Disappearance of Dee Ann Warner

Dee Ann Warner was a woman who disappeared from Franklin Township, Michigan, on April 25, 2021, in a suspected murder. Dee’s body was discovered by police on August 17, 2024 while executing a search warrant on Dale Warner’s Paragon Road property. Dee’s body was discovered in a resealed anhydrous tank, similar to a residential propane storage tank. On November 22, 2023, her husband, Dale John Warner, was charged in the State of Michigan for her murder.[1]

Dee Anna Warner
Born
Dee Ann Hardy

(1968-01-21)January 21, 1968
DisappearedApril 25, 2021 (aged 52)
Franklin Township, Lenawee County, Michigan
StatusBody Discovered (Missing for 3 years, 3 months and 24 days)
Body discoveredFranklin Township, Lenawee County, Michigan
NationalityAmerican
Height5 ft 4 in (1.63 m)
SpouseDale John Warner

Background

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Dee Warner's daughter, Rikkell Bock, testified that her mother was in an "extremely toxic" relationship with her husband, Dale Warner.[2] Dale allegedly stalked her, put a tracking device on her car, and committed domestic violence. Gregg Hardy, Dee Warner's brother, said he saw the signs his sister was being abused but did not realize it at the time.[3]

Disappearance

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Dee Ann disappeared on the night of April 24, 2021, before going dead at 2:30 am. Her phone records, bank account, and social media have had no activity since that night. She was never captured on camera leaving the property and her passport has not been used. A search of the Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) by Michigan State Police found no results.[4]

Victim's appearance

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At the time of her disappearance, Dee Ann stood at 5 feet 4 inches (1.63 m) and weighed approximately 140 pounds (63.5 kg). She is described as being a Caucasian female, with brown hair that had blonde highlights at the time of her disappearance. She had green eyes. Her ears were pierced.[5]

Investigation

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At the request of the Lenawee County Sheriff's Office, the Michigan State Police announced on August 9, 2023, that it was taking over the investigation of Dee Ann's disappearance.

Arrest

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On November 21, 2023, the Michigan State Police announced that they made an arrest in connection with Warner's murder. Her husband, Dale, was charged with murder and tampering with evidence.[6]

Media attention

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Initially, Dee's disappearance received local media attention, particularly from outlets in Lenawee County and the surrounding areas. The case became more widely followed after numerous true crime outlets became interested in the circumstances of her disappearance. NBC's Dateline: Missing in America featured the case on episode 6 of the podcast's first season.[7] Retired homicide detective, Chris McDonough, interviewed the family's investigative attorney, Billy Little Jr., regarding details of the case on his podcast, The Interview Room.[8]

The case was also featured in the 10th season of Investigation Discovery’s show Disappeared. The episode, titled "Vanished in the Heartland", aired on October 5, 2022.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Dale Warner charged with the murder of Dee Ann Warner". November 21, 2023.
  2. ^ "Family asks judge to declare Dee Warner legally dead - CBS Detroit". CBS News. August 17, 2023.
  3. ^ "Michigan State Police taking over investigation of Dee Warner, missing woman presumed dead". August 9, 2022.
  4. ^ "Family asks judge to declare Dee Warner legally dead - CBS Detroit". CBS News. August 17, 2023.
  5. ^ "Dee Ann Warner – the Charley Project".
  6. ^ "Dee Warner's husband charged in 2021 disappearance, death, appears in court".
  7. ^ "Dateline: Missing in America podcast covers the April 2021 disappearance of Dee Ann Warner in Lenawee, Michigan". NBC News. August 24, 2022.
  8. ^ "New information in the Dee Warner case - the Interview Room with Chris McDonough by the Interview Room with Chris McDonough".