One of New Jersey's most famous cold cases has been cracked, with authorities finally identifying the victim in a 40-year-old murder investigation, as well as charging her alleged killer.

Since 1982, she was known only as "Princess Doe."

Lite 96.9 WFPG logo
Get our free mobile app

Discovered beaten beyond recognition, her body was found in Blairstown, Warren County back on July 15 of that year.

The death of "Princess Doe" was ruled a homicide, but its investigation generated few leads early on because of the condition of her body.

New Jersey State Police/YouTube
New Jersey State Police/YouTube
loading...

But, just last Wednesday, on the 40th anniversary of the discovery of "Princess Doe" in Cedar Ridge Cemetery (which is where she was buried, by the way, a memorial established to a nameless woman), police revealed her true identity during a lengthy press conference, according to NJ.comDawn Olanick.

New Jersey State Police/YouTube
New Jersey State Police/YouTube
loading...

Dawn, a native of Long Island, New York, was reportedly just 17 years old at the time of her death.

For the first time, the public got to see the face of "Princess Doe." She was identified through the help of genealogical DNA, NJ.com reports.

Her killer is alleged to be a 68-year-old man named Arthur Kinlaw, who is already serving time for first-degree murder in a New York prison.

New Jersey State Police/YouTube
New Jersey State Police/YouTube
loading...

Authorities believe Kinlaw tried to turn Dawn Olanick into a prostitute. But, she refused, so he killed her. He's been formally charged with first-degree murder in her death.

The timing of this story is so ironic, both because this unsolved case's resolution came 40 years to the day it first began, and because I literally just finished listening to a podcast about "Princess Doe" (True Crime Garage, ep. 594, if you're interested). I had never heard about this New Jersey cold case until then, and I was so distraught that she had been buried with no name on her grave marker, and that her killer might still be out there.

NJ teachers and educators caught in sex crime busts

Over the past few years, state lawmakers have taken on the challenge of dealing with accused child predators among the ranks of teachers and educators.

In 2018, the so-called “pass the trash” law went into effect, requiring stricter New Jersey school background checks related to child abuse and sexual misconduct.

The follow individuals were arrested over the past several years. Some have been convicted and sentenced to prison, while others have accepted plea deals for probation.

Others cases are still pending, including some court delays amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

25 True Crime Locations: What Do They Look Like Today?

Below, find out where 25 of the most infamous crimes in history took place — and what the locations are used for today. (If they've been left standing.)

Stars Who Were Convicted or Charged With Crimes

Here are 25 celebrities who have been convicted or charged with crimes, ranging from minor felonies to serious offenses.

More From Lite 96.9 WFPG