A Whitley County teen admitted to investigators he raped and killed Kaylin Doggendorf and then led deputies to where he had hidden her body, according to Whitley County Circuit Court records filed Monday.
Joshua Wright, 17, who lives near Ridinger Lake, made an initial court appearance Monday afternoon when he was read the charges against him: murder and rape.
The body of Doggendorf, 14, of Pierceton, was found Friday night less than a mile from her house – after Wright led deputies to that location. Her death was ruled a homicide, the second for Whitley County this year.
According to court records, Wright told Whitley County sheriff’s deputies that he killed Doggendorf after he broke into her home early Thursday. He also told detectives he grabbed her by the throat and strangled her. Wright also said he had non-consensual sex with Doggendorf.
It was unclear from court records where these events took place or in what order. Officials from both the sheriff’s department and Whitley County Prosecutor’s Office declined to comment further on the case Monday.
Doggendorf’s father, who reported her missing Thursday, previously had said the last time he saw his daughter at their home was about 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, when she was talking on the phone with a boy. It is unclear whether that was Wright, who is described as an “acquaintance” of Doggendorf’s in court records.
Meanwhile, a plea of not guilty was entered on Wright’s behalf when he made his court appearance Monday. Wright is being held without bail at the Whitley County Jail. His next court appearance is scheduled for April.
A Whitko Middle School student, Doggendorf was a member of the Girl Scouts of America and was a softball player in the Pierceton Youth League. She also sang in her school’s choir. She is survived by her parents and two sisters.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel in Warsaw. Visitation is from 2 to 8 p.m. today at the chapel. A service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at North Manchester Church of the Brethren. Memorial contributions can be given to a fund in the name of “The Doggendorf Family” at Beacon Credit Union in Warsaw.
