A 32-year-old Indiana woman is facing murder charges after she allegedly stabbed her 70-year-old father to death and removed his heart from his body. Serena Desiree Dolnics, of Wheatfield, was formally charged with murder in Porter County on July 28.
Family Raised the Alarm
On the evening of July 26, family members contacted the Porter County Sheriff’s Office for a welfare check after Gregory Dolnics, 70, stopped answering their calls. They told dispatchers that his daughter Serena lived with him and had been making “odd statements” whenever family asked to speak with him.
While a family member was still on the phone with 911, Serena’s boyfriend began sending frantic text messages — saying he was at the home and that Serena was “covered in blood” and had stabbed her father.
What Officers Found Inside
When officers arrived, the boyfriend told them Serena had locked him out. Looking through the windows, officers spotted blood on the floor and a body. After forcing entry, they found Gregory lying on his back near two recliners — his shirt rolled up, with what appeared to be his heart placed on his stomach. His chest wound appeared empty.
Three blood-covered knives were recovered from the living room and kitchen. Bloody barefoot prints were found near the body.
Serena’s Explanation to Detectives
After being arrested in a locked bedroom — covered in blood with no pants or shoes — Serena was taken to a hospital for hand injuries consistent with a knife slipping. She later waived her Miranda rights and spoke to detectives.
She told investigators she had been watching Game of Thrones while her father “laid around.” She claimed her hand injuries came from gardening. Detectives found no garden on the property.
Where the Case Stands
Serena Dolnics is currently held without bond at Porter County Jail. Her initial hearing has not yet been scheduled.