Ex-fiancé charged with murder of “People’s Court” mom Michelle Parker
Michelle Parker’s former fiancé has been arrested on a murder charge nearly 15 years after she disappeared in Orlando, Florida, according to police. Parker vanished the same day an episode of “The People’s Court” featuring both of them aired. Her body has never been found.
Dale Smith Jr. was arrested Wednesday morning by the Orlando Police Department’s fugitive task force and SWAT team on a charge of second-degree murder. Police Chief Eric Smith said investigators expanded the team assigned to Parker’s case over the past year and reexamined evidence and conflicting statements.
Parker, a 33-year-old mother of three, disappeared on November 17, 2011, after dropping off her 3-year-old twins at Smith’s home. The chief said Smith was the last known person to see or hear from her.
“This case never stopped being a priority,” the chief said. “Our detectives kept working. They kept asking questions. They kept examining the evidence.”
Detective McMicken said newer technology allowed investigators to analyze evidence from vehicles, phones, computers and other electronic devices more thoroughly. Some material had been available since the original investigation, while additional evidence was found during the past year.
“We’re able to better interpret that evidence today than we were able to do back in 2011,” McMicken said.
Investigators also reviewed Smith’s interviews and depositions, during which he repeatedly gave different answers to the same specific questions, according to McMicken. Police declined to disclose the evidence supporting the charge, saying they needed to protect the prosecution.
Parker’s disappearance drew national attention because it happened the same day a previously recorded episode of “The People’s Court” aired featuring her and Smith. The episode concerned a dispute over a $5,000 engagement ring.
Her black Hummer was found abandoned the following day, with decals advertising her tanning business removed. Her cellphone was later recovered from a lake near Belle Isle, but her body has never been found.
“We owe it to Michelle and her family to make sure justice is served in this case,” the chief said.
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Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
