The murder of 15-year-old South Norwood teenager Geraldine Annese remains one of the most senseless, tragic events to ever occur in Norwood’s 151-year history. The subsequent investigation of the murder and the arrest, trial, and conviction of her neighbor and classmate Peter Makarewicz was truly shocking and the story dominated the front pages of both Norwood and Boston papers from November of 1954 until the spring of 1955.
1954
Geraldine Annese, 15, Found Murdered in South Norwood Garage-This Day in Norwood History-November 5, 1954
Geraldine Annese Was Singing When She Left Chums-This Day in Norwood History-November 5, 1954
6 Other Attacks on Girls Recently in Norwood-This Day in Norwood History-November 5, 1954
Slaying Recalls Norwood Girls Murder in 1933-This Day in Norwood History-November 5, 1954
Peter Makarewicz Confesses to Murder of Geraldine Annese-This Day in Norwood History-November 7, 1954
Girl’s Parents Soothe Alleged Killer’s Folks-This Day In Norwood History-November 8, 1954
Peter Makarewicz To Confer With Counsel-This Day In Norwood History-November 15, 1954
‘Good Boy’ Killed Girl Next Door, Police Say-This Day In Norwood History-December 5, 1954
1955
Judge Orders Most Evidence Be Shown to Defense in Geraldine Annese Murder Case-This Day in Norwood History-February 24, 1955
Peter Makarewicz Goes on Trial Next Monday in Murder of Geraldine Annese-This Day in Norwood History-March 3, 1955
Few Details Emerge In Case Against Peter Makarewicz On Eve Of Trial For Murder of Geraldine Annese-This Day in Norwood History-March 6, 1955
Defense Bans Women Jurors in Murder Trial-This Day in Norwood History-March 7, 1955
Prosecutor Claims Peter Plotted Murder-This Day in Norwood History-March 9, 1955
Scar on Peters Face Brought Quiz, Jury Told-This Day in Norwood History-March 10, 1955
Peter Makarewicz Refused to Take Lie Test, Says Officer-This Day in Norwood History-March 10, 1955
Jury Hears ‘Confession’ of Strangling Girl, 15-This Day in Norwood History-March 11, 1955
Parents, Brother Ready to Take Stand for Peter Makarewicz-This Day in Norwood History-March 14, 1955
“I Didn’t Kill Her,” Says Peter-This Day in Norwood History-March 15, 1955
Defense Counsel In Plea For Not Guilty Verdict As Murder Trial Ends-This Day in Norwood History-March 17, 1955
Peter Makarewicz Makes Own Plea To Jury-This Day in Norwood History-March 17, 1955
Makarewicz Guilty In Slaying of Geraldine Annese-This Day in Norwood History-March 18, 1955
This Day in Norwood History-March 18, 1955-Life Sentence Begins
Attorney Files Petition For New Trial in Local Murder-This Day In Norwood History-October 6, 1955
1956
Appeal
Norwood Trial Lawyer John J. C. Herlihy Named Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers-September 29, 1973
Norwood trial lawyer John J. C. Herlihy is named a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, reflecting on a career of landmark precedents and courtroom dedication.
Norwood High Football Opens Bay State League Play with 29-13 Victory Over Milton-September 28, 1981
Defending Super Bowl champs Norwood High open their Bay State League football season with a hard-fought 29-13 victory over Milton behind strong ground performances.
Dean Street Elderly Housing Project Refiled Under Chapter 40B as Board Seeks Attorney General Zoning Ruling-August 23, 1977
Developer Richard Vazza refiles his $2 million Dean Street elderly housing complex under Massachusetts Chapter 40B anti-snob zoning laws. The Norwood Appeals Board seeks an emergency ruling from the state attorney general to clarify conflicting zoning use variance powers.
Norwood Scrapbook-August 3
A comprehensive daily compilation of historical news from Norwood, Massachusetts on August 3. Featuring stories of town planning, public safety efforts, regional transportation, local achievements, and community concert traditions.
Traffic Concerns Stall Zoning Board Hearing on Proposed Caldor Shopping Center on Route 1-July 30, 1980
A zoning board hearing for the proposed $3 million Caldor shopping center on Route 1 was continued to August 19 as developers Bronson & Hutensky worked to finalize safe traffic access through Park Place Industrial Park.
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