Michigan Jury Convicts Dale Warner of Second-Degree Murder in Wife's Death

Jury finds Tecumseh farmer guilty after nearly 5-year investigation into wife's disappearance

Mar. 12, 2026 at 11:22am

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A Lenawee County jury has convicted Dale Warner of second-degree murder and tampering with evidence in the death of his wife, Dee Warner, who went missing nearly five years ago. Prosecutors presented largely circumstantial evidence, including the discovery of Dee's body in a sealed fertilizer tank on the family's property, digital evidence, and testimony about marital conflict and financial disputes prior to her disappearance.

Why it matters

The verdict brings some closure to Dee Warner's family after years of uncertainty and a high-profile trial that drew national attention. The case also highlights the challenges of prosecuting cold cases and the role that digital evidence and forensics can play in solving disappearances and homicides, even without a body.

The details

Jurors found Dale Warner guilty of second-degree murder and tampering with evidence after roughly nine hours of deliberations over two days. The jury was given the option to convict on first-degree premeditated murder, but ultimately chose the second-degree conviction. Prosecutors argued that the evidence, while largely circumstantial, painted a clear picture of what happened to Dee Warner, including the discovery of her body in a resealed and repainted fertilizer tank on the family's property, evidence of strangulation and blunt force trauma, and digital evidence of Dale's internet searches related to disposal methods.

  • Dee Warner was reported missing in April 2021.
  • Investigators did not file charges until 2024, after her remains were discovered.
  • The five-week murder trial in Michigan took place in early 2026.
  • The jury reached its verdict on March 12, 2026.
  • Dale Warner is scheduled to be sentenced on May 7, 2026.

The players

Dale Warner

A 58-year-old Tecumseh farmer who was convicted of second-degree murder and tampering with evidence in the death of his wife, Dee Warner.

Dee Warner

Dale Warner's 52-year-old wife who went missing in April 2021 and whose remains were later discovered in a sealed fertilizer tank on the family's property.

Lenawee County Jury

A jury of seven men and five women that convicted Dale Warner after roughly nine hours of deliberations over two days.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.