The story of Dee Warner, a 52-year-old businesswoman from rural Michigan, has taken a tragic turn. Dee, who ran farming, fertilizer, and trucking businesses with her husband, was known for her strong personality. But those close to her also remember her humor and affection.
In April 2021, Dee’s nephew, Parker Hardy, noticed she seemed down. Just two days later, Dee vanished. Her daughter, Rikkell Bock, raised the alarm when she couldn’t find her mom for their usual Sunday breakfast. Dee’s cars were still there, but her overnight bag, phone, makeup, and purse were gone.
Her husband, Dale Warner, said they had argued the night before. He claimed he last saw her sleeping on the couch. Dale suggested she might have run off, leaving her wedding ring behind.
The disappearance led to a long investigation. In November 2023, Dale was arrested and charged with murder and tampering with evidence. He has pleaded not guilty. Tragically, Dee’s body was found hidden in a fertilizer tank on their property.
Prosecutors believe Dale had planned how to get rid of Dee’s body. Dee’s brother, Gregg Hardy, helped the authorities in the search for his sister’s killer.
Dee came from a family of farmers. She was known for her hard work and ambition. She met Dale while working at a fertilizer company. They married in 2006 after both divorcing their spouses. Over time, their marriage faced challenges, including money problems. Dee’s trucking business was doing well, but their other businesses struggled.
Her family grew suspicious when Dale allegedly transferred assets from Dee’s trucking business to a new company after she disappeared, with Dee’s brother believing Dale had forged Dee’s signature on legal documents.
About six months after Dale’s arrest, Gregg learned that Dee’s last known location was a barn on their property. He remembered Dale painting a fertilizer tank in that barn shortly after Dee disappeared. Weeks later, authorities found a body inside the tank. Dental records confirmed it was Dee.
After years of waiting, Dee’s family finally had a funeral for her in August 2024. They are still seeking justice for Dee.
