Ex-fiancé charged with murder of missing Florida TV show mom

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 15 Oct, 00:09 · Archive

Dale Smith Jr has been arrested and charged with the second-degree murder of Michelle Parker, who vanished in 2011.

Michelle Parker, then 33, disappeared on 17 November 2011 after dropping off her twins at Dale Smith Jr's home in Orlando, Florida. The same day, an episode of 'The People's Court' aired showing Parker and Smith in a heated dispute over an engagement ring. Parker's SUV was found abandoned one day later, but she has not been located.

Smith was identified as the last known person to see or hear from Parker. He was arrested at his workplace on Wednesday on a charge of second-degree murder. Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith said the department had expanded its investigation over the past year, re-examining testimony and conflicting statements made by the suspect.

Detective Phillip McMican noted that Smith had been interviewed multiple times and taken part in several depositions, giving different answers to the same questions on various occasions. The arrest was enabled by advancements in digital forensics technology, which allowed investigators to better interpret evidence from vehicles, electronic devices, phones and computers than was previously possible. The police chief said all evidence points to Smith as responsible for Parker's death, and the department will continue pursuing justice for her and her family.

How it is being reported

• Florida man charged with murder in ex-fiancée's 2011 disappearanceMichelle Parker disappeared the same day that an episode of "The People's Court" aired that featured Parker and the suspect, Dale Smith Jr., in a contentious dispute over an engagement ring.CBS News · 14 Oct, 23:51
• Ex-fiance of missing Florida ‘People’s Court’ mom Michelle Parker arrested for murder 15 years after she vanishedDale Smith, considered a prime suspect since the early days of the investigation of fiancee Michelle Parker’s disappearance, was hauled into custody at his workplace, Orlando Police announced.New York Post · 14 Oct, 21:39

In this story: Michelle Parker · Dale Smith Jr · Orlando Police Department · The People's Court · Orlando · Florida

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