Mich. husband arrested on murder charge 2 years after his wife went missing

TIPTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (TCD) -- Michigan State Police detectives arrested a 53-year-old man they allege killed his wife after she disappeared from her home more than two years ago.

Fifty-two-year-old Dee Warner was last seen on the evening of April 24, 2021, and the early morning hours of April 25, 2021, at her home in Franklin Township. In May 2021, Lenawee County Crime Stoppers posted on social media about her disappearance and said her family and friends became concerned after they stopped hearing from her.

WTVG-TV reports investigators searched Warner’s home in October 2021 using drones, K-9s, and other resources, but did not find any evidence. The home reportedly caught fire shortly after Warner went missing. Detectives returned to the residence in May and dug up some of the property, according to WTVG.

On Tuesday, Nov. 21, Michigan State Police announced they made an arrest in connection with her death but did not immediately name the suspect.

In a news release Wednesday, Nov. 22, Michigan State Police said they took Dee Warner’s husband, Dale Warner, into custody on a charge of open murder and tampering with evidence.

Michigan State Police’s commander of the First District Special Investigative Section, Detective 1st Lt. Michael Dillon, noted in the statement, "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."

He said he has the “utmost confidence in this case moving forward.”

Capt. Steve O’Neill, commander of First District Headquarter, commended the detectives working the case, adding, "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."

Dale Warner is being held on $20 million bond.

MORE:

• Arrest Made - Michigan State Police
• Arrest Made in the Disappearance of Dee Warner - Michigan State Police
• Missing Person, 5/4/2021 - Crime Stoppers of Lenawee County
• Husband arrested for alleged murder of missing Lenawee County woman - WTVG
• Authorities dig up family property in investigation into Dee Warner’s disappearance, 5/2/2023 - WTVG