Dale Warner was found guilty of second-degree murder and tampering with evidence in the death of his wife, Dee Warner, who disappeared from their Michigan farm in April 2021. After years of investigation without a body, authorities discovered her remains in a fertilizer tank on their property in August 2024. The conviction came on March 10, 2026, following a trial that highlighted family suspicions and lack of evidence of Dee leaving voluntarily.
Dee Warner, a 52-year-old businesswoman, vanished from her home in Lenawee County, Michigan, on April 25, 2021. Her daughter Rikkell Bock noticed her absence during their weekly Sunday breakfast, finding both of Dee's cars on the property but no response to calls or texts. Dee, who managed a trucking business with about 15 employees alongside a farm and chemical company, had argued with employees the day before and seemed upset.
Her husband, Dale Warner, told police he last saw Dee sleeping that morning and believed she had left intentionally, citing missing items like her makeup bag and curling iron. He mentioned a secret second phone she might be using. Dee's family, including brother Gregg Hardy and children Rikkell and Zack Bock, grew suspicious due to inconsistencies in Dale's accounts and his apparent lack of concern. They noted Dee would not leave without her 9-year-old daughter Lena, their only child together.
Searches by Lenawee County Sheriff's Office, Michigan State Police, and FBI yielded no immediate results. In fall 2021, Hardy organized a vigil and erected a sarcastic billboard reading "Help Dale Find Dee" near the farm to pressure Dale. Investigator Billy Little, hired by the family in 2022, assisted with drone searches and advised on publicity. Michigan State Police took over in August 2022.
Dale was arrested on November 21, 2023, and charged with murder, pleading not guilty. A preliminary hearing in May 2024 featured testimony on exhaustive searches finding no trace of Dee alive, including phone records and social media. Tire tracks near the home were linked to farm equipment. Judge Anna Frushour bound him over for trial on June 7, 2024, citing probable cause.
In August 2024, police found Dee's body in a fertilizer tank on their property, confirmed as homicide. A jury convicted Dale on March 10, 2026. Family members expressed relief, with Rikkell Bock stating, "However long it took, we wouldn't stop fighting." Dale's attorney maintained his innocence pretrial.