Topline: Dale Smith Jr.’s arrest follows a renewed review of digital evidence in Michelle Parker’s disappearance, but her remains still haven’t been found.
Published: October 15, 2026 11:34 am ET
Randy Shaw
I cut my teeth in journalism when I began looking into what I saw as abuses of power in my local government. From then on, I was hooked on the dopamine rush of uncovering information.
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Dale Smith Jr., left, and Michelle Parker
ORLANDO, FL — Michelle Parker’s former fiancé, Dale Smith Jr., has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder nearly 15 years after the 33-year-old mother disappeared after dropping off her twins at his home.
Orlando police said their Fugitive Unit and SWAT Team arrested Smith on Wednesday morning, Oct. 14, following years of investigation and a renewed examination of the case, WFTV reported. Investigators credited expanded staffing and advances in technology with helping them uncover additional information.
Parker disappeared on Nov. 17, 2011. Police said she dropped off her twins at Smith’s home that day, and investigators believe he was the last known person to see or hear from her.
Over the past year, the Orlando Police Department added investigators to the case and revisited witness testimony, statements Smith had made and digital evidence collected during the original investigation.
Police said newer technology allowed detectives to examine data from phones, computers and vehicles in greater detail. That analysis produced additional information that helped move the investigation forward, though authorities did not identify the specific findings behind the murder charge.
Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith said detectives had continued pursuing leads and following the evidence despite the passage of time. He described their work as part of the department’s commitment to thoroughly investigating cases and pursuing justice.
Parker’s remains have not been found. Police said investigators will keep working to locate her and provide answers to her family.
The department said it was withholding further details as the case moves through the judicial process.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
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Michelle Parker’s Ex-Fiancé Arrested on Murder Charge Nearly 15 Years After She Disappeared
Dale Smith Jr.’s arrest follows a renewed review of digital evidence in Michelle Parker’s disappearance, but her remains still haven’t been found.
By Randy Shaw
Published: October 15, 2026 11:34 am ET
Dale Smith Jr., left, and Michelle Parker
ORLANDO, FL — Michelle Parker’s former fiancé, Dale Smith Jr., has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder nearly 15 years after the 33-year-old mother disappeared after dropping off her twins at his home.
Orlando police said their Fugitive Unit and SWAT Team arrested Smith on Wednesday morning, Oct. 14, following years of investigation and a renewed examination of the case, WFTV reported. Investigators credited expanded staffing and advances in technology with helping them uncover additional information.
Parker disappeared on Nov. 17, 2011. Police said she dropped off her twins at Smith’s home that day, and investigators believe he was the last known person to see or hear from her.
Over the past year, the Orlando Police Department added investigators to the case and revisited witness testimony, statements Smith had made and digital evidence collected during the original investigation.
Police said newer technology allowed detectives to examine data from phones, computers and vehicles in greater detail. That analysis produced additional information that helped move the investigation forward, though authorities did not identify the specific findings behind the murder charge.
Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith said detectives had continued pursuing leads and following the evidence despite the passage of time. He described their work as part of the department’s commitment to thoroughly investigating cases and pursuing justice.
Parker’s remains have not been found. Police said investigators will keep working to locate her and provide answers to her family.
The department said it was withholding further details as the case moves through the judicial process.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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Editor Picks
Latest Articles
Michelle Parker’s Ex-Fiancé Arrested on Murder Charge Nearly 15 Years After She Disappeared
Dale Smith Jr.’s arrest follows a renewed review of digital evidence in Michelle Parker’s disappearance, but her remains still haven’t been found.
By Randy Shaw
Published: October 15, 2026 11:34 am ET
Dale Smith Jr., left, and Michelle Parker
ORLANDO, FL — Michelle Parker’s former fiancé, Dale Smith Jr., has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder nearly 15 years after the 33-year-old mother disappeared after dropping off her twins at his home.
Orlando police said their Fugitive Unit and SWAT Team arrested Smith on Wednesday morning, Oct. 14, following years of investigation and a renewed examination of the case, WFTV reported. Investigators credited expanded staffing and advances in technology with helping them uncover additional information.
Parker disappeared on Nov. 17, 2011. Police said she dropped off her twins at Smith’s home that day, and investigators believe he was the last known person to see or hear from her.
Over the past year, the Orlando Police Department added investigators to the case and revisited witness testimony, statements Smith had made and digital evidence collected during the original investigation.
Police said newer technology allowed detectives to examine data from phones, computers and vehicles in greater detail. That analysis produced additional information that helped move the investigation forward, though authorities did not identify the specific findings behind the murder charge.
Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith said detectives had continued pursuing leads and following the evidence despite the passage of time. He described their work as part of the department’s commitment to thoroughly investigating cases and pursuing justice.
Parker’s remains have not been found. Police said investigators will keep working to locate her and provide answers to her family.
The department said it was withholding further details as the case moves through the judicial process.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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