Indiana Woman Accused of Killing Father, Removing His Heart
A 32-year-old Indiana woman is facing murder charges after her father was found fatally stabbed inside their shared home, with authorities saying his heart had been removed from his body.
Serena Dolnics was charged with murder on July 28 in the death of her father, Gregory Dolnics, 69, according to Porter County court records. Deputies with the Porter County Sheriff's Office discovered Gregory Dolnics dead on July 26 while conducting a welfare check at the home the two shared in Valparaiso, Indiana, a city located about 55 miles southeast of Chicago.
According to a probable cause affidavit reviewed by USA TODAY, officers responded to the home just before 8 p.m. after a relative called 911, saying they had been unable to reach Gregory Dolnics by phone. While the relative was on the line with dispatchers, they received text messages from Serena Dolnics' boyfriend, who was at the home at the time, stating that Serena was covered in blood and that he believed she had stabbed her father and might harm herself. The affidavit noted that Serena Dolnics "was making odd statements" when the relative attempted to speak with her father over the phone.
What Deputies Found
After forcing entry into the home, deputies found Gregory Dolnics' body on the floor with multiple stab wounds to his head, neck, arms and hands. According to the affidavit, his heart had been removed and was found on his stomach.
Serena Dolnics remains in custody following her arrest. Court records indicate she has a lengthy prior criminal history, including convictions related to substance abuse, operating a vehicle while intoxicated, and public intoxication dating back over a decade.
What Comes Next
The investigation into Gregory Dolnics' death remains ongoing, and further details about a possible motive have not been released by authorities. It is not yet clear when Serena Dolnics is scheduled to appear in court or whether she has retained legal representation.
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