An Orlando man has been arrested on a second-degree murder charge in the 2011 disappearance of his ex-fiancée, Michelle Parker, police announced Wednesday. Dale Smith Jr., 55, was taken into custody at his business following a renewed investigation that included advances in digital forensics and re-examination of prior evidence.
The arrest comes nearly 14 years after Parker, a mother of three, vanished on November 17, 2011. She was last seen dropping off her twins with Smith, who was the last known person to see her that day, according to Orlando Police Chief Eric D. Smith. Parker’s SUV was found abandoned the following day near Orlando, with the decal for her tanning business removed. Her cellphone was recovered from a lake south of the city.
Smith was booked into Orange County Jail and has not yet been confirmed to have retained legal representation. Police did not disclose whether he has made any statements regarding the charges.
Renewed investigation uncovers new evidence
Orlando police said the arrest follows a year-long re-examination of the case, which included digital forensic analysis of vehicles, electronic devices, and other evidence. Detectives also reviewed conflicting statements Smith had made over the years, including during multiple interviews and depositions.
Detective Phillip McMican stated that “very specific questions” were repeatedly posed to Smith, to which he provided inconsistent responses. McMican added that technological advancements allowed investigators to “better interpret” evidence that was previously unavailable or unclear.
Police did not detail the specific new evidence that led to the arrest, but Chief Smith emphasized that the investigation had been expanded and refocused over the past year. The case had previously stalled despite Smith being considered a prime suspect in 2011.
Background: A contentious courtroom appearance
Parker and Smith appeared together on a prerecorded episode of “The People’s Court” the same day she disappeared. The episode featured their dispute over a $5,000 engagement ring, which Parker threw at Smith during filming. In court, Parker described Smith as “pretty malicious and vindictive.”
Parker and Smith share two children. Her body has not been found, and no further details about the charges or potential trial timeline have been released.