ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orlando Police Department has arrested Dale Smith, the former fiancé of missing Orlando woman Michelle Parker, nearly 15 years after she disappeared.
Police Chief Eric Smith announced Wednesday that Dale Smith faces a second-degree murder charge in Parker’s case.
[RAW VIDEO: Watch Orlando Police press conference about arrest in Michelle Parker case]
“Over the past year, we expanded our investigative team looking into this case and took a fresh, focused look at all of the evidence. We reexamined testimony and conflicting statements made by the suspect, and used advanced and digital forensics to uncover and analyze additional evidence,” Smith said.
Parker, 33, was last seen on Nov. 17, 2011, after dropping her children off at Smith’s home.
Earlier that day, Parker and Smith appeared on an episode of “The People’s Court” to resolve a dispute involving a $5,000 engagement ring.
Her last known location was the Carter Glen Condominiums in Orlando’s Lee Vista area.
Investigators said they discovered new evidence over the past year through advanced technology while also taking another look at evidence collected earlier. Digital forensics provided more detailed location information and revealed additional communications between devices.
Chief Smith said Dale Smith appeared surprised when officers arrested him at his workplace Wednesday.
Although many of the investigators who initially handled the case have since retired, Chief Smith said the department never stopped working to find answers.
“These are all full-time homicide detectives. They’re working a full homicide load,” Smith said. “With the number of homicides we’re working right now in a bit of a drop, and with violent crime also down somewhat, that freed them up to do what they needed to do—to take the time to thoroughly examine this case and bring closure to the family.”
This is a developing story. Stay with News 6 for updates.
