Mother vanishes after court show

Michelle Parker, a thirty three year old Florida mother of three, disappeared in November two thousand eleven after appearing on The People's Court with her ex fiancee Dale Smith Jr.

The People's Court dispute

Smith sought five thousand dollars over a lost engagement ring, claiming Parker threw it at him during an argument at an Atlanta hotel and it went over a balcony.

Judge rules on the ring

Judge Marilyn Milian found both were at fault and that Parker owed Smith two thousand five hundred dollars for her half of the ring.

Arrest after nearly fifteen years

Dale Smith Jr., fifty five, was arrested Wednesday at his business on a charge of second degree murder, nearly fifteen years after Parker vanished.

Digital forensics breaks case open

Investigators reexamined testimony and used advanced digital forensics to uncover evidence from vehicles, electronic devices, phones and computers over the past year.

“The things we couldn't do 15 years ago that we can do now allowed us to close this case.”

Suspect gave conflicting answers

Detective Phillip McMican said Smith gave different answers to the same questions asked of him numerous times over the years.

Defence maintains innocence

Smith's attorney Rajan Joshi said Smith was cooperative when originally questioned, let police search his house, and came in voluntarily without a lawyer.

Smith held without bond

Smith entered a not guilty plea and remains held without bond. State Attorney Monique Worrell said the second degree murder charge could be upgraded if supported by evidence.