New Judge Assigned to Dee Ann Warner Case

Photo courtesy of Dee Ann Warner.

A new judge has been assigned to the case of Dee Ann Warner, the Tecumseh, Michigan mother and grandmother who was reported missing from her home on April 25, 2021. The night before, Dee planned to tell her husband she wanted a divorce and to sell their various businesses. Dee was declared deceased by the Hon. Katherine A. Sala of Lenawee County Probate Court last month. In November 2023, Dee’s husband, Dale Warner, was charged with murder and tampering. He currently resides in Lenawee County Jail, awaiting trial.

The Hon. Anna Fushour of Washtenaw County District Court has been assigned to the case.

“I don’t know if she’s coming to Lenawee County or if we’re going there yet,” Gregg Hardy, Dee’s brother, said. “We hope it stays in Lenawee County.”

The preliminary exam that was scheduled for April 9 – 11, 2024, will be rescheduled. A preliminary exam is also referred to as a probable cause hearing. It is like an abbreviated trial without the jury. The prosecution presents the facts of the case and can call witnesses. The defense is allowed to cross examine the witnesses and present their own evidence and witnesses. The judge will determine whether the burden of proof has been met and will decide whether the case will proceed to trial.

For Dee’s family, the last three years have been an arduous journey to get justice. This delay is another stumbling block, but they are tenacious. “I am anxious to hear the defense of the indefensible,” Gregg said.

Dee’s death certificate has been issued and Chuck Bullock is the personal representative. Bullock was formally the Successor Conservator of Dee’s estate. Dee’s family is prepared to file a wrongful death suit against Dale Warner. Currently, Dale is attempting to file bankruptcy and the federal judge presiding over that case has put a stay on all civil matters. Once the stay is lifted, Dee’s family plans to move forward.

Dee’s family is hosting a Celebration of Life for Dee at Hardy Farm’s Event Center in Tipton, Michigan April 20, 2024, at 2:30 PM. The public is invited to attend. It’s an opportunity to celebrate Dee’s life and acknowledge the huge loss to her family, friends, and the community. At 5:00 PM there will be several speakers and then the Hardy’s will be hosting a dinner for close friends and family in the upstairs lounge of the Event Center.

On behalf of Dee’s children and the Hardy family, Dee’s nephew, Parker Hardy said in the announcement, “Dee loved laughter and I know she would want this evening filled with love and plenty of laughter as we celebrate the wonderful woman she was to so many people.”

For background information on the case of Dee Ann Warner, you can start here. For the most up-to-date information, join the Justice for Dee Facebook page.

Do you think the trial should stay in Lenawee County or go to Washtenaw County? I’d love to read your opinions in the comments!