Orlando police arrested 55-year-old Dale Smith Jr. on Wednesday and charged him with second-degree murder in the 2011 disappearance of his ex-fiancee, Michelle Parker. Parker, 33, was last seen on Nov. 17, 2011, hours after a pretaped episode of "The People's Court" featuring the former couple was broadcast.
What happened the day Michelle Parker disappeared?
According to police, Parker dropped the couple's 3-year-old twins off at Smith's Orlando home on the afternoon of Nov. 17, 2011, and was never seen alive again. Her vehicle was found abandoned in a parking lot the next day, and divers later recovered her iPhone from an Orlando-area lake. Her body has not been recovered, but police said all evidence points to Smith as the person responsible for her death.
Why did the case take nearly 15 years?
Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith, who is not related to the suspect, said the case never stopped being a priority. He said the department expanded its investigative team over the past year and took a fresh look at the evidence.
- Police reexamined testimony and conflicting statements made by the suspect.
- Detectives used advances in digital forensics to analyze additional evidence.
Detective Phillip McMican said vehicles, phones, computers and other devices can be interpreted better today than in 2011. Investigators have not publicly stated a motive.
What does the defense say?
Smith has pleaded not guilty. His attorney, Rajan Joshi, told a judge Thursday that the state cannot meet its burden of proof based on the criminal complaint, and argued that investigators focused almost exclusively on Smith while ignoring other leads. A judge ordered Smith held without bond pending a future hearing.
FAQ
Has Michelle Parker's body been found?
No. Police said her body has not been recovered, though they continue to search.
What was the 'People's Court' episode about?
Parker and Smith appeared on the show to dispute the loss of an engagement ring. The episode aired the same day she vanished.
