Elizabethtown College junior and History major Eric Schubert is receiving national recognition for his assistance in cracking a 57-year-old murder case that occurred in Hazelton, Pa. Eric used his genealogy expertise to assist authorities and help the family.

“Being able to help a family like that, or being able to help a person like that, I think is really important and that’s what genealogy is all about,” Eric said. “So that sort of thing is what motivates me to help others.”

The cold case involving the murder of nine-year-old Marise Ann Chiverella had investigators puzzled for years as they tried to put the pieces together.

“I saw the case publicized on the news and reached out when I was 18, figuring it wouldn’t work but at least I could say I tried,” Eric shared with the College. “I just wanted to help out the police and the family, I figured that with my skillset I could potentially perhaps make at least a little bit of progress for them.”

Eric has now been featured on ABC News’ Good Morning America as well as highlighted by other national publications for the discovery. Eric shared he is glad his efforts could help the family find some peace, and serves as an example of the College’s Educate for Service motto–by using his knowledge, energy, and talents to benefit others.

“It serves to me as another reminder of how service is so important, and how service should be an important part of everyday life,” Eric said. “I have gotten to know so many people and families over the course of the years through service, and I think that is a great example of how it impacts my life.”

View more headlines are below:

Police crack 57-year cold case murder / ABC News, Good Morning America
After Nearly 58 Years, Pennsylvania Police Solve Killing of 9-Year-Old Girl / The New York Times
Teenager’s interest in genealogy helps solve 1964 homicide of 9-year-old Hazleton girl / The Morning Call
Elizabethtown College student who helped solve a 58-year-old murder / WITF-FM
Elizabethtown College student helps solve 1964 rape and murder of 9-year-old girl / WGAL-TV News 8
College Student Helps ID Suspect in 1964 Pennsylvania Cold Case Murder / Newsweek
College student with passion for genealogy helps solve Marise Chiverella cold case / WNEP-TV
College student plays key role in identifying Hazleton cold case murder suspect / WBRE-TV