ORLANDO, Florida. – Orlando police have arrested the former fiancé of missing woman Michelle Parker, nearly 15 years after she disappeared.
Police Chief Eric Smith announced that Dale Smith was arrested Wednesday for second-degree murder.
(WATCH: Dale Smith Criminal Walk)
“Over the past year, we have expanded our investigative team to investigate this case and taken a fresh, focused look at all of the evidence. We have re-examined testimony and conflicting statements made by the suspect, and used advanced and digital forensics to uncover and analyze additional evidence,” Smith said.
(RAW VIDEO: Watch Orlando Police Press Conference on Arrest in Michelle Parker Case)
Michelle Parker, 33, an Orlando woman, was last seen on November 17, 2011, when she dropped off her children at Smith’s home.
That same day, Parker appeared on an episode of “The People’s Court” with Smith in a dispute over a $5,000 engagement ring.
She was last seen at the Carter Glen Condominiums in the Lee Vista area.
Detectives say new evidence has been found over the past year using more advanced technology and older evidence has been re-examined. The newest technology included digital forensics that revealed location data and more detailed communications between devices.
Chief Smith said Dale Smith was surprised when he was arrested at his workplace Wednesday.
Chief Smith also said that although many of the people who initially worked on the case had retired, they never stopped working on the case.
They are all full-time homicide detectives. They’re working on a full homicide load,” Smith said. “With the fewest homicides we’re working on right now, with a slight drop in violent crime that has freed them up to do what they need to do, to really take the time to look at this case and bring closure to the family.»
Prosecutor Monique Worrell said prosecutors start with second-degree murder charges, but they could escalate if the evidence allows.
Worrell said his office worked with the Orlando Police Department before the arrest. Worrell wouldn’t explain what that collaboration looked like.
“I want to commend the State Attorney’s Office and the prosecutors who worked collaboratively with law enforcement to bring this case to this point.“, » Worrell said.
This is a developing story. Stay with News 6 for updates.
(WATCH: 1:30 p.m. Latest news on the arrest in Michelle Parker’s unsolved case)
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