The ex-fiancé of a missing Florida mother was arrested and charged with murder Wednesday – nearly 15 years after she disappeared following their appearance in “People’s Court,” police said.
Dale Smith, considered one of the main suspects since the early days of the investigation into the disappearance of his fiancée Michelle Parker, was taken into custody at his workplace, Orlando police announced.
“Smith was the last person known to have seen or heard from Michelle on November 17, 2011, after she dropped her children off at his home,” Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith said at a news conference.
New digital forensic technology, allowing law enforcement to more thoroughly examine evidence contained in electronic devices, helped pave the way for second-degree murder charges against Smith, the father of Parker’s twins.
“The suspect participated in depositions related to this case and was asked very specific questions several times over the years where he gave different answers to those same questions,” Detective Phil McMicken said.
Parker disappeared in November 2011 after dropping off her then 3-year-old twins at Smith’s home — the same exact day a TV episode aired showing the couple fighting over their expensive engagement ring.
Parker’s remains were never found.
“Although Michelle has not yet been located, all evidence points to Dale Smith Jr. as the person responsible for Michelle’s murder,” Orlando police said in a statement.
“We will continue to seek justice for Michelle, her family and all the victims we serve. »
The police chief said he called Parker’s mother, Yvonne Stewart, into his office after obtaining the warrant and arresting Smith.
“For me, it felt good,” Smith said.
“For our department and our community to get some sort of closure on this – nothing we can do will bring Michelle back, but in cases of homicide and things of that nature, getting some sort of closure for (the) family is what we want to do.”
In a post memorializing Parker nearly two years ago, Stewart reminded friends and family that Dale was the prime suspect.
“Memories of the saddest day of our lives 13 years ago today,” Stewart wrote on Facebook on November 17, 2024.
“A year after breaking up with his ex-fiancée, it was November 17, 2011,” the message continues.
“That was 13 years ago. Ex is still the primary and only suspect according to an extensive investigation by the Orlando Police Department.”
Parker and Smith were known to have a difficult and sometimes violent relationship.
“He becomes quite malicious and vindictive,” Parker said on “The People’s Court.”
“He’s a mean person, especially when he drinks.”
In August 2009, Parker filed for a domestic violence injunction against Smith, alleging in court documents that he broke the window of his truck during a heated argument while holding their then 15-month-old daughter.
The order was rejected a month later for unknown reasons.
Parker was last seen dropping the twins off at Smith’s house.
Cops then recovered his Hummer SUV on Nov. 18 on Orlando’s west side. His last text message was sent a day earlier from the Waterford Lakes area, police said.
Smith had a lengthy criminal record dating back to the 1990s, including arrests for battery and marijuana possession.
During his time in the United States Marine Corps, he was court-martialed and convicted of drug and domestic battery charges in 2001.
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