Investigation in Michigan Uncovers Human Remains on Property of Missing Woman’s Husband
In a new development from Franklin Township, Michigan, investigators have uncovered human remains during a search at a property that belongs to a man, whose wife has been missing for more than three years.
Background of Case
Dee Warner vanished without a trace in April 2021. The case has since remained a mystery while investigators tirelessly pursued leads in their quest to locate her. Her husband, Dale John Warner, aged 56, was charged in November with open murder and tampering with evidence in connection to her disappearance. Dale Warner pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The missing person, Mrs. Warner was 52 years old at the time of her disappearance. She was last seen the morning of April 25, 2021, on a road in Franklin Township, about 70 miles southwest of Detroit. Since her disappearance, there has not been any contact between her and her family or friends.
Investigation Update
Michigan State Police in a recent statement disclosed that they found human remains during a search of Dale Warner’s property in Lenawee County. However, authorities maintain that: “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“.
Family members of Dee Warner have been notified and briefed on the latest findings. While a breakthrough is anticipated given the magnitude of the findings, the police maintain that it is a developing situation and the investigation is ongoing.
The revelation came as a shock to the surrounding community when family members revealed that the remains were found inside an ’empty tank meant for anhydrous ammonia’. Anhydrous ammonia is commonly used as a fertilizer for crops. Further details, including how the remains were discovered in such a peculiar place, is yet to be disclosed by the police.
Due to the confidentiality of the ongoing investigation, Lt. Rene Gonzalez, a spokesman for the Michigan State Police, dutifully refrained from commenting beyond the agency statement. More information is expected in the coming days.
Legal Proceedings
Meanwhile, the accused, Dale Warner is currently being held in Lenawee County Jail. He is scheduled to appear in court on September 4 for a pretrial hearing. Despite the evidence suggesting otherwise, his attorney, Mary Chartier, has affirmed his innocence, stating that: “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”.
An autopsy for the recovered remains is scheduled for Tuesday. The autopsy results hold the potential to provide pivotal insights and possibly, a major leap in the case of the missing woman. As the community braces itself for more developments from this shocking investigation, it remains to be seen how the case will unfold.
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.
