Ep. 5 Donna Lee Hart
The Unsolved Murder of Donna Lee Hart
Donna Lee (Karla) Hart was just 24 years old when her life was tragically cut short on August 8, 1968, in her quiet home in Herkimer County, New York. More than half a century later, her murder remains unsolved. Despite periodic leads and the efforts of law enforcement, this heartbreaking crime has left unanswered questions for the small, rural community where she lived and worked.
Salisbury Center: A Rural Community Frozen in Time
Nestled in the village of Dolgeville, Salisbury Center sits on Route 29 in an extremely rural area of Herkimer County, New York. Even today, Dolgeville is a small village with a population of just over 2,000, as of the 2010 census. Back in the 1960s, it was an even quieter place, known for its farmlands, close-knit families, and limited police presence. With the New York State Police patrolling the area, response times were often delayed—a reality that may have complicated the events surrounding Donna Hart’s murder.
Who Was Donna Lee Hart?
At 24, Donna was starting her life as a young woman living independently. She worked as a checkout clerk at the Dolgeville P & C grocery store and lived alone in her home on Route 29, about a mile north of the village center. Donna had been married to Arnold Hart, who had three children from a previous marriage. Though Donna and Arnold were separated by the time of her murder, their relationship remained intertwined with the Dolgeville community.
The Night of August 8, 1968
On that fateful night, Donna called her father, Richard Karla, at approximately 12:45 a.m. with a chilling revelation—someone was outside her window, looking in with a stocking over their head, attempting to break in. Her father arrived at her house within minutes, only to be met with gunfire. Though he tried to enter, he found himself briefly locked out. When he managed to get in, he discovered that a side-exterior door had been forced open. Frantically, he made his way upstairs, where he found Donna’s lifeless body in a closet; she had been shot four times. Her killer fled the scene out the front door, escaping into the night.
It is believed the perpetrator had parked a car just up the street, leaving in the direction of Dolgeville after the murder.
An Elusive Investigation
Over the years, the investigation into Donna’s murder has yielded few solid leads. The case resurfaced about a decade ago when police interviewed a person from Milwaukee who was in the area at the time, but ultimately, this line of inquiry led nowhere. Some amateur sleuths have speculated about possible suspects and motives, but no theory has led to justice for Donna.
Closing Thoughts: Seeking Justice for Donna
Donna’s parents have passed away, yet their hope for answers remains with the New York State Police. This case, like so many unsolved mysteries, still waits for someone who may have seen or heard something, or who might hold a key piece of information.
If you know anything about the murder of Donna Lee Hart, please contact the New York State Police. The community—and the memory of Donna—awaits justice.
Sources:
56 years later, NYSP still looking for killer of Dolgeville woman
Who killed Donna Lee Hart in 1968? | News | romesentinel.com
