Slain Representative's Aide Laid to Rest, Warrant Issued for Son's Arrest: Reports

OAK LAWN, IL -- An aide to Congressman Dan Lipinski found stabbed to death her basement last week was laid to rest on Saturday, while an arrest warrant was issued for her son.

Oak Lawn police were called to the home of 55-year-old Marianne Viverito on Jan. 10 to conduct a well-being check after receiving a call from Wisconsin authorities. When they arrived at the home on 5100 block of West 105th Place, they found Viverito’s body in the basement.

Her death was ruled a homicide by the Cook County Medical Examiner. Oak Lawn police said that a suspect was in custody in Wisconsin. He was identified in news reports as Viverito's son, Steven Chmela, 27.

Viverito was the daughter of Stickney Town Supervisor and former State Sen. Lou Viverito. She worked as a legislative aide for the past ten years in Congressman Dan Lipinski’s Oak Lawn service office, where she assisted residents in cutting through red tape at various federal agencies.

"It didn't matter who you were or where you were from," Lipinski said during remarks at her funeral. "She was in their corner and she'd never quit."

Prior to that she was assigned to the Cook County Fifth Municipal District Courthouse in Bridgeview, where she worked in the chief judge’s office. Employees at the Bridgeview courthouse were shocked when hearing of Viverito’s death last week.

Viverito’s father described his grandson as a "sweet young man who was not mentally competent." Chmela had apparently dealt with mental illness requiring treatment at psychiatric hospitals, the Chicago Tribune reported.

Oak Lawn police said in a statement that the suspect would be extradited to Illinois and appear for a bond hearing in Bridgeview this week.

Photo: Marianne Viverito | Lawn Funeral Home