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Remains found on property of Lenawee County man charged in death of missing wife

Michigan State Police have found human remains on the property of a Lenawee County man charged in connection with the death of his missing wife.

Dee Ann Warner, a mother of five and grandmother, was last seen at her home on Munger Road in Franklin Township in April 2021, according to Crime Stoppers of Lenawee County. She was 52 years old at the time of her disappearance.

In November 2023, her husband Dale Warner was charged in connection with her death. In June, Dale Warner was charged in Lenawee County 2A District Court with two felony counts: open murder and tampering with evidence.

More: Husband charged in death of missing Lenawee County woman

The Michigan State Police First District tweeted Sunday morning that Special Investigations Division investigators are continuing to pursue leads in the case.

“During the execution of a search warrant in Lenawee County, human remains were found on property owned by Dale Warner,” state police said on X. “The remains are currently being recovered and much work and testing is needed before a positive identification can be made.”

Lt. Rene Gonzalez, a spokesman for the Michigan State Police First District, said the property in question had been searched previously by investigators. He said the investigation is ongoing and more information will be released as it becomes available.

Police said Dee Warner's family had been informed of the results.

Dale Warner's attorney, Mary Chartier, said she and her client are waiting for confirmation that the remains are Dee Warner's.

“But this appears to be another tragic turn of events for all who loved and cared for her,” Chartier said.

Dee Warner's daughter Rikkell Bock referred to the Michigan State Police announcement in a Facebook post on Sunday morning, calling the news “surreal.”

“We waited 3 1/2 years for this news but never wanted to hear it,” Bock wrote. “Now we can lay our beautiful mother to rest. This is not over, it is just beginning. We will fight even harder to get the justice she deserves. We will miss her forever and we will absolutely NEVER forget her. We love you so much, Mom.”

A celebration of life was held for Dee Warner in the spring.

State police are asking anyone with information about Warner's disappearance to contact Detective Sgt. Dan Drewyor at (734) 242-3500.

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