# TV court appearance precedes 15-year murder case

> Dale Smith Jr. arrested for the 2011 disappearance of Michelle Parker, his ex-fiancee, after they appeared together on The People's Court.
- Title: TV court appearance precedes 15-year murder case · ABC News
- Summary: Dale Smith Jr. arrested for the 2011 disappearance of Michelle Parker, his ex-fiancee, after they appeared together on The People's Court. Dale Smith Jr. has…
- Keywords: michelle parker, dale smith jr, orlando, missing person, murder charge, the people's court, digital forensics, news, court, appearance, precedes, 15-year
- Source: ABC News — https://abcnews.com/US/man-appeared-peoples-court-fiancee-charged-murder/story?id=137293227
- Author: ABC News
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: michelle parker, dale smith jr, orlando, missing person, murder charge, the people's court, digital forensics, news
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Dale Smith Jr. has been charged with second-degree murder in the 2011 disappearance of Michelle Parker, his ex-fiancee, nearly fifteen years after she vanished following a People's Court appearance.