The husband of a Michigan woman who has been missing for nearly two years was arrested Tuesday and charged in connection with her death, authorities said.
On Wednesday, Dale Warner, 53, was arraigned in Lenawee County District Court on a charge of open murder and tampering with evidence, according to a press release from Michigan State Police.
‘Not guilty’, he says
According to WTVG, Dale has pleaded not guilty to both charges. His bond was set at $20 million and a hearing is scheduled for Nov. 27, police said in the release.
Dee Ann Warner, 52, of Tecumseh, Mich., was reported missing in April 2021.
The last time she was seen
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.
According to NBC News, Dee Ann was a mother of five who ran a trucking company and a farming business at the time.While her body has yet to be found, police said they 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.’
Statement from witnesses
‘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.
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‘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.
Investigation is ongoing
Dale’s defense attorney, Mary Chartier, told The Detroit News that her client is innocent.
Police said they will continue to pursue leads in the case and are asking the public to contact them with any relevant information.
