Author: Elina Vaidya | Wild About Trial
On February 12, 2026, opening statements began in the trial of a Michigan man accused of strangling his wife and hiding her body in a fertilizer tank.
Dale Warner faces murder charges in relation to his wife’s sudden disappearance nearly five years ago. In April 2021, Dee Warner vanished from the family farm with no warning.
Over three years later, her body was found in a fertilizer tank on their property. The investigation concluded that Dee Warner died by strangulation and blunt force trauma to the head and face. Dale Warner is now charged with open murder and tampering with evidence.
Authorities became aware that Dee was missing on April 25, 2021, when her daughter—from her first marriage—came over to her house for their weekly Sunday brunch. Her vehicle was still on the property, but she was nowhere to be found.
When questioned, Dale claims he last saw his wife asleep on the couch early that morning after a fight the couple had that night. Family members say that Dale told them he thought Dee had run off, left her wedding ring, and would be back soon.
Her family ultimately reported her missing later that day.
In opening statements of the trial, it was revealed that Dee allegedly told her husband that she planned to sell their businesses and leave their marriage. A series of text messages was also shown to jurors.
These messages imply that she was not happy in their marriage and that Dale did not treat her well. Dee wanted out.
Taking a look at the charges at play, Dale Warner faces an open murder charge. In Michigan, this means the jury may choose to convict Warner of either first- or second-degree murder based on the facts presented to them at trial.
First-degree murder in Michigan is covered under MCL Section 750.316. If convicted, Warner faces life in prison without parole. The jury would have to find beyond a reasonable doubt that this murder was premeditated.
Second-degree murder is covered under MCL Section 750.317. If the jury does not believe there was premeditation involved, it must convict Warner under this statute. He may face life in prison; however, there is a possibility of early release.
Unfortunately for Warner, he is also charged with tampering with evidence, MCL Section 750.483a. Ordinarily, he would be sentenced to no more than four years in prison.
However, because he allegedly tampered with evidence pertaining to a criminal case for which the maximum sentence is life in prison, he could face an additional prison term of up to 10 years and a fine of up to $20,000.
As is the case in many murder trials, the first day offers significant insight, but it is only the beginning.
