Dee Ann Warner: Husband Appeals Declaration of Death

Dee Ann Warner. Photo courtesy of Parker Hardy.

Dale Warner, husband of Dee Ann Warner, was in Lenawee County Courthouse yesterday for matters pertaining to Dee’s estate.

Dale was charged with open murder and tampering with evidence in November 2023 and currently resides in Lenawee County Jail. Dee has been missing from their Tecumseh, Michigan farm since April 25, 2021. The night before Dee vanished, she told friends and family members she planned to tell Dale she wanted a divorce and to sell their various businesses.

Dee was officially declared dead in March 2024, by Hon. Catherine A. Sala of Lenawee County Probate Court. In the document containing her decision, Judge Sala wrote, “. . . the clear and convincing evidence that the death of Dee Ann Warner rests soles upon the shoulders of the person who stood to benefit the most from her death – Dale Warner.”

Once Dee’s family received a death certificate, they held a private graveside service in April 2024. While Dee’s remains have not been located, they laid her headstone next to where her parents are buried. Afterward, Dee’s family welcomed the community to gather with them and celebrate her life. There was an outpouring of love and support.

Yesterday, Dale’s attorney, Shawn Head, announced they were appealing Judge Sala’s order on the declaration of death.

Kathryn Adams, lifelong friend of Dee, said, “I am perplexed. Mr. Head announced himself to the judge as, ‘representing Dale Warner, surviving spouse,’ and then turns around and says he’s appealing the declaration. Seems pretty contradictory.”

With a declaration of death order, the term for the guardian of Dee’s estate will change from Successor Conservator to Personal Representative. Mr. Head stated Dale wanted to replace the current Successor Conservator, Charles Bullock, with George Rizik as Personal Representative.

Mr. Head said Mr. Bullock cut Dale off from his $5,000/month salary, money Mr. Head claimed was being used to care for Dale and Dee’s minor daughter. Mr. Head also complained of Mr. Bullock’s “continued harassment.”  Mr. Head claimed Mr. Bullock performed an investigation any time anything moved on the farm. “It’s a fishing expedition,” Head said.

John Polderman, attorney for Mr. Bullock, argued Dale’s opinion regarding Dee’s estate had no standing, being that he was charged with her murder.

Attorneys from both sides gave their own interpretations of the Michigan Slayer Statute which doesn’t allow a killer to profit from their crime.

“I am astounded by the audacity of Dale Warner’s cold-hearted greed,” Kathryn said. “I can’t believe he is going after the estate. Mr. Head claims Dale only wants his daughter to be taken care of and doesn’t want to run up legal fees. However, they’re the ones filing objections and appeals left and right. I believe that besides their tactics to delay, they’re also attacking the reputation and character of Chuck Bullock,” Kathryn said. “This isn’t the first time they’ve fought the Successor Conservator. Clearly, as John Polderman stated, ‘Dale Warner’s interest is only Dale Warner.’”

Hon. Michael Olsaver will decide whether there will be a hearing to determine if there is a need to change the guardian of Dee’s estate. If so, it will be at 9:00 AM on May 24, 2024.

Any attempt to appeal the declaration of death will need to be approved by an appellate court before it can move forward.

Last night, Gregg Hardy, Dee’s brother, gave me his reaction to the day’s events. “All that Warner is doing is trying to absolve himself of the harm that he has caused to Dee and her family. His lawyers are obstructing the legal process in an attempt to derail true justice. Rather than bringing evidence and facts to defend their client, they ‘use’ the system and legal maneuvering to obscure the facts and the truth. Hopefully, the court will see through this nonsense and seek true justice,” Gregg said.

The preliminary exam to determine whether the prosecutor can show enough evidence against Dale Warner to warrant a murder trial will continue June 7, 2024.

For background on the disappearance of Dee Ann Warner, you can start here. Join the Justice for Dee Facebook page for all the latest updates.

If you have an opinion on this case, I’d love to read it in the comments!