TECUMSEH, MICHIGAN: The husband of a Michigan woman who has been reported missing for the last couple of years was arrested on Tuesday, November 21, and charged in connection with her death, authorities said. According to a press release from Michigan State Police, Dale Warner, 53, was arraigned in Lenawee County District Court the following day on a charge of open murder and tampering with evidence.
Dale has pleaded not guilty to both charges, WTVG reported. Police noted in the release that his bond was set at $20 million and a hearing is scheduled for November 27.
When was Dale Warner's wife Dee Ann Warner last seen?
Dee Ann Warner, 52, of Tecumseh, Michigan disappeared in April 2021. She was last seen at her home in Franklin Township on April 25, 2021 and has had no contact with her family or friends since her disappearance, CrimeStoppers of Lenawee County said in a statement. The woman was a mother-of-five who ran a trucking company and a farming business at the time, as per NBC.
What did the authorities say?
Although Dee's body is yet to be discovered, authorities are confident they have the right suspect in custody.
“Working a no-body homicide brings on unique challenges,” Detective First Lieutenant Michael Dillon said in the release. “The detectives on this case have done a phenomenal job with the investigation, and working collaboratively with the Lenawee County Prosecutor. I have the utmost confidence in this case moving forward," Dillon added.
What did Dee Ann Warner's brother say about her disappearance?
In an interview with Dateline after the arrest, Dee Warner's brother Gregg Hardy said his sister was married to Dale for 15 years, adding “the pain has not gone away,” NBC News reports.
“The actual event that took place and not having any closure to that is haunting for the family,” he reportedly said, adding “We have all, I believe, resigned ourselves to the fact that there’s no other option than she has been killed and her body some way hidden or destroyed by Mr Warner.”
Dale Warner's attorney believes that he is innocent
Dale’s defense attorney, Mary Chartier, told The Detroit News that her client is innocent.
"We believe that a fair and objective review of the evidence — or more precisely the lack of evidence in this case — will show that Mr Warner did not kill his wife,” she said in a statement obtained by the outlet. “We intend to vigorously fight these charges on behalf of Mr Warner," the statement added.
The investigation into Dee Ann Warner's disappearance is still active
Police said they will continue to pursue leads in the case and are asking the public to contact them with any relevant information.
“With incredible determination, they have pieced together a very difficult case culminating with an arrest,” Captain Steve O’Neill said in the release, adding “This arrest is another step in our investigation, and we will continue our efforts to bring closure to the family and to find Dee Warner’s remains so that her family can lay her to rest.”
Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact Michigan State Police Monroe Post at 734-242-3500.
