After Two Years, Family of Missing Dee Ann Warner Respectfully Asks Prosecutor to Take Action

Dee Ann Warner and her brother, Gregg Hardy.Photo byParker Hardy

Two years ago today, on April 25, 2021, Dee Ann Warner of Tecumseh, Michigan was reported missing by her adult children. The night before she disappeared, she told friends and family she planned to confront her husband, Dale Warner, and ask for a divorce. As time passes, her family is more determined than ever to get justice for Dee.

Dee’s family has been vocal about their belief Dale Warner is responsible for Dee’s disappearance. To date, there has been no arrest despite a mountain of evidence that was handed over to authorities last year by Billy Little, Jr., nationally recognized investigative attorney, who has been working on the case pro bono since March 2022.

Frustration grew when Lenawee County Sheriff’s Office didn’t take any action. On August 1, 2022, the community rallied in front of the Old Courthouse in Adrian, Michigan, demanding Dee’s case be turned over to Michigan State Police.

When Michigan State Police took over, there was an expectation an arrest was imminent after they had time to review the evidence. In late October, 2022, Billy Little, Jr. expressed his impatience. “The evidence is overwhelming,” Little said.

Still, after two years, there hasn’t been an arrest.

Yesterday, Parker Hardy, Dee’s nephew, stated on the Justice for Dee Facebook page that Dee’s family is respectfully asking the Lenawee County prosecutor to hire someone experienced in no-body homicides to assist them in moving Dee’s case forward. Lenawee County has never prosecuted a no-body homicide. “We believe this is slowing the process of Justice way down and making it a painfully long journey for our family,” said Hardy. “We believe Billy Little, Jr., or even another experienced no-body prosecutor, would be very beneficial for our local prosecutor office.”

Today, I discussed Hardy’s announcement with Little. “The prosecutor needs to be brave enough to go in there and fight the battle. Trust me, you’ll never win a case you never take to trial. You’re going to win some, you’re going to lose some, and I believe this is one they can absolutely win. But that’s not going to happen if they’re afraid to do something they’ve never done before.”

As to speculation in the community that there is some kind of corruption going on, Little said, “I have found zero evidence of corruption in the police department. It looks like corruption, even though it isn’t, because what’s the difference between being paid not to do your job and just flat not doing your job? Dee’s family deserves better.”

Little continued, “This community deserves leadership who is not afraid of their own shadow, that aren’t afraid of being embarrassed or of damaging their own ego or reputation. This community needs leaders who want to protect their citizens from murderers and criminals. Where is the bravery? Why aren’t they doing the jobs the taxpayers are paying them to do?”

Little knows his way around the law. He is a retired military colonial, a former judge, and has been an attorney for the prosecution and for the defense. “I believe in truth and I believe in justice. So yes, if Dee’s family asks me to come out there and prosecute this case, I’ll do it 100%. No problem. And I’ll do it without hesitation — without fear.”

As always, Dee’s family is thankful for the continued overwhelming love and support they’ve received during this agonizing time. For background on Dee’s case, you can go here or join the Justice for Dee Facebook page for all the latest updates.

Do you think the Lenawee County prosecutor’s office would benefit from bringing in someone with experience in no-body homicide cases? Is Billy Little, Jr. the man for the job? I’d love to read your opinions in the comments!