A nearly 15-year-old cold case was blown wide open on Wednesday after Orlando police announced Dale Smith — the ex-fiance of missing woman Michelle Parker — had been taken into custody.
Police announced new updates in the case that led to Smith’s arrest, including new technologies and a reexamination of old evidence.
Smith was initially pinned as the suspect shortly after Parker’s disappearance in 2011.
Parker’s body has never been found.
Below is a timeline of the case so far, according to information collected by News 6 from investigators and court records:
Nov. 17, 2011 (2 p.m.) — The People’s Court
A previously recorded episode of “The People’s Court” aired, featuring Parker and Smith in a dispute over a $5,000 engagement ring.
During the episode, Parker had reportedly claimed Smith suffered from a substance abuse problem and “had been violent with her in the past.”
Nov. 17, 2011 (3:18 p.m.) — Parker’s Last Appearance
Parker was spotted on a security camera entering Smith’s apartment community to drop off their 3-year-old twins.
This was apparently the last time Parker was seen or heard from alive.
Nov. 17, 2011 (4:26 p.m.) — Brother’s Text
Parker’s brother texted her to ask where she was, and she responded with “Waterford,” referring to an area near Orlando.
Cell phone towers indicated that she was in fact near Hoffner Avenue, close to Smith’s apartment.
Nov. 17, 2011 (8 p.m.) — Cell Phone Lost
Around this time, Parker’s cell phone stopped transmitting signal to a tower near the Belle Isle area of Orlando.
Dive teams later recovered the iPhone under a bridge over Lake Conway in Belle Isle, prompting further searches of nearby waterways.
Nov. 17, 2011 (8:55 p.m.) — Vehicle Spotted
Around this time, Parker’s SUV was recorded on camera at the intersection of Orlando-Vineland Road and Conroy Road.
The vehicle had been stripped of identifying stickers.
Nov. 18, 2011 — Vehicle Found
The next day, Parker’s SUV was found in a parking lot, though Parker herself remained missing.
Court records show that the vehicle was discovered abandoned near an apartment complex, less than 1 mile from the intersection of Orlando-Vineland Road and Conroy Road.
Dec. 8, 2011 — Smith Pinned as Suspect
By this time, police had identified the suspect in the case as Smith, who also had custody of the couple’s 3-year-old twins.
March 7, 2013 — Wrongful Death Suit
Parker’s family brought a wrongful death lawsuit against Smith, who remained the prime suspect in her disappearance.
The lawsuit — filed by Morgan & Morgan — alleged that Smith was responsible for Parker’s death, claiming he “was negligent or otherwise committed a wrongful act” that caused it.
However, Attorney Mark NeJame — who represented Smith — argued that nothing linked Smith to Parker’s disappearance or death.
May 23, 2014 — Amended Lawsuit
The wrongful death lawsuit was amended, continuing to argue that Smith had “both the motive to do harm” and “the means and opportunity to do so.”
“No other suspects have been identified in the criminal investigation other than (Smith),” the lawsuit read. “However, (Smith) has not been charged with a crime related to the disappearance of Michelle Parker.”
June 11, 2015 — New Law for Grandparents
Then-Gov. Rick Scott signed a bill into law that allowed grandparents of minor children to petition a court for visitation under certain circumstances.
These circumstances include if both parents are dead/missing, or if one of the parents is dead and the other is a convicted felon.
Parker’s parents were supporters of the bill, with her mother stating that Smith hadn’t let them see their grandchildren since Parker’s disappearance.
Jan. 15, 2018 — Denied Visitation
Despite the new law, a judge upheld a decision to deny Parker’s parents from seeing their twin grandchildren.
March 11, 2020 — Voluntary Dismissal
The wrongful death lawsuit brought against Smith was voluntary dismissed, court records reveal.
Aug. 16, 2023 — Backyard Search
Police searched the backyard of a home near Texas Avenue as part of the search for Parker.
At the time, property records showed that the home belonged to Dale W. Smith, and police were seen looking around a concrete slab in the yard.
However, the agency said nothing was found.
Oct. 14, 2026 — Smith Arrested
Smith was finally taken into custody after investigators reexamined testimony and conflicting statements he reportedly made.
Police Chief Eric Smith said new evidence had also been found over the past year thanks to more advanced technology, including digital forensics that revealed more detailed location data and communications between devices.
As a result, Smith was arrested at his workplace. He now faces a charge of second-degree murder.
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