Lipinski Staff Member Found Dead in Oak Lawn Home, Possibly Victim of Domestic Altercation

OAK LAWN, IL — Updated, 4:07 p.m. Jan. 10, 2017 -- An Oak Lawn woman found deceased in her basement Tuesday morning and who may have been the target of a domestic altercation worked as an aide to U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski, his office said in a written statement.

Marianne Viverito, 55, was discovered during a well-being check, after Oak Lawn police received a call from an out-of-state police agency around 3:15 a.m. stating that the woman may have been the victim of a domestic altercation involving another family member.

The woman was an aide in Lipinski’s Illinois Third District service office in Oak Lawn. She was also the daughter of former State Sen. Louis Viverito.

Oak Lawn police said they are waiting for a positive identification from the Cook County Medical Examiner and would not release the woman’s name. Police did say that a suspect was in custody.

Lipinski released the following statement::

“Today it is with great sadness that I must announce the untimely passing of a member of my staff, Ms. Marianne Viverito.

“Marianne was a beloved and trusted member of my staff, and has been a part of my team during much of my tenure in Congress. She has helped countless of my constituents solve challenges they’ve faced with the federal government with a smile, good nature, and humor. As with me and my staff, I know that these constituents will miss her greatly.

“I extend my deepest condolences to Marianne’s family and loved ones. I share their grief and they will all be in my prayers.

“Until more information becomes available, we will have no further comment.”

Original story -- A 55-year-old woman was found dead in her Oak Lawn home on Monday. Oak Lawn police are conducting a death investigation into the find, which resulted from a well-being check made Monday in the 5100 block of West 105th Place. A news release from the Oak Lawn Police Department says information was received from an out-of-state police agency that the woman may have been the victim of a domestic altercation involving a family member.

When they arrived, police found blood on the ground outside and inside the residence. The woman was found dead in her basement.

Police say this appears to be an isolated incident. They are working with the South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force on the investigation.

This is a developing story. Check back here for updates throughout the day.