What happened to Marise Ann chiverella?
On March 18, 1964, Marise Ann Chiverella, a 9-year old American girl, was raped and murdered while on her way to school by 22-year old James Paul Forte in Hazleton, Pennsylvania .
What happened to Marise?
State police made the announcement at a news conference packed with current and retired investigators — including the trooper who first probed Marise's murder — and the little girl's four siblings and extended family. Her siblings called Marise a sweet and shy girl who was learning to play the organ and aspired to be a nun.
Who was at Marise’s press conference?
The press conference was packed with active and retired police officers who had worked on Marise’s case, including the state trooper who first investigated the killing. Marise’s four siblings were also present.
Murder
On the morning of March 18, 1964, 9-year old Marise Ann Chiverella left home for school, carrying canned goods to give to her teacher, at St. Joseph's Parochial School in Hazleton, Pennsylvania. At some point while Chiverella was walking to school, she was kidnapped by James Paul Forte. Chiverella was raped and murdered by strangulation .
Investigation
Despite months of nonstop work, authorities were not able to retrieve any initial leads following the murder.
Perpetrator
James Paul Forte was a bartender and bar supplies salesman from the Hazleton area. He was born in Hazleton and lived in the town his entire life. He was never married and never had any known children. Forte was arrested in 1974 in an unrelated case on charges of involuntary deviant sexual intercourse and sexual assault.
