USF researchers have returned after another trip to the former Dozier Reform School in Marianna.

So far, they've uncovered 55 graves, but one former student believes there's a lot more to find on the grounds.



After being sent to the reform school for stealing an antenna, Woodrow Williams of Lakeland worked at the Dozier home in the 1950s, he says. His job included cleaning the house.

Because of his time inside the home, Williams said he has inside knowledge of conversations between administrators. He said he heard officials talk about dumping students in a hog pen and other areas of the school after they tried to run away.



"We all knew that when they ran away, when they disappeared, we all knew what was going on," said Williams, who is now 72.



Williams said USF researchers should look beyond the Boot Hill Cemetery and the unmarked graves. Then there are others, Williams said, who will never be discovered.



"A lot of the boys you're not going to find because believe it or not, a lot of the boys were fed to the hogs," Williams said.



USF researchers said they've spoken with Williams about his time at Dozier.

But at this point, researchers said Williams hasn't been able to help them locate any additional graves.

