Summary
A 32-year-old Indiana woman has been charged with the murder of her 69-year-old father.
Police said the victim was found with multiple stab wounds inside his home in Valparaiso.
The suspect pleaded not guilty and has been ordered held without bond.
A 32-year-old woman has been charged with the murder of her father after police allegedly discovered him dead inside his home in Valparaiso, Indiana, with multiple stab wounds. Read original
According to authorities, Serena Desiree Dolnics was arrested early Monday and booked into the Porter County Jail on a murder charge following the death of her 69-year-old father, Gregory Dolnics.
Investigators said officers responding to a welfare check found Gregory Dolnics lying on the floor of his home with multiple sharp-force injuries. Charging documents cited by local media alleged that the victim had wounds to his head, face, neck and hands, and that his heart had been removed and placed on his abdomen.
Police also found Serena Dolnics inside the residence covered in blood. She reportedly had cuts on her hands, which she claimed were caused by gardening tools.
During questioning, she denied seeing her father injured.
"We get along really well, but have small tiffs here and there and we both get over it quickly," she reportedly told investigators.
Authorities later confirmed through an autopsy that Gregory Dolnics died from multiple sharp-force injuries, and the death was officially ruled a homicide.
Investigators recovered three knives with suspected blood stains from inside the home as part of the ongoing investigation.
Police said they were called to the property on Sunday evening after relatives became concerned when they could not contact Gregory Dolnics. While one family member was speaking with emergency dispatchers, they reportedly received calls and text messages from one of Serena Dolnics' friends, who had allegedly discovered the scene.
Serena Dolnics has been formally charged with murder. She appeared before the court via video link, pleaded not guilty and was ordered to remain in custody without bond.
When asked whether she had legal representation, she reportedly responded:
"I'll figure it out."
The court scheduled a hearing to determine the status of her legal representation.
According to local reports, Dolnics has previous convictions, including offences related to substance abuse, driving while intoxicated and public intoxication.
The case remains under investigation.
