Missing Woman's Remains Found on Husband’s Property More Than 3 Years After She Vanished: Police

Mar. 15, 2025

Dee Warner.Photo:Michigan State Police

Michigan State Police

On Wednesday, Aug. 21, Michigan State Police (MSP) confirmed that human remains found on Dale Warner’s property were that of mother of four Dee Ann Warner, 52, of Tecumseh, Mich., who was reported missing on April 25, 2021 from her home on Munger Road in Franklin Township, Lenawee County.

Police confirmed Dee’s death has been “ruled a homicide.”

Dale Warner.Lenawee County Jail

Lenawee County Jail

“The manner of death has been confirmed however it will be withheld pending further investigation. Although there has been positive identification on the remains and manner of death has been confirmed, this is an ongoing investigation,” the statement added.

“Investigators will continue to gather evidence and work with the Lenawee County Prosecutor’s Office to ensure a conviction,” it concluded.

After police confirmed the remains found were Dee’s, Dale’s attorney, Mary Chartier, told PEOPLE, “The latest update from the police is a tragic turn of events for all those who loved and cared for Ms. Warner.”

“However, this does not change Mr. Warner’s position, and we are prepared to fight for him at trial,” Chartier added.

Dale Warner is pictured with his lead attorney, Mary Chartier, on May 2, 2024 in Lenawee County District Court.

The missing woman’s family members said at the time that they believed the remains, which were found inside a weather-worn, secluded barn on one of Dale’s properties off Paragon Road, were Dee’s.

Dee Warner.Crimestoppers Lenawee County/ Facebook

Crimestoppers Lenawee County/ Facebook

State police confirmed in anews releaseon Nov. 22, 2023 that Dale had been arrested and was facing charges of open murder and tampering with evidence, stating he’d been arraigned in Lenawee County District Court.

“I am extremely proud of the tireless work our detectives have put in to solve this case,” Captain Steve O’Neill, Commander First District Headquarters, said in the release at the time.

“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,” O’Neill added, per the November release.

Dale previously pleaded not guilty and has long maintained his innocence. In June 2024, a judge ruled that there was enough evidence for him to stand trial for his wife’s murder,WXYZstated.

source: people.com