WOMAN CHARGED WITH FATHER'S MURDER AFTER HEART REMOVAL

Serena Dolnics, 32, has been charged with murder following the death of her father Gregory Dolnics, 69, at a house in Valparaiso, approximately 50 miles from Chicago. Police attended the property on Sunday evening after an emergency call raised concerns for Gregory's wellbeing, prompted by reports that Serena had made "odd statements" when family members asked to speak with him. Officers were informed by text message from Serena's boyfriend, who was present at the home, that she was "covered in blood" and that he believed she had stabbed her father. Upon arrival, police found the boyfriend locked outside the property and forced entry after observing dried blood inside.

Gregory's body was found to have suffered slash wounds to the head, face, neck and hands, with his heart removed from his body and placed on his stomach. An autopsy determined that all injuries, including incisions made to the ribs to facilitate the heart's removal, were inflicted with knives. Serena was discovered in a bedroom with blood on her feet and was arrested after receiving hospital treatment for knife wounds to her hands. She told detectives the hand injuries resulted from gardening, though police maintain they were consistent with a knife slipping during use. Court documents indicate Serena claimed she and her father "get along really well" and only had occasional "small tiff" disagreements.

Serena Dolnics remains in custody following her arrest. The case has proceeded to court, where the charges against her are being heard.