Florida man charged with murder in ex-fiancée's 2011 disappearance
Michelle Parker disappeared the same day that an episode of "The People's Court" aired that featured Parker and the suspect, Dale Smith Jr., in a contentious dispute over an engagement ring.
An Orlando man, Dale Smith Jr., has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder in connection with the disappearance of his ex-fiancée, Michelle Parker, nearly 15 years ago. Parker vanished on November 17, 2011, the same day as a contentious episode of The People's Court featuring Parker and Smith, who was seen arguing over an engagement ring.
Smith was identified as the last person to see or hear from Parker that day, having dropped their children off at his home. Her SUV was discovered abandoned one day after her disappearance, but Parker has never been found. Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith stated that the department had re-examined the case and utilized advanced forensic techniques to uncover new evidence.
Smith Jr. has been interviewed and deposed multiple times, providing inconsistent statements over the years. Police affirmed that new evidence has emerged in the past year, leading to the conclusion that Smith Jr. is responsible for Parker's murder. Parker's vehicle was found abandoned the day after her disappearance, and her cellphone was recovered from a lake in December 2011. Smith Jr. had been a suspect since around that time.
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