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2 clusters · 3 sources · 12 days · First seen · Last updated

Dale Smith Jr. murder arrest in Michelle Parker case

Overview

In October 2026, Orlando police arrested 55-year-old Dale Smith Jr. for the second-degree murder of his former fiancée, Michelle Parker. Parker had been missing since November 2011, disappearing shortly after an episode of ‘The People’s Court’ aired involving a dispute between the couple over an engagement ring.

While Parker’s remains have not been located, investigators utilized advancements in digital forensics to reexamine evidence from electronic devices, vehicles, and computers to link Smith to the crime. Smith, who had been a prime suspect since the disappearance, pleaded not guilty and was held without bond.

Following the arrest, an Orange County judge ruled to unseal the 46-page arrest affidavit. While prosecutors had initially sought to keep the document confidential to protect ongoing interviews, the judge granted the motion to unseal the records. A temporary gag order was also issued against defense attorney Rajan Joshi regarding the affidavit.

Entities

Orlando Police Department · Michelle Parker · Dale Smith Jr. · Dale Smith Jr · The People’s Court

Timeline

  1. [CRIME] 3 sources
    Dale Smith Jr. arrest affidavit to be unsealed in Michelle Parker case

    An Orange County judge will unseal the arrest affidavit for Dale Smith Jr., who faces second-degree murder charges in the 2011 disappearance of Michelle Parker.

  2. [CRIME] 10 sources
    Dale Smith Jr. arrested for murder of ex-fiancée Michelle Parker

    Dale Smith Jr. has been charged with second-degree murder in the 2011 disappearance of Michelle Parker, whose case gained attention after appearing on ‘The People’s Court’.

Sources

cbsnews.com · fox35orlando.com · soapoperaspy.com