After more than five decades of lingering in the shadow of unsolved mysteries, the harrowing case of a 9-year-old boy from Hazleton, Pennsylvania has finally emerged from the depths of darkness, shedding much-needed light on a haunting chapter of history.
On that fateful day of March 18, 1964, Maris Chiverello’s life was tragically and brutally cut short. Her disappearance sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community of Hazleton and left a scar that will last for generations. Her lifeless body was discovered in a long-forgotten hole near the Hazleton Municipal Airport, a site that had lain abandoned for more than 60 years. The sadness and anguish of that day were etched into the collective memory of the city, and the truth seemed forever elusive.
But the wheels of justice, though slow, never stopped turning. It wasn’t until 2007 that there was a breakthrough in the case that breathed new life into the seemingly dormant investigation. That’s when authorities were able to obtain a DNA profile of the perpetrator from fluids left on the victim’s clothing. This scientific triumph marked a turning point in the search for justice for Maris Chiverello
In a historic press conference, Pennsylvania State Police named James Paul Forte, who died in 1980, as the killer responsible for the horrific crime, CNN reports.
Pennsylvania State Police Lt. Devon Brutosky emphasized the importance of this achievement, saying, “For more than half of our existence since the founding of the Pennsylvania State Police in 1905, we have tirelessly pursued justice in this case.”
The persistence and tenacity of the police in solving this cold case show their unwavering determination to bring closure to the victims and their families.
People were able to get an official press release that said Marise Chiverella left her Hazleton home at 8 a.m. that tragic day to go to school and never returned.
When her dead body was found in a stripper hole at 1 p.m., officials quickly concluded that she had been physically and s*xually assaulted.
According to a police press release, disturbing aspects of the investigation show the horrific fate that befell young Marisa, whose life was mercilessly taken and whose body was dumped along with her belongings.
The investigation reached a turning point in 2007 when the case gained ground.
Authorities could identify the killer by analyzing the fluid found on the victim’s clothing using current DNA tests.
This scientific breakthrough marked a significant advance in Maris Chiverello’s fight for justice. After that, police meticulously matched the killer’s DNA profile against every entry in the DNA database each month, leading to a glimmer of hope that justice would eventually be served.
In 2019, the DNA profile was included in the GED Match genealogy database, according to CNN’s Brutosky. Unexpectedly, a genealogical match revealed a distant relative of Chiverella, suggesting a breakthrough in the investigation. In 2020, the investigation began to take off with the help of renowned genealogist Eric Schubert.
According to a press release issued by the police, “Mr. Schubert embarked on an exhaustive journey through the family tree of our genealogical match, uncovering a network of relatives scattered across the country.”
The united family joined forces with researchers in the wake of the discovery, providing critical DNA samples for the investigation.
James Paul Forte, who was 22 at the time of the murder, may have been Chiverella’s sixth cousin after the facts and family ties were put together. The family and the community as a whole were taken aback by the news.
Carmen Marie Radtke, Marisa’s sister, expressed her joy and sense of justice when she said, “Our family finally has the answers we’ve been looking for for so long.” Justice prevailed today and gave us the sense of closure we’ve been looking for for years.
The resolution of the case is a powerful reminder that justice is relentless and that no matter how much time has passed, it can still prevail. Hazleton, a city marked by a dark chapter in its history, can now begin to heal and find solace.
The Pennsylvania State Police’s unwavering commitment to solving the toughest cold cases is a testament to the tireless efforts of law enforcement. It reminds us all that even when the odds seem insurmountable, the pursuit of justice must never waver.
As the Chiverella family finally finds closure, their long-standing questions have been answered and Marisa’s memory can be honored knowing that justice has prevailed. In a world often marked by unsolved mysteries, this decision is a beacon of hope, a testament to the constant search for truth and justice.
The community of Hazleton can now begin the process of rebuilding, knowing that a terrifying chapter of its past has been put to rest. It’s a poignant reminder that even the darkest secrets can eventually come to light, and justice, even if delayed, always finds its way.
Marisa Chiverello’s story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and determination to find answers, no matter how long it takes. It’s a story that serves as a beacon of hope for those who have patiently waited for justice and a powerful reminder that justice will eventually prevail.
We hope this resolution brings closure to the family and serves as a reminder that justice can prevail no matter how long it takes for the neighborhood to recover from this terrible loss.