, leading to a possible homicide investigation.

Episode highlights

Episode quotes

Was it even sealed?

Questioning the autopsy's conclusion about the toy chest.

0:32WatchApr 3, 2026

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