Human Remains Found on Property of Michigan Man Charged in Wife's Disappearance
Investigators discovered human remains on the property of Dale John Warner, charged with his wife's murder. Dee Warner vanished in 2021, and the remains were found in a sealed fertilizer tank.
In a significant development in the case of Dee Warner, who disappeared over three years ago, investigators have uncovered human remains on the property of her husband, Dale John Warner. The discovery was made during a recent search of Warner's land in Lenawee County, southeastern Michigan.
Dee Warner, aged 52, was last seen on April 25, 2021, in Franklin Township, approximately 70 miles southwest of Detroit. Her disappearance prompted an extensive investigation by the Michigan State Police, an organization established in 1917. In November 2023, authorities charged Dale John Warner, 56, with open murder and tampering with evidence in connection with his wife's disappearance.
The human remains were reportedly found in a sealed, empty tank intended for anhydrous ammonia, a colorless gas commonly used as an agricultural fertilizer. Anhydrous ammonia tanks are typically pressurized and require special handling, making the discovery particularly noteworthy.
Michigan State Police issued a statement confirming the discovery and noting that the process of recovering and identifying the remains is underway. This process, which often involves DNA testing, can be time-consuming and may take weeks or even months to complete. An autopsy has been scheduled for August 20, 2024, to gather more information about the remains.
The case has drawn attention to Lenawee County, established in 1822, with its county seat in Adrian. As one of Michigan's 83 counties, Lenawee has been at the center of this high-profile missing person case, which has now potentially evolved into a homicide investigation.
Dale Warner has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him and remains in custody at the Lenawee County Jail. His legal representation, attorney Mary Chartier, has expressed confidence in her client's innocence, stating:
"We believe that a fair and objective review of the evidence — or more precisely the lack of evidence in this case — will show that Mr. Warner did not kill his wife."
A pretrial hearing for Warner is scheduled for September 4, 2024. This hearing, part of Michigan's three-tier court system, will address various legal matters before the potential trial begins. It's worth noting that open murder charges in Michigan allow prosecutors to pursue either first or second-degree murder convictions, providing flexibility as the case progresses.
As the investigation continues, the discovery of these remains marks a crucial turning point in a case that has captivated the local community for over three years. The Warner family and local authorities await further developments as forensic experts work to identify the remains and potentially bring closure to this long-standing mystery.
