Authorities reported that a Michigan lady who has been missing for almost two years had her husband arrested on Tuesday and accused with her death.
According to a press statement from Michigan State Police, Dale Warner, 53, was charged with open murder and tampering with evidence on Wednesday. He was arraigned in Lenawee County District Court.
Dale has entered a not guilty plea to both allegations, according to WTVG. According to the police announcement, his bond was set at $20 million, and a hearing is slated for November 27.
In April 2021, Dee Ann Warner, 52, of Tecumseh, Michigan, was listed as missing. She vanished from her Franklin Township home on April 25, 2021, and CrimeStoppers of Lenawee County claimed in a statement that she hasn’t been in touch with her friends or family since.
At the time, Dee Ann was a mother of five who managed both a farming and trucking company, according to NBC News.
Police stated they are certain they have the correct suspect in custody, even though her body has not yet been located.
According to Detective First Lieutenant Michael Dillon in the press release, “working a no-body homicide brings on unique challenges.” “The Lenawee County Prosecutor and the investigators on this case have worked together to do an outstanding job with the investigation. Going ahead, I am completely confident in this case.
Dee Warner’s brother, Gregg Hardy, stated that his sister was married to Dale for fifteen years in a Dateline interview following the arrest. He also mentioned that “the pain has not gone away,” according to NBC News.
He is alleged to have stated, “The actual event that took place and not having any closure to that is haunting for the family.” “I think that all of us have come to terms with the fact that she was killed and that Mr. Warner either destroyed or concealed her body,”
Mary Chartier, Dale’s defense lawyer, stated to The Detroit News that her client is blameless.
In a statement received by the site, she stated, “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.” “On behalf of Mr. Warner, we intend to vigorously fight these charges.”
Police stated that they will keep looking for leads in the case and that anyone with pertinent information should get in touch with them.
Captain Steve O’Neill stated in the announcement, “With incredible determination, they have pieced together a very difficult case culminating with an arrest.” “We will keep working to find Dee Warner’s remains so her family can bury her, and this arrest is just one more step in our investigation,” the statement reads.
