Human remains discovered on a Michigan property may be linked to the disappearance of Dee Warner, who went missing in 2021, as her husband faces murder charges.
At a Glance
- Human remains found on property belonging to Dale John Warner in southeastern Michigan
- Dee Warner, Dale’s wife, has been missing since April 2021 and is presumed dead
- Dale Warner was charged in November with open murder and tampering with evidence
- Remains discovered in a sealed, empty tank meant for anhydrous ammonia
- Positive identification pending further testing and recovery
Discovery of Human Remains
Michigan State Police recently executed a search warrant on the property of Dale John Warner in Lenawee County, leading to the discovery of human remains. The search, conducted with judicial approval, was part of an ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Warner’s wife, Dee Ann Warner, who has been missing since April 2021.
The remains were found in a sealed, empty tank originally intended for anhydrous ammonia. This discovery has added a new dimension to the case, which has captivated public attention and raised questions about the circumstances surrounding Dee Warner’s disappearance.
Human remains found on husband's property in search for Michigan woman missing since 2021 https://t.co/InajYaNjvl
— Fox News (@FoxNews) August 19, 2024
Investigation and Charges
Dale John Warner, 56, was charged in November with open murder and tampering with evidence in connection with his wife’s disappearance. He has pleaded not guilty to these charges. The case has been complicated by the absence of a body, and it remains unclear why the property wasn’t searched earlier in the investigation.
“The remains are currently in the process of being recovered and there will be a great deal of work and testing completed before positive identification is made,” the agency said in a social media post. “The family of Dee Warner has been contacted and advised of the findings. This continues to be an ongoing investigation.”
Lt. Rene Gonzalez confirmed that the search was conducted on Friday but could not provide further comments due to the ongoing nature of the investigation. An autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday, which may provide more information about the identity of the remains and the circumstances surrounding the death.
Background of the Case
Dee Ann Warner, a mother of five who ran a trucking company and farming business, was last seen on April 25, 2021, in Franklin Township, approximately 70 miles southwest of Detroit. Her disappearance followed a business dispute involving her, her husband, and one or two employees. The couple had been married for 15 years at the time of her disappearance.
“I have to stay focused on the reality that it happened,” Hardy told Dateline. “Sometimes it feels almost impossible that it could have happened, but I stay focused on the facts that demonstrate that it did happen and who did it. And I’m a firm believer in justice.”
Investigators noted concerns due to inactivity in Dee Ann’s bank accounts and phone, raising suspicions of domestic abuse. The case highlights the often slow progression of missing person investigations, especially those involving suspected domestic violence.
Legal Proceedings and Defense
Dale Warner is currently held in the Lenawee County Jail and has a pretrial hearing scheduled for September 4. His attorney, Mary Chartier, maintains his innocence and believes that a fair review of the evidence will exonerate her client.
“We’re waiting for confirmation that the remains are Ms. Warner,” Dale Warner’s attorney, Mary Chartier, told Fox News Digital. “But this appears to be another tragic turn of events for all those who loved and cared for her.”
As the investigation continues, the local community and Dee Warner’s family anxiously await further developments and hope for closure in this tragic case. The discovery of the remains marks a significant turning point in the investigation, potentially bringing answers to questions that have lingered for nearly three years.
