Mystery of the Dolls Solved: It Was a Well-Meaning Neighbor

The mystery of the unsolicited dolls showing up on Talega doorsteps has been solved with Orange County Sheriff's deputies identifying a well-meaning neighbor who wanted to give the porcelain dolls as gifts.

In the past week, at least eight dolls have been left on porches in the gated Catania tract. Parents noted that the dolls resembled their daughters, and fearing nefarious motives, contacted the sheriff's department. 

Talega moms flocked to Facebook to warn friends, calling the dolls "creepy."

Deputies took the reports seriously and "began examining the dolls in attempt to locate any evidence, as well as meeting with the impacted families to determine similarities or commonalities amongst the group," said a sheriff's press release issued late Thursday night.

Based on information gathered, the investigation honed in on one female adult who lives in the same community and attends church with many of the recipients, officials said. She admitted to being the culprit. 

"Investigators have concluded that her motivation was out of goodwill and that she intended it as a kind gesture," the press release states. "There will be no further investigation of this case."