MSP Search Dale Warner's Property -- Again

MSP set up around Warner's barns. Photo by Kathryn Adams.

Michigan State Police arrived at the Tecumseh, Michigan home and farm of Dale and missing Dee Ann Warner yesterday afternoon with a search warrant. Their vans and cars parked outside one of the barns used to store chemicals. Near the barn, they set up a canopy tent.

Authorities remained at the scene well into the evening. A witness said police were searching behind the barn using flashlights well after dark.

Dee Ann Warner was reported missing on April 25, 2021, the day after she planned to tell Dale she wanted a divorce and to sell their various businesses. Dale admitted they had a terrible argument, but claims she fell asleep in the living room while he was giving her a massage. He lifted her to the couch and went to bed. According to Dale, she was snoring on the couch when he left for work the next morning. When Dee’s daughter came over for their usual Sunday breakfast, Dee was gone.

Dale Warner was arrested on November 21, 2023, at his home in connection with the disappearance and murder of Dee. He was charged with open murder and tampering with evidence. His bond was set at 20 million and was later lowered to 15 million.

Yesterday was not the first time the Warner farm has been searched. In the days following Dee’s disappearance, Lenawee County Sheriff’s Office and volunteers searched the acreage surrounding the Warner home. In the fall of 2021, Lenawee County Sheriff’s Office, Michigan State Police, and the FBI did an extensive search using drones and cadaver dogs.

In May of 2023, Michigan State Police spent three days scouring thousands of acres of farmland that Dale and Dee either leased or owned using heat sensors and cadaver dogs. On one piece of property, they used equipment to dig up a huge pit that Dale had used to dispose of a dilapidated house and a Quonset barn.

Michigan State Police have not disclosed whether any of the searches uncovered any evidence.

It is unknown what prompted yesterday’s search – the day after an ice storm. The property was covered with snow. Dee’s family was not alerted by Michigan State Police. “They have not communicated with me at all,” Gregg Hardy, Dee’s brother, said. “This came as a complete surprise.” As of last night, he was uncertain if the search warrant was written for one day or several.

The Lenawee County Prosecutor, Jacqueline V. Wyse was unavailable for comment this morning.

Dee’s four adult children have filed a petition seeking a declaration of death. The Hon. Catherine A. Sala heard testimonies from experts, police officers, friends, and family. Dee’s family has been awaiting her ruling since September 14, 2023. If Judge Sala decides there is enough evidence to declare Dee deceased, the family plans to move forward with a wrongful death civil suit against Dale.

Currently, Dale Warner resides in Lenawee County Jail. Lenawee County District Court Judge Laura Schaedler scheduled the Preliminary Examination dates of the murder trial for March 12th, 13th, 14th, and possibly 15th, 2024.

If you have any information on the disappearance of Dee Ann Warner, contact the MSP Monroe Post at 734-242-3500. You can remain anonymous. For background information on Dee's disappearance, you can start here. For the most up-to-date details on Dee's case, join the Justice for Dee Facebook page.