Family of Slain Naperville Girl Grieves, Thanks Community for Support

The family of 5-year-old Olivia Dworakowski, who was tragically murdered last week in her Naperville townhouse, shared their grief and thanked the community for its support in a public statement on Tuesday. 

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Naperville police charged Elzbieta Plackowska, 40, with two counts of first-degree murder after allegedly fatally stabbing both Olivia and Plackowska's 7-year-old son Justin Plackowska while babysitting the children on Oct. 30.

The statement is the first time the family has spoken publicly about Olivia's death. 

"We are deeply saddened and shocked by the shortened life of our sweet little girl, Olivia. It is impossible for us to express in words the sadness we feel over this senseless killing. We can, however, express our gratitude for the support from our community, our church, Olivia’s school and others. We also wish to extend our condolences and sympathy to the family of Olivia’s friend, Justin Plackowska."

"The love, condolences and prayers we have received from family and friends have helped to comfort us during this difficult and terrible time. Too, the kind words we have heard both directly and through the news media about how Olivia was a source of happiness for her friends and classmates have made us proud. Olivia was a loving, playful and happy daughter. She brought great joy to our lives and to the lives of her friends and family. She was caring and charitable and filled with all of the incredible potential of a five year old. Although her life was taken too soon, we are consoled by our belief that the gates of heaven have opened up and received one of God’s precious children."

"We thank the members of the Naperville Police Department for their hard work investigating this terrible tragedy and for their ongoing support. We have every confidence and trust in them and in the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office and the DuPage County judicial system. At this time, we ask for privacy to grieve for the loss of Olivia."

A candlelight vigil was held Nov. 2 for both Olivia and Justin at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Naperville.

A memorial fund for the family of Olivia has been set up at Naperville Bank & Trust.

Those wishing to honor Olivia’s memory may make a donation to the Olivia Dworakowski Memorial Fund by stopping by at any Naperville Bank & Trust location or mailing a donation to Naperville Bank & Trust, Olivia Dworakowski Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 294, Naperville, IL 60566.

For more information, call 630-369‐3555.

Full Coverage on Naperville Patch: 

Memorial Fund Set Up for Slain 5-Year-Old Girl

New Judge Assigned for Naperville Mom Accused of Stabbing Kids to Death

Court Denies Bond for Naperville Mom Accused of Stabbing Children to Death

Police Charge Naperville Mom With Murder in Stabbing Deaths of Children

Community Reacts After Children Stabbed to Death in Naperville Home

Police Find 2 Children Stabbed to Death in Naperville Home