Ex-fiance of missing Florida ‘People’s Court’ mom Michelle Parker arrested for murder 15 years after she vanished

The ex-fiance of a missing Florida mom was arrested and charged with murder on Wednesday – nearly 15 years after she vanished following their appearance on “The People’s Court,” police said.

Dale Smith, considered a prime suspect since the early days of the investigation into fiancée Michelle Parker’s disappearance, was hauled into custody at his workplace, Orlando Police announced.

“Smith was the last known person to see or hear from Michelle on Nov. 17, 2011, after she dropped their children off at his home,” said Orlando police chief Eric Smith at a press conference. 

New digital forensics technology —  allowing law enforcement to more thoroughly examine evidence on electronic devices — helped clear the way for second-degree murder charges against Smith, the father of Parker’s twins.

“The suspect has taken part in depositions related to this case and very specific questions were asked to him numerous times over the years where he gave different answers to those same questions,” said detective Phil McMicken.

Parker disappeared in November 2011 after dropping off her then-3-year-old twins at Smith’s home — the same exact day a TV episode aired that showed the couple fighting over their pricey engagement ring.

“While Michelle has not yet been located, all evidence leads to Dale Smith Jr as the person responsible for Michelle’s murder,” Orlando Police said in a statement.

“We will continue pursuing justice for Michelle, her family, and every victim we serve.” 

The police chief said he called Parker’s mother, Yvonne Stewart, into his office after securing the warrant and arresting Smith.

“For our department and community to get some sort of closure on this — nothing we can ever do will bring Michelle back, but in cases of homicide and things of that nature to get some sort of closure for [the] family is what we want to do.”

In a post memorializing Parker nearly two years ago, Stewart reminded friends and family that Dale was the prime suspect. 

“Memories of the saddest day in our lives 13 years ago, today,” wrote Stewart on Facebook on Nov. 17, 2024.

“One year after the breakup with her ex fiancée was Nov 17th 2011,” the post continued. 

“That is 13 years ago. Ex is still [the] primary and only suspect according to an extensive investigation by the Orlando Police Dept.”

Parker and Smith were known to have a rocky and sometimes violent relationship.

“He gets pretty malicious and vindictive,” Parker said on “The People’s Court.”

“He’s a mean person, especially when he’s drinking.”

Back in August 2009, Parker filed for a domestic violence injunction against Smith, alleging in court documents that he smashed her truck window during a heated argument while holding their then-15-month-old daughter.

The order was tossed out a month later for unknown reasons.

Parker was last seen dropping off the twins at Smith’s house.

Cops later recovered her Hummer SUV on Nov. 18 on Orlando’s west side. Her final text message was sent a day earlier from the city’s Waterford Lakes area, according to police.

Smith had a lengthy rap sheet dating back to the 1990s, including arrests for battery and marijuana possession.

During his time in the US Marine Corps, he was court-martialed and convicted of drug and domestic battery charges in 2001.