The remains of a missing Michigan woman have been found on a property owned by her husband more than three years after she vanished.
On Wednesday, Aug. 21, Michigan State Police (MSP) confirmed that human remains found on Dale Warner’s property were that of mother of four Dee Ann Warner, 52, of Tecumseh, Mich., who was reported missing on April 25, 2021 from her home on Munger Road in Franklin Township, Lenawee County.
“Today further investigation was conducted by the Jackson County Medical Examiners Office on the human remains that were found on Dale Warner‘s property,” a statement shared on the MSP First District X (formerly known as Twitter) account read. “The Jackson County Medical Examiner has positively identified the remains as Dee Warner.”
Police confirmed Dee’s death has been “ruled a homicide.”
Dale Warner.
Lenawee County Jail
“The manner of death has been confirmed however it will be withheld pending further investigation. Although there has been positive identification on the remains and manner of death has been confirmed, this is an ongoing investigation,” the statement added.
“Investigators will continue to gather evidence and work with the Lenawee County Prosecutor’s Office to ensure a conviction,” it concluded.
Dale Warner’s attorney didn’t immediately respond when contacted.
The update comes after police confirmed on Sunday, Aug. 18 that human remains had been found in a propane tank on a property owned by Dale during the execution of a search warrant on Friday, Aug. 16.
Dale Warner is pictured with his lead attorney, Mary Chartier, on May 2, 2024 in Lenawee County District Court.
The missing woman’s family members said at the time that they believed the remains, which were found inside a weather-worn, secluded barn on one of Dale’s properties off Paragon Road, were Dee’s.
The tank usually held anhydrous ammonia, which is used in fertilizer for farming, a family spokesperson previously told WTVG.The tank was reportedly sealed shut with a “do not use” sign on it, per the outlet. The family spokesperson stated the chemicals weren’t in the tank when the remains were found.
Dee Warner.
Crimestoppers Lenawee County/ Facebook
State police confirmed in a news release on Nov. 22, 2023 that Dale had been arrested and was facing charges of open murder and tampering with evidence, stating he’d been arraigned in Lenawee County District Court.
“I am extremely proud of the tireless work our detectives have put in to solve this case,” Captain Steve O’Neill, Commander First District Headquarters, said in the release at the time.
“With incredible determination, they have pieced together a very difficult case culminating with an arrest. This arrest is another step in our investigation, and we will continue our efforts to bring closure to the family and to find Dee Warner’s remains so that her family can lay her to rest,” O’Neill added, per the November release.
Dale previously pleaded not guilty and has long maintained his innocence. In June 2024, a judge ruled that there was enough evidence for him to stand trial for his wife’s murder, WXYZ stated.
