Slain Lipinski Aide's Son Charged With First Degree Murder, Extradited from Wisonsin

OAK LAWN, IL -- A 27-year-old Oak Lawn man was in court Tuesday afternoon after he was extradited from Wisconsin on a first-degree murder charge.

Steven Chmela, of the 5100 block of W. 105th Street in Oak Lawn, is charged with the murder of his mother, Marianne Viverito.The 55-year-old woman was found stabbed to death on Jan. 10 in the basement in the home she shared with her son, Oak Lawn police said.

Chmela turned himself into Wisconsin authorities the day of the alleged stabbing. Wisconsin authorities then contacted Oak Lawn police asking them to conduct a well being check when her body was found. Viverito’s manner of death was ruled a homicide the next day by the Cook County Medical examiner’s office, police said.

Viverito was the daughter of Stickney town supervisor and former Illinois state senator Louis Viverito. She also worked as a legislative aide for Congressman Dan Lipinski.

Louis Viverito said that his grandson suffered from various mental health issues requiring treatment in various psychiatric facilities.

Chmela was transported back to Oak Lawn by detectives on Monday from Wisconsin where had remained jailed after waiving extradition. The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office approved felony charges for first degree murder.

The Oak Lawn man appeared in the Fifth Municipal District Courthouse in Bridgeview with his attorney David Sterba before Judge Donald Havis.

Sterba said that his client was bipolar and suffered from “secondary delusions.” He had been under suicide watch in the Milwaukee County Jail and was currently under several medications. Chemla had also been in an automobile accident on Jan. 10 where he suffered a broken wrist and lacerations.

The attorney asked that Chemla undergo a medical evaluation at Cermak Hospital, the treatment facility for Cook County Jail. Sterba also asked that Chemla be closely monitored by sheriff’s deputies and be put on 24/7 suicide watch while at the jail.

Chmela’s next court appearance is Feb. 23 in Bridgeview.