‘38 years is too long.’ Norwalk woman appeals for answers on eve of sister’s disappearance

Wednesday marks almost four decades since April Grisanti was forced into a car outside a Norwalk bar and never seen again.

Marissa Alter

Jan 31, 2023, 10:36 PM

Updated 475 days ago

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Wednesday marks almost four decades since April Grisanti was forced into a car outside a Norwalk bar and never seen again.
“This is all I have left of my sister,” said Gina Grisanti as she held onto April Grisanti’s wallet. That wallet was one piece of evidence Norwalk police recovered in her abduction and presumed murder 38 years ago.
On the eve of that somber date, News 12 met up with Gina Grisanti where it was found, near an electrical tower on Fillow Street by Steppingstone Road. That location is about half a mile from the former home of the sole suspect in the case, James “Purple” Aaron, who was 33 at the time. April Grisanti had previously been involved with him.
The wallet still had her license, credit cards and birth certificate inside. When police returned it to Gina Grisanti, she found something else—police incident reports from when her sister had called police about Aaron.
“That was really hard to see,” said Gina Grisanti.
One report was from Jan. 26, 1985—five days before April Grisanti disappeared. On Feb. 1, just after midnight, witnesses told police Aaron dragged her into his car outside Anthony’s Bar on Main Street. Aaron was later convicted of kidnapping but wasn't charged with her presumed death because police never found her body.
“My sister's body was dumped like garbage,” Gina Grisanti told News 12. “I just want to bring her home, that's it -38 years is too long.”
Aaron died in 2016, but Gina Grisanti said she believes there are people who know what he did with her sister.
“Please, if you have an ounce of humanity, call me. I don't care what your involvement was, just let me bring her home,” Gina Grisanti pleaded.
Gina Grisanti launched her own investigation a couple years ago and said she's confident her sister's body is still in the area. A GoFundMe effort is raising money to support her personal searches. She said she’s also hoping experts in the field will donate their time and services and help her family get closure after a decadeslong wait.
“I'm angry. I'm angry it's still happening 38 years later,” Gina Grisanti said.
Gina Grisanti can be contacted at 203-838-9009 or 203-505-1200.
April Grisanti’s case remains with the Norwalk Police Department’s Cold Case Unit, which can be reached at 203-854-3111. Anonymous tips can be called in to 203-854-3111 or texted to TIP411 (847411) by typing NORWALKPD followed by the information.


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