Dee Ann Warner disappeared from Franklin Township, Michigan, on April 25, 2021, in a murder that was suspected. On November 22, 2023, her husband, Dale John Warner, was charged with murder. Her body was found by police on August 17, 2024, during a search of Dale Warner’s property on Paragon Road. The body was located inside a sealed tank used for storing propane, similar to those used in homes. On March 10, 2026, Warner was found guilty of second degree murder. He was sentenced to 70 years in prison on May 7, 2026.
Background
Dee Warner's daughter, Rikkell Bock, said her mother was in a very harmful relationship with her husband, Dale Warner. It is said that Dale followed her, placed a tracking gadget on her car, and used physical force against her. Gregg Hardy, Dee Warner's brother, stated he noticed signs that his sister was being harmed but did not understand the situation at the time.
Disappearance
Dee Ann went missing on the night of April 24, 2021. There was no activity recorded in her phone records, bank account, or social media after that night. No cameras captured her leaving the property.
Investigation
On August 9, 2023, the Michigan State Police stated that it would take charge of the investigation into Dee Ann's disappearance. This action was requested by the Lenawee County Sheriff's Office.
Arrest
On November 21, 2023, the Michigan State Police said that an arrest was made in connection with Warner's murder. Her husband, Dale, was charged with murder and tampering with evidence.
Media attention
At first, Dee's disappearance was covered by local news, especially in Lenawee County and nearby areas. More people began paying attention when true crime websites and shows became interested in the details of her case. NBC's Dateline: Missing in America discussed the case in episode 6 of the podcast's first season. On his podcast, The Interview Room, retired homicide detective Chris McDonough spoke with the family's investigative attorney, Billy Little Jr., about the case.
The case was also shown in the 10th season of Investigation Discovery’s show Disappeared. The episode, called "Vanished in the Heartland," aired on October 5, 2022.
Later, a televised segment appeared in the ninth season of Investigation Discovery’s People Magazine Investigates. The episode, titled "Vanished in the Heartland," was broadcast on January 12, 2026, at 9/8c.