Dale Warner: Very Big Trial in a Very Small Courtroom

Dale Warner. Photo by Tracy Stengel

Today marked the sixth day of jury selection for the Dale Warner murder trial. Dale was charged in November 2023 with open murder and tampering with evidence in the death of his wife, Dee Ann Warner. Dale currently resides in Lenawee County Jail.

This case has garnered massive media attention. There have been Dateline, 48 Hours, and People Magazine Investigates documentaries. The case has been the subject of podcasts, social media reels, and local and national news stories.

It is a very big trial in a very small courtroom.

The courtroom allows for approximately 60 spectators and media. The first two rows of the center benches in the gallery are designated for family members. The five seats of each row closest to the prosecution table is reserved for 10 members Dee’s family, and the 5 seats of each row nearest to the defense table is reserved for 10 members of Dale’s family.

The only thing dividing the two families is an orangish-red strip of tape. Some of the Dee’s family members will be sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with Dale’s family members.

The area reserved for both families divided by red tape. Photo by Tracy Stengel.

The two families have a long history. Dale and Dee were 5^th generation farmers in the same community. Both families have had to compete against each other for well over a century. Bad feelings and resentment have festered. Many locals referred to them as the Hatfields and McCoys. When Dale and Dee got together, both families tried to put any bitterness aside.

Then, April 25, 2021, anger and distrust reignited when Dee vanished from her Tecumseh, Michigan farm. Dee had planned to tell Dale she wanted a divorce the night before. Dale claimed she had left him, probably for another man, and was in Jamaica or Mexico.

Dee’s loved ones passionately disagreed. For years, they fought tirelessly to get justice for Dee.

In August 2024, Dee’s body was found in an anhydrous ammonia tank on Dale’s property. He used similar tanks for his fertilizer business.

Jury selection is expected to continue tomorrow and Thursday. On Friday, there will be a Daubert hearing to determine if a paint expert's testimony will be admissible. The expert may be direct and cross-examined. Judge Olsaver will also hear any motions the defense or prosecution may have.

On Monday, no jury selection or hearing is schedule. Round 2 of jury selection is scheduled for Tuesday, and opening statements are expected on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

For background on the case, you can start here.