Unsolved true crime podcast bringing attention to cases that need it.

Researched, written and hosted by crime analyst Leah Owens. Co-hosted by Scott Owens.

UNSOLVED HOMICIDE: JACLYN DOWALIBY

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When a seven year-old girl is abducted from her suburban Chicago home and murdered, investigators initially suspect those closest to her. A tumultuous search for her killer takes a series of shocking turns in this episode of Last Seen Alive.

Jaclyn Dowaliby was 7-years-old when she vanished from her Midlothian, Illinois home in the middle of the night. Image source: family photo.
Here, Jaclyn is pictured with her mom and (adopted) dad, who was wrongfully accused of her murder. He successfully appealed his conviction. Image source: family photo.
Perry Hernandez is a convicted serial sexual predator who was operating in the area where Jaclyn lived at the time of her abduction and murder. He targeted girls Jaclyn’s age, and his MO was remarkably similar to that of Jaclyn’s killer’s. He has not been charged with any crime in relation to her case. He is currently incarcerated. Image source: law enforcement photo.

Sources used to research this episode:

People vs. Dowaliby (leagle.com)

Who Killed Jaclyn Dowaliby? The Case Remains Open and Chilling (Investigation Discovery)

Prosecutors Reveal Dowaliby Evidence (Chicago Tribune)

National Registry of Exonerations: David Dowaliby

Violent Crimes Against Children (FBI.gov)

Girl Missing and Clues Scarce (Chicago Tribune via newspapers.com)

Chicago Tribune Sunday, March 12, 1989 ed. (Chicago Tribune via newspapers.com)

Hernandez, Perry (Illinois State Police Sex Offender Registry)

Lawyers Cite Incident Similar to Case of Dowalibys’ Daughter (Matt O’Connor / Chicago Tribune via newspapers.com)

Chicago Tribune, Tue, Apr 10, 1990 ed. (Chicago Tribune via newspapers.com)

‘A Parents’ Nightmare’ Sentenced (Chicago Tribune via newspapers.com)

If you know anything about the death of Jaclyn Dowaliby, please call Cook County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-535-7867.

 

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