LENAWEE COUNTY, Mich. – The husband charged in the death of his wife, who disappeared four years ago, returned to court for an evidentiary hearing Thursday.
Dee Warner went missing in April 2021. Her husband, Dale, was charged in June 2024 after human remains found on his Lenawee County property were determined to be Dee’s.
The case has been closely followed by local authorities and the community.
Dale Warner faces charges of murder and tampering with evidence. He began the court hearing remotely but later appeared in person as his defense attorney questioned witnesses.
The defense team is scrutinizing the evidence, highlighting concerns about missing witness statements, text messages, emails, and incomplete audio and video recordings.
“It is clear from what has been disclosed by the government that we do not have full witness statements, full text messages, no emails whatsoever,” the defense attorney said. “There are a number of interviews it appears that audio and video was cut off.”
Two key witnesses were questioned during the hearing. The first, Michigan State Police Detective Lieutenant Dan Drewyor, was asked about the completeness of witness interviews and communications with Greg Hardy.
Drewyor responded that evidentiary information would be documented and denied concerns about relying on memory without audio or video recordings.
The defense attorney pressed,
“Did you record every communication with Greg Hardy as a police report?” asked the defense attorney. “I think the answer is no, right?”
Drewyor replied, “I’ve already told you no, ma’am.”
The second witness, retired MSP Detective Sergeant Scott Singleton, faced similar questioning about the value of evidence from the defense’s perspective.
“No, I think there are facts involving specific things of the case, whether that’s the prosecution’s case or a defense case,” Singleton said. “It’s still facts.”
The defense requested the court to order the release of all emails and phone records related to the case. The prosecuting attorney responded that any preserved emails related to the case would be turned over, but noted that phone records from private individuals outside law enforcement are beyond their scope.
Additionally, the prosecution filed two motions: one to introduce photos and another to include statements from Dee Warner discussing her marriage and feelings toward her husband.
Dale Warner’s trial is scheduled to begin on January 27.