Dawn Olanick

Dawn Rita Olanick (August 5, 1964 – July 1982), previously known as Princess Doe, was an unidentified American teenage decedent from Bohemia, New York, who was found murdered in Cedar Ridge Cemetery in Blairstown Township, New Jersey on July 15, 1982. Her face had been bludgeoned beyond recognition. She was the first unidentified decedent to be entered in the National Crime Information Center. Olanick's body was buried in the Cedar Ridge Cemetery, not far from where she was discovered in January 1983. Olanick was reburied in the same grave. Red nail polish was found on the right hand only and she had no known surgical scars, distinct birth marks or tattoos. Scars or marks on the head/face area would not be known due to the condition of the body. The front two teeth were slightly darker than the other teeth. The victim's appendix and tonsils were intact. Forensic anthropologists determined that the victim was not pregnant and had never given birth, and was most likely between the ages of 14 and 18 years old at the time of her death. Toxicology did not reveal any traces of drugs, but was not entirely conclusive because of the time elapsed between the death and discovery of the body. It is believed that the body was discovered after two to three days, or possibly even weeks, of exposure to the elements. This was especially difficult to determine because of the hot and humid weather in the area at the time.

Examination indicated that the girl had attempted to fight back or defend from her attacker, as trauma to her hands and arms was observed. This theory was propagated by several law enforcement officials in the state of New Jersey, who went as far as to hold a press conference identifying Diane Dye as Princess Doe. However, Lt. Eric Kranz, the Princess Doe case's original lead investigator, maintained that Diane Dye was not a viable candidate for Princess Doe's identity. Kranz's feelings were shared by Diane's family and investigators in California, who were particularly incensed by the conduct of New Jersey law enforcement. In 2003, Princess Doe's DNA was compared with a DNA sample from Diane's mother Patricia, and it was conclusively determined that the Princess Doe was not Diane Dye.

Arthur and Donna Kinlaw

In 1999, evidence came to light that Arthur and Donna Kinlaw may have been involved in Princess Doe's murder. Donna was arrested in California for attempting to commit welfare fraud by using the name "Elaina," which was traced to a Long Island native. When the police questioned her, she gave them details about the murder of "Linda," and her testimony put the Kinlaws behind bars; Donna gave details about two murders Arthur had committed of two other female victims who remain unidentified. After Arthur was faced with a death sentence, Donna told authorities that Kinlaw had killed another woman, a sex worker, earlier in 1982. The 2012 composite of the victim also generated new tips, as it resembled several missing girls from the country. It is also believed that the girl had spent a long period of time in Long Island, New York.

Media appearances

MISSING (HBO Documentary) After extensive print media coverage in 1982, Lt. Eric Kranz, the original lead investigator from the Blairstown Police Department, was contacted by HBO regarding the Princess Doe case and asked if the channel could chronicle the case in an upcoming documentary entitled MISSING. Kranz agreed and the segment was filmed over the course of several weeks. Kranz was shown following leads as they came in. The documentary was notable for containing actual footage of the recovery of Princess Doe's body along with footage shot by HBO of Princess Doe's 1983 funeral. The documentary also contained a segment following the Johnny Gosch disappearance. The case was used as the impetus for recording unidentified crime victims in the NCIC database at the national level. Princess Doe became the first such case entered by the FBI director.

Miscellaneous The case was featured on America's Most Wanted in 2012 in hopes to generate new information in the case.

Burial and memorials Olanick was buried on January 22, 1983, after she had remained unidentified for over five months. Donated funds were used to pay for the victim's coffin and headstone.

On July 15, 2012, a memorial service was held for the 30th anniversary of Olanick's body being discovered, at the top of the ravine where her remains were found. Over 100 citizens attended as well as several reporters and cameras. The victim's clothing as well as her reconstructions were displayed for public viewing.

On October 12, 2014, Olanick (as "Princess Doe") was honored at a missing persons rally in the area. Kinlaw remains imprisoned at the Sullivan Correctional Facility in Fallsburg, New York.

Other information NCIC Case Number: U630870962 Porchlight for the Missing Case Number: NJF820715 Princess Doe website (http://www.princessdoe.org)