Chilling Discovery of Human Remains on Warner Property Unearthed by Michigan State Police
Unseen Wrinkles of the Investigation
Unsettling developments emerged this week in Lenawee County as human remains were uncovered under grim circumstances on property belonging to one Dale Warner. His wife, Dee Warner, has been missing since April 2021. Investigations by the Michigan State Police’s Special Investigation Section, during the execution of a search warrant on the property, led to the alleviating discovery. As of now, the identity of the remains is active speculation, pending a confirmatory autopsy planned for Aug. 20.
Unnatural Mummification & Unusual Findings
According to Dee’s brother, Gregg Hardy, the remains bear an uncanny resemblance to a mummy, having been found inside an anhydrous ammonia tank which was uncannily modified. The usual function of this tank – to provide fertilizer for corn crops – was perverted to serve as a crypt, after it had been cut open and welded shut. The modification is peculiar as it leaves room for visual identification of the remains before DNA analysis.
Charges of Murder and Tampering with Evidence
Dale Warner, also connected to the property, has been arrested and charged with open murder and tampering with evidence. The resident of Tipton, is presently confined to Lenawee County Jail on a $15 million bond, awaiting his pretrial hearing on Sept. 4 at Lenawee County Circuit Court. Investigators believe Dale murdered Dee during a late April argument, subsequently concealing her body. Dee was last seen alive on April 24, a day before she was reported missing when her daughter arrived for their usual Sunday breakfast to find unraveling circumstances.
A Memory Rekindled
Following a tip provided by Hardy, investigators were led to the exact location of the tank on Warner’s property. The fertilizing tank bore incongruities such as amateur welding and fresh coat of paint which warranted suspicion. Notably recollecting the unusual sighting of painting a transport tank, Hardy’s tip guided police to uncover one of the grisliest discoveries in recent history – human remains perilously sealed within an everyday agricultural amenity.
The Detective’s Insight
Working with Detective Sgt. Dan Drewyor, Hardy identified an isolated tank with a conspicuous ‘Do Not Use’ sign. His invaluable input was corroborated by an X-ray scan of the tank which indicated a body inside, further confirmed upon the tank’s intrusion revealing a body wrapped in a blue tarp. The remains are currently held at Jackson’s morgue where the Lenawee County Medical Examiner’s Office conducts its autopsies.
The Unthinkable Reality
Juxtaposing his interactions with Dale near the same tank hiding the victim beneath dark paint and amateur welding, Hardy finds it unsettling and surreal to comprehend the grim reality concealed beneath their very noses. Emphasizing that the tank was always present during initial police searches Hardy commends the police’s efforts, despite the oversight, attributing the discovery to his knowledge of Dale’s habits which proved to be vital in the recent findings.
Legal Developments
In legal proceedings, Dee Warner was posthumously declared deceased in March by Lenawee County Probate Judge Catherine A. Sala. With the presentation of sufficient evidence by the prosecutors, Visiting Judge Anna M. Frushour from Washtenaw County ruled for further court proceedings, potentially leading to a trial. Surprisingly, all Lenawee County’s judges have disassociated themselves from this stage of the case’s proceedings.
Author: STAFF HERE NOVI WRITER
NOVI STAFF WRITER The NOVI STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENovi.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Novi, Oakland County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Motor City Comic Con, Michigan State Fair, and Novi Home and Garden Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Novi Chamber of Commerce and Novi Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, technology, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Stoneridge, and Daifuku North America. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
