Husband arrested for alleged murder of his wife more than two years after her disappearance
By WTVG Staff
Published: Nov. 21, 2023 at 6:33 PM EST|Updated: Nov. 22, 2023 at 12:55 PM EST
Watch Dale Warner’s arraignment Wednesday in the video at the end of this story.
ADRIAN, Michigan (WTVG) - Police have arrested the husband of a Lenawee County woman who went missing more than two years ago.
Michigan State Police announced on Nov. 21 authorities arrested a suspect for the murder of 52-year-old Dee Ann Warner, who was last seen in April of 2021. Authorities revealed the suspect was Dee’s husband, Dale Warner, 53, during his arraignment on Nov. 22. He’s facing charges of murder and tampering with evidence. His bond was set at $20 million and he is due back in court on Nov. 27.
Dale Warner entered a not guilty plea for both charges. Prosecutors allege Dale murdered Dee on or around April 25, 2021. Investigators say her body has yet to be found.
“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,” said Detective First Lieutenant Michael Dillon, Commander of the First District Special Investigative Section. “I have the utmost confidence in this case moving forward.”
Investigators said they will continue to pursue leads and tips pertaining to this investigation. If you have any information, you can contact the MSP Monroe Post at 734-242-3500. You do not have to leave your name.
“I am extremely proud of the tireless work our detectives have put in to solve this case,” said Captain Steve O’Neill, Commander First District Headquarters. “With incredible determination, they have pieced together a very difficult case culminating with an arrest. 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.”
Earlier this year, investigators dug up the Warner family property looking for clues in Dee’s disappearance in April 2021. An MSP spokesperson said at the time authorities were acting on tips they had received. Dee’s family members told 13abc in May there was a house fire in 2021 not long after Dee’s disappearance in the same location investigators searched. Authorities also searched Warner’s property in October 2021 with heavy machinery, drones, and K-9′s, but nothing turned up leading to Warner’s whereabouts.
The arrest comes as her family members sought to have her declared legally dead in court.
Her family has been pushing for answers in the case since her disappearance, creating a Justice for Dee campaign to raise awareness. They were in the court room for Dale Warner’s arraignment on Wednesday, telling 13 Action News they were relieved to finally see him behind bars. They said it was one step closer to closure.
“Both the prosecutor as well as Michigan State Police both seem very confident in all the information they have. I’m pretty confident in everything they have,” said Zack Bock, Dee’s son. “They’ve been pretty diligent going through everything and making sure they turned over every stone they possibly could.”
Family members tell 13 Action News there are several court dates connected to the case happening in the coming weeks, but they’re most looking forward to a guardianship hearing over Dee and Dale’s daughter, who is a minor.
Related stories:
Family reacts to arrest in murder of Dee Ann Warner
Dee Ann Warner’s husband sentenced to 93 days in jail for contempt of court
Authorities dig up family property in investigation into Dee Warner’s disappearance
Family of Dee Warner continues fight to legally declare her dead
Other coverage:
- Dee Ann Warner’s husband sentenced to 93 days in jail for contempt of court
- Authorities dig up family property in investigation into Dee Warner’s disappearance
- Husband of Dee Warner appears in probate court
- Judge to decide whether to declare Dee Warner legally dead next month
- Family of Dee Warner continues fight to legally declare her dead
- Children of Dee Ann Warner petition to establish death
- Family offers $50,000 reward to find Dee Warner
- Michigan State Police officially takes over Dee Warner missing person case
- Family offers $50,000 reward to find Dee Warner
- Michigan State Police officially takes over Dee Warner missing person case
- Family of missing Lenawee Co. woman speaks
- Still no signs of missing Lenawee County woman
- Family and friends of missing Lenawee County woman hoping for answers
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