Man arrested over ex-fiancée's disappearance 15 years later

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 15 Oct, 14:58 · Archive

Orlando police have arrested Dale Smith Jr. on a charge of second-degree murder relating to his ex-fiancée Michelle Parker's disappearance in 2011.

Michelle Parker, an Orlando mother of three, disappeared on 17 November 2011, hours after a prerecorded episode of 'The People's Court' aired featuring her and her ex-fiancé Dale Smith Jr. During the episode, they disputed a $5,000 engagement ring. Parker said Smith was someone who 'gets pretty malicious and vindictive'. She was last seen after dropping off the couple's three-year-old twins at Smith's home and was expected to run errands before going to her job as a bartender but never arrived.

Her Hummer SUV was found abandoned the following day with the decal for her tanning business scraped off its window. Her cellphone was recovered from a lake several weeks later but searches failed to locate Parker. Smith Jr., 55, was arrested at his business on Wednesday after a review of the case, including advances in digital forensics, helped uncover additional evidence. He was charged with second-degree murder.

Smith Jr. was considered a prime suspect for years and was the last person to see Parker alive. He has previously denied involvement in her disappearance. 'While Michelle has not yet been located, all evidence leads to Dale Smith Jr as the person responsible for Michelle's murder,' Orlando Police Department said.

How it is being reported

• Mom disappeared hours after appearing on The People’s Court. Her ex is accused of her murder 15 years laterAdvances in digital forensics helped uncover additional evidence, Orlando police saidIndependent World · 15 Oct, 14:29
• Man arrested in ex-fiancée's disappearance 15 years after going on "The People's Court" togetherIn Orlando, police said they broke a cold case that began nearly 15 years ago, when a couple appeared on "The People's Court." The woman disappeared soon after, and now her ex-fiancée is under arrest. Cristian Benavides reports.CBS News · 15 Oct, 00:52

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

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