Summary of “48 Hours” Episode: The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
Podcast Information:
- Title: 48 Hours
- Host/Author: CBS News
- Episode Title: The "No Body" Case of Dee Warner
- Release Date: February 3, 2025
- Description: This episode delves into the perplexing disappearance of Dee Warner, exploring the intricate investigation, family dynamics, and eventual breakthrough in a case that initially lacked physical evidence.
Introduction
In this gripping episode of 48 Hours, CBS News correspondent Aaron Moriarty unravels the mysterious disappearance of Dee Warner from Lenaway County, Michigan. Over three years, the case remained unsolved until a significant breakthrough led to the arrest of her husband, Dale Warner. This summary captures the key discussions, insights, and developments presented in the episode.
Background and Disappearance
On Sunday, April 25, 2021, Dee Warner vanished from her family farm under suspicious circumstances. Her daughter, Raquel Bock, recounts the events leading up to her disappearance:
“If my mom could glue her phone to her hand, she would. If I didn't respond to a text message in five minutes, I was getting another one.”
— Raquel Bock [05:08]
Despite Dee’s usual reliability, she failed to answer calls or texts that Sunday morning. Raquel describes Dee as a “bubbly, outgoing person” who managed multiple businesses adeptly but struggled with gaining respect in her predominantly male trucking industry.
Initial Investigation
Immediately after Dee was reported missing, the Warner family launched a thorough search of the 700-acre property. The family, assisted by the FBI, scoured the area on foot:
“We all went on foot. The first year was a struggle.”
— Raquel Bock [02:23]
Despite extensive searches, no trace of Dee was found. The absence of her belongings, such as her makeup bag and passport, heightened suspicions.
Suspicion on Dale Warner
As days turned into months, family members began to suspect Dale Warner, Dee’s husband, due to inconsistencies in his statements and his apparent lack of concern. Raquel notes:
“She never would have left like this. Never, never, never.”
— Raquel Bock [03:50]
Greg Hardy, Dee’s brother, became increasingly doubtful of Dale’s explanations, especially after viewing a 48 Hours episode featuring investigator Billy Little. This led Greg to enlist Little’s help in uncovering the truth.
Involvement of Investigator Billy Little
Billy Little initiated his own investigation, focusing on Dale’s financial activities and potential motives. Little revealed:
“The evidence that she's dead is the absence of evidence that she's alive.”
— Raquel Bock [19:50]
Little and Greg intensified their efforts, utilizing drones to search expansive areas and scrutinizing Dale’s movements and business transactions. Their relentless pursuit aimed to build a case despite the lack of a body.
Legal Proceedings
After two and a half years, on November 21, 2023, Dale Warner was arrested and charged with Dee’s murder. During the preliminary hearing on May 1, 2024, the prosecution faced the challenge of establishing probable cause without physical evidence:
“There is no body. There are no body parts.”
— Raquel Bock [28:12]
Despite these hurdles, Judge Anna Freshauer ruled there was sufficient evidence to proceed to trial, citing Dale’s suspicious behavior and the absence of Dee’s presence.
Discovery of Dee Warner’s Body
In a pivotal moment, authorities located Dee Warner’s body concealed in a large metal fertilizer tank on the property. This discovery occurred after extensive re-examination of potential hiding sites:
“It was my mom. Well, it was a body in a tank.”
— Raquel Bock [38:16]
The body was confirmed through DNA testing, solidifying the case against Dale Warner as malicious intent was evident through the concealment method.
Aftermath and Impact
The identification of Dee Warner brought a sense of closure to her family, although the emotional scars remain deep. Raquel reflects on the impact:
“I miss her laughter and her comfort. You miss her very much. I miss her every day.”
— Raquel Bock [40:28]
Dale Warner’s trial is scheduled for September 2, 2025, where the family hopes justice will be served. Raquel emphasizes the importance of truth and the enduring strength of her mother’s legacy.
Conclusion
This episode of 48 Hours masterfully intertwines personal narratives with investigative journalism, highlighting the relentless quest for justice in the absence of initial evidence. The Warner family’s determination, coupled with expert investigation, ultimately unraveled the mystery surrounding Dee Warner’s disappearance, underscoring the profound human element in criminal justice cases.
Notable Quotes:
- Raquel Bock: “You gotta solve this case.” [04:16]
- Greg Hardy: “All these things point in one single direction, clearly without any question.” [39:26]
- Billy Little: “My goal is always to just discover the truth, find out what happened. The nice thing about the truth is it doesn't have a side.” [21:27]
Timestamps Referenced:
- [02:23] to [41:51] cover the main content of Dee Warner’s case, excluding advertisements and non-content segments.