Man Found Guilty of Killing Wife Whose Body Was Found in Tank

Dale Warner convicted of second-degree murder and tampering with evidence in the 2021 disappearance of his wife Dee

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

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A Michigan man was found guilty on Tuesday of killing his wife Dee Warner, whose body was discovered in an empty farm tank on their property in 2024, three years after she went missing. Prosecutors presented evidence of a troubled marriage and alleged Dale Warner searched for information on how to dispose of a large propane tank, similar in size to the one where Dee's remains were located.

Why it matters

The case garnered significant public attention, with signs and banners posted around the community calling for "Justice For Dee." The conviction provides some closure for Dee's family and the broader community, though questions remain about the exact circumstances of her death.

The details

Dee Warner, 52, told others on April 24, 2021 that she planned to end her marriage to Dale and sell their trucking company. The next day, when her adult children arrived for breakfast, she was missing. Her remains were discovered inside a fertilizer tank on the couple's property in 2024. An autopsy showed she had been strangled and suffered blunt force trauma. Prosecutors alleged Dale Warner searched for information on how to dispose of a large propane tank, similar in size to the one where Dee's body was found.

  • On April 24, 2021, Dee Warner told others she planned to end her marriage and sell their trucking company.
  • On April 25, 2021, Dee Warner was reported missing after her adult children arrived for breakfast and she was not home.
  • In 2024, Dee Warner's remains were discovered inside a fertilizer tank on the couple's property.
  • On May 7, 2026, Dale Warner will be sentenced for his conviction.

The players

Dee Warner

Dee Warner was the 52-year-old wife of Dale Warner who went missing in April 2021. Her remains were later discovered in a fertilizer tank on the couple's property in 2024.

Dale Warner

Dale Warner was convicted of second-degree murder and tampering with evidence in the death of his wife Dee. Prosecutors alleged he searched for information on how to dispose of a large propane tank, similar to the one where Dee's body was found.

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What’s next

Dale Warner will be sentenced on May 7, 2026 and could face life in prison without parole.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges in prosecuting a murder without a body, as well as the importance of circumstantial evidence in building a strong case. The conviction provides some closure for Dee's family, but many questions remain about the exact circumstances of her death.