Remains found in case against Dale Warner identified as missing wife

ADRIAN, Mich. (Court TV/Scripps News Detroit) — Human remains found last week on property belonging to Dale Warner have been positively identified as his missing wife, Dee Warner.

Authorities have confirmed the body found on Dale Warner’s property is that of his missing wife Dee. (Family photo via Scripps News Detroit)

Officials said Dee’s death has been ruled a homicide. The cause of death has also been confirmed, but is being withheld pending further investigation.

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Authorities previously said they found the remains last week during a search on property in Lenawee County belonging to Dale.

Dee was last seen on April 25, 2021, at her home in Tecumseh. In November 2023 , Dale was arrested and charged for her disappearance and murder.

In June, a judge ruled Dale will stand trial for Dee’s murder. He has pleaded not guilty to charges of open murder and tampering with evidence.

At Dale’s preliminary hearing, his defense attorneys suggested Dee may not have been murdered at all, pointing out that her body had not been found .

Dee’s family confirmed to Scripps News Detroit that the remains were found in a sealed tank that used to hold anhydrous ammonia. At the time of the discovery, there was no ammonia in the tank and it was closed on both ends.

Scripps News Detroit, an E.W. Scripps Company, contributed to this report.