Testimony Details Finances, Speculation in Warner Trial

Michigan State Police detective's interview with defendant Dale Warner focuses on marriage, business, and missing wife.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The Warner trial in Adrian, Michigan resumed with testimony from Michigan State Police Detective Lt. Daniel Dreher, who took over the investigation in August 2022. Dreher reviewed prior reports, videos, and evidence before conducting a December 2022 interview with defendant Dale Warner. Jurors heard portions of the recorded interview, which focused on Warner's marriage, business finances, and his theory that his wife may have left voluntarily, though he acknowledged that was based on hindsight and personal belief.

Why it matters

The testimony provides insight into the financial and personal circumstances surrounding the disappearance of Dale Warner's wife, which is a central focus of the ongoing trial. The case has garnered significant local and regional attention.

The details

In the interview, Warner described financial strain tied to his farming and trucking operations, large amounts of cash kept in a safe, and tens of thousands of dollars he said were missing. He also speculated that his wife could have traveled out of the country, though he acknowledged that was based on hindsight and personal belief. The court proceedings were later interrupted when the judge ordered media outlets to remove online footage showing jurors, citing court rules prohibiting juror identification.

  • The trial resumed on Thursday morning, February 20, 2026.
  • Detective Lt. Daniel Dreher took over the investigation in August 2022.
  • Dreher conducted the recorded interview with defendant Dale Warner in December 2022.

The players

Daniel Dreher

A Michigan State Police detective lieutenant who took over the investigation in August 2022 and conducted a recorded interview with defendant Dale Warner in December 2022.

Dale Warner

The defendant in the ongoing trial, who was interviewed by Detective Lt. Dreher about his marriage, business finances, and theories regarding his wife's disappearance.

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What they’re saying

“In the interview, Warner described financial strain tied to farming and trucking operations, large amounts of cash kept in a safe and tens of thousands of dollars he said were missing.”

— Dale Warner, Defendant (wlen.com)

“He also speculated that his wife could have traveled out of the country, though he acknowledged that was based on hindsight and personal belief.”

— Dale Warner, Defendant (wlen.com)

What’s next

The trial is expected to continue with additional recorded interview evidence from Detective Lt. Dreher.

The takeaway

The testimony from the police detective's interview with the defendant provides important details about the financial and personal circumstances surrounding the disappearance of Dale Warner's wife, which is a central focus of the ongoing trial. The case has generated significant local interest and attention.