The Michigan State Police have arrested and charged Dale Warner with the suspected 2021 murder of his wife, Dee Warner, in Lenawee County, MI.
The 52-year-old Dee Warner was last seen on either April 24 or 25, 2021. She ran her own trucking company from her home near Tipton, MI.
Her body had never been found, but family members have long accused her husband, Dale, of being her killer and have threatened him with a civil lawsuit.
On Tuesday, detectives from the Michigan State Police arrested 53-year-old Dale at his home in Tipton and charged him with open murder and tampering with evidence.
Warner appeared in court on Wednesday when he pleaded not guilty to the charges. Warner’s defense team has said they intend to fight the charges vigorously.
His bail bond was set at $20 million, and he remains in custody at Lenawee County Jail.
It’s unclear why police arrested Dee Warner husband, Dale Warner, at this time
The cops have remained tight-lipped about what specific evidence led them to make an arrest at this stage. The investigation started out as a search for Dee by Lenawee County deputies, but the State Police and the FBI were brought in in fall 2021 to help with the search.
Watch the Latest on our YouTube ChannelThe two latter agencies brought in ground-penetrating radar and excavation equipment in an effort to find Dee’s remains. Up to 70 properties were searched in Lenawee County.
After Tuesday’s arrest, Detective First Lt. Michael Dillon said, “Working a no-body homicide brings on unique challenges. 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.”
Michigan police have not given up search for missing Dee Warner
The cops are still hopeful that they can locate Dee Warner and bring closure to her family. State police commander Captain Steve O’Neill assured the victim’s family, “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.”
It was previously reported that Dee allegedly had a business dispute with her husband and two employees the night before she disappeared.
Dee Warner was approximately 5’4” and weighed about 135-140 lbs. She had brown hair with blonde highlights. Anyone with information about what happened to Dee Warner should contact the Lenawee County Sheriff’s Office at (517) 263-0524.