Trial date set for Dale Warner, Michigan, man charged with murdering his wife

(CBS DETROIT) – A trial date was set Wednesday for a Lenawee County man accused of killing his wife, who was reported missing in April 2021 and whose remains were found this summer.

Dale Warner is accused of killing his wife Dee Warner52, who was last seen on April 25, 2021 near her home in Lenawee County. Investigator found Dee Warner's body in August 2024 after executing a search warrant on Dale Warner's property. Michigan State Police say her death is a homicide.

On Wednesday, a Lenawee County judge scheduled a trial from Sept. 2 to Oct. 14, 2025.

“It was certainly hard on the family to face my sister's remains in a fake grave,” Dee Warner's brother Gregg Hardy said in August, adding that it was allegedly done by Dale Warner. “He killed my sister brutally and without remorse, continued to have no remorse, harmed his family, harmed the community and most importantly, he fed his own daughter terrible lies… I certainly hope that he gets this The absolute maximum penalty is the law, after he has had a fair and just trial, if he chooses to do so.”

Dale Warner was arrested in November 2023 and charged with open murder and tampering with evidence. He was charged in June 2024 and handed over for negotiation. He denied any involvement in his wife's disappearance.

In August, Dale Warner's attorney, Mary Chartier, issued the following statement:

“The latest information from police is a tragic turn of events for everyone who loved and cared for Ms. Warner. However, this does not change Mr. Warner’s position and we stand ready to fight for him in court.”

A final pretrial conference is scheduled for August 27, 2025.