From Law & Crime · · 3m
Woman Disappears After 'People's Court' Dispute
Florida man jailed 15 years after ex-fiancee vanished following engagement ring dispute on TV show.
In brief
Florida man jailed 15 years after ex-fiancee vanished following engagement ring dispute on TV show. Michelle Parker disappeared after appearing on 'The People's Court' against ex-fiance Dale Smith Jr. over a $5,000 engagement ring; Smith was arrested for second-degree murder 15 years later. Originally reported by Law…
Michelle Parker vanishes
Michelle Parker, 33, disappeared on Nov. 17, 2011, after dropping her twins off at her ex-fiance Dale Smith Jr.'s home in Orlando.
Dale Smith Jr. accused of ring dispute
Smith sued Parker after claiming she threw her engagement ring off a ninth-story hotel balcony during a convention in Georgia.
The People's Court appearance
Parker and Smith appeared on 'The People's Court' where Judge Marilyn Milian ordered Parker to pay $2,500 for the ring dispute.
Parker accused of abuse
During the episode, Parker accused Smith of being physically abusive and unfaithful, saying she tried to stay together for their twins but failed.
Smith remains free for years
Police considered Smith the culprit for years but he remained free until Wednesday when he was arrested on a second-degree murder charge.
Orlando Police Chief explains
Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith stated Smith was the last known person to see Parker on Nov. 17, 2011, after she dropped their children off.
Digital forensics used
Det. Phil McMican said advancements in digital technology, including phone location data, helped investigators find new evidence against Smith.
Smith's inconsistent statements
Investigators found Smith gave different answers to the same questions during depositions in a civil case over the years.
Key clues recovered
Parker's Hummer was recovered in a parking lot near where she disappeared, and her phone was found under a bridge weeks later.
Smith arrested for murder
Smith, now 55, was arrested on a second-degree murder charge and is in the Orange County Jail without bond.
No body recovered
Parker's body has never been recovered, and her case remains unsolved.
Police statement
Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith said they will continue to pursue justice for victims and hold those responsible accountable.
Case details
Parker and Smith were set to marry but the engagement ended after arguments; Smith sued Parker after claiming she threw the ring off a balcony.
Investigation timeline
Over the past year, police expanded their investigative team and re-examined evidence using digital forensics to make the arrest.
Case status
Authorities declined to release additional details, saying more would come in a probable cause arrest affidavit and future court hearings.
The headline
Michelle Parker disappeared after appearing on 'The People's Court' against ex-fiance Dale Smith Jr. over a $5,000 engagement ring; Smith was arrested for second-degree murder 15 years later.
