Post Mortem | The “No Body” Case of Dee Warner

Podcast: 48 Hours
Host: CBS News - Anne-Marie Green
Guests: Erin Moriarty (Correspondent), Sarah Pryor (Producer)
Release Date: February 4, 2025

Introduction

In the "Post Mortem" episode of 48 Hours, host Anne-Marie Green delves into the harrowing case of Dee Warner, a woman who vanished from her home in Lenaway County, Michigan, in 2021. Joined by correspondent Erin Moriarty and producer Sarah Pryor, the discussion uncovers the complexities and emotional turmoil surrounding Dee's disappearance, the relentless pursuit of the truth by her family, and the challenges of prosecuting a "no body" case.

Background on the Disappearance

On the morning of April 25, 2021, Dee Warner failed to return home after having breakfast with her daughter, Raquel. Initially reported as missing when Dee did not respond to phone calls, suspicions arose when her second husband, Dale Warner, downplayed her disappearance, claiming, “she's done this before. She's left the house before” (02:41). This dismissal heightened the family's concern and skepticism about Dale's explanations.

Family's Suspicion and Investigation Pressure

The Warner family harbored strong suspicions about Dale's involvement in Dee's disappearance. Dee's brother, Greg, confronted Dale six weeks after Dee went missing, declaring, “you're a liar, I'll get you” (06:10). The family noticed inconsistencies in Dale's accounts, such as Dee leaving the house with a debilitating migraine despite her condition, raising doubts about the legitimacy of his explanations.

Moreover, Dee's family emphasized her devotion to her nine-year-old daughter, making it unlikely that she would abandon her child voluntarily. This conviction was compounded by missing personal items, including Dee's expensive curling iron, makeup bag, passport, and her phone (07:11). The disappearance of Dee’s $40,000 wedding ring, which her family found suspicious, further fueled their belief that foul play was involved (09:05).

To amplify their search efforts, Greg Warner, inspired by investigator Billy Little, erected a billboard with the message “Help Dale find Dee” near his farm. This strategy aimed to pressure both Dale and the investigators to not give up on the case (10:24).

The Role of 48 Hours and Building Relationships

48 Hours played a pivotal role in supporting the Warner family. Producer Cindy Cesar maintained consistent contact with the family, attending vigils and rallies to keep the case in the public eye (04:24). This ongoing relationship facilitated open and honest conversations, allowing the family to share their grief and frustration authentically. The family's connection to the show was further solidified when Dee's sister-in-law, Shelly, a regular viewer, reached out to inform Erin Moriarty about investigator Billy Little’s involvement after watching a related 48 Hours episode (05:32).

Key Evidence and Red Flags

Several red flags emerged during the investigation:

• Inconsistent Stories: Dale provided conflicting accounts about Dee’s disappearance, particularly regarding her health and reasons for leaving home.
• Missing Personal Items: The absence of Dee’s curling iron, makeup bag, passport, and phone suggested a possible setup (07:11).
• Strange Communication: Dee sent a cryptic text message containing only the letter “K,” uncharacteristic of her usual communication style (08:04).
• Expensive Jewelry Left Behind: The missing $40,000 wedding ring raised questions about Dale's credibility and intentions (07:43).

At the preliminary hearing, evidence of potential domestic violence surfaced. Dee’s massage therapist testified about bruises on her body, although her credibility was later questioned during cross-examination (14:21). Additionally, text messages revealed Dee expressing fear for her life, stating, “I literally thought he could kill me. He threw me at a dresser. I have a large goose egg on my head and a sore neck” (15:06).

The Discovery of Dee's Body

Over three years after Dee's disappearance, in August 2024, investigators made a breakthrough. Dee's body was discovered in a large metal fertilizer tank located on property owned by Dale and Dee. The discovery followed careful investigative work, including reviewing security footage and observing Dale searching near welding equipment (16:20). Remarkably, Dee was found just a hundred yards from where producer Sarah Pryor was conducting interviews, adding a poignant layer to the family's relief and sorrow (16:20).

The tank had been manipulated, with non-manufacturing welding lines indicating that it had been altered, possibly by someone other than Dale. Additionally, witnesses reported seeing Dale painting the tank the week after Dee’s disappearance, further implicating him in the case (18:14).

Legal Proceedings and Challenges of 'No Body' Cases

Prosecuting a "no body" case presents significant legal challenges. Despite the absence of Dee’s body initially, Dale was charged with her murder in November 2023. Anne-Marie Green highlighted that 48 Hours was surprised to learn that "no body" cases can have high conviction rates, citing an 86% success rate. However, Sarah Pryor emphasized the necessity of substantial evidence to proceed to trial, noting that preliminary charges do not guarantee a conviction (12:02).

During the preliminary hearing, additional evidence was introduced, including text messages where Dee expressed fear, strengthening the case against Dale. However, the lack of physical evidence, such as an autopsy, leaves many questions unanswered about the exact circumstances of Dee's death (22:07).

Current Status and Future Prospects

As of the episode’s release, Dale Warner has pleaded not guilty and is preparing to vigorously defend himself in court. The trial is scheduled for fall 2025, with many uncertainties remaining due to the absence of Dee’s body and comprehensive forensic evidence (21:12). Dale’s attorney has declined to comment extensively, choosing to focus the defense within the courtroom setting (21:28).

The Warner family continues to seek justice, grappling with both relief at finding Dee’s body and the profound grief that comes with loss (16:20). The ongoing case underscores the emotional and investigative complexities involved in "no body" murder cases, highlighting the relentless pursuit of truth and justice by both the family and law enforcement.

Conclusion

The case of Dee Warner exemplifies the intricate and emotionally charged nature of missing person investigations that evolve into suspected homicides without immediate physical evidence. Through persistent journalism and empathetic storytelling, 48 Hours sheds light on Dee’s tragic story, the unwavering determination of her family, and the formidable challenges faced in seeking justice. As the trial approaches, the community and listeners remain engaged, hopeful for resolution and accountability.

Notable Quotes:

• Sarah Pryor (02:41): “It's rare that a story develops in front of our eyes, but when we start on a missing persons case, the family may have very definite ideas about what happened.”
• Sarah Pryor (07:11): “Everyone said that Dee Warner was a nonstop texter. This was a woman who, if you didn't respond to a text, she was sending you another.”
• Erin Moriarty (14:21): “So for somebody who texted all the time, did she text about any of this stuff to her friends and family?”
• Anne-Marie Green (12:02): “We were totally surprised by that [86% conviction rate]. But keep in mind, prosecutors decide which cases to prosecute.”
• Sarah Pryor (21:08): “There's so much we don't know. We don't have an autopsy, so we don't know if there was time of death or how she died or, you know.”

This summary captures the essential elements, discussions, and emotional undertones of the "Post Mortem | The 'No Body' Case of Dee Warner" episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those unfamiliar with the original podcast.