Jaclyn Dowaliby
Encyclopedia
Jaclyn Marie Dowaliby (May 17, 1981 - September 14, 1988) was a seven-year-old girl who disappeared from her bedroom in the middle of the night. Her body was found five days later.
. They found a broken window, but it may have been a phony entry area as Jaclyn's father later recalled the back door left open. The police investigation was below par as the police failed to preserve the crime scene. Search parties were organised, but for five days, Jaclyn was nowhere to be found.
revealed she had been killed the night she went missing.
Police suspected her mother, Cynthia Dowaliby and her adoptive father, David Dowaliby. In 1990 they were put on trial for their daughter's murder. Cynthia was acquitted but David was convicted on eyewitness testimony which placed him at the scene where Jaclyn's body was found. In 1991, an appellate court overturned David's conviction, ruling that there was no more evidence against him than there had been against Cynthia.
As of April 2004, no one else has been arrested in connection with Jaclyn's murder.
. It was based on Jaclyn's disappearance and murder, and starred Kevin Dillon
and Shannen Doherty
as David and Cynthia Dowaliby.
Disappearance
On 14 September 1988, seven-year-old Jaclyn was taken from her bed at some point in the middle of the night. The next morning, her mother reported her as a missing child, possibly an abductionChild abduction
Child abduction or Child theft is the unauthorized removal of a minor from the custody of the child's natural or legally appointed guardians....
. They found a broken window, but it may have been a phony entry area as Jaclyn's father later recalled the back door left open. The police investigation was below par as the police failed to preserve the crime scene. Search parties were organised, but for five days, Jaclyn was nowhere to be found.
Death and legacy
On 19 September 1988, Jaclyn's lifeless remains were found abandoned at a dump site six miles away from the home. An autopsyAutopsy
An autopsy—also known as a post-mortem examination, necropsy , autopsia cadaverum, or obduction—is a highly specialized surgical procedure that consists of a thorough examination of a corpse to determine the cause and manner of death and to evaluate any disease or injury that may be present...
revealed she had been killed the night she went missing.
Police suspected her mother, Cynthia Dowaliby and her adoptive father, David Dowaliby. In 1990 they were put on trial for their daughter's murder. Cynthia was acquitted but David was convicted on eyewitness testimony which placed him at the scene where Jaclyn's body was found. In 1991, an appellate court overturned David's conviction, ruling that there was no more evidence against him than there had been against Cynthia.
As of April 2004, no one else has been arrested in connection with Jaclyn's murder.
Gone in the Night
In 1996, a television movie was released, entitled Gone in the NightGone in the Night
Gone in the Night is a 1996 television movie based around the Jaclyn Dowaliby murder case, with Shannen Doherty and Kevin Dillon as Cynthia and David Dowaliby.- The Dowaliby Case :...
. It was based on Jaclyn's disappearance and murder, and starred Kevin Dillon
Kevin Dillon (actor)
Kevin Brady Dillon is an American actor best known as Johnny "Drama" Chase on the HBO dramedy Entourage. He has been nominated for three Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe Award for his performance on the show.- Early life :...
and Shannen Doherty
Shannen Doherty
Shannen Maria Doherty is an American actress, producer, author and television director, known for her work as Heather Duke in Heathers , as Brenda Walsh in Beverly Hills, 90210 and its spinoff series 90210, and as Prue Halliwell in Charmed .-Early life and career:Doherty was born in Memphis,...
as David and Cynthia Dowaliby.