Florida Man Arrested for Ex-Fiancée's Murder After 2011 Disappearance, Court TV Appearance

A Florida man has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder in the 2011 presumed death of his former fiancée, Michelle Parker, who disappeared on the same day an episode of the reality court show 'The People's Court' featuring their dispute aired. Dale Smith Jr., 55, was taken into custody on Oct. 14, nearly 15 years after Parker, 33, vanished.

Parker was last seen on Nov. 17, 2011, after she went to Smith's home to drop off their 3-year-old twins. Her sister reported her missing that evening after Parker failed to show up for work or return home. Her body has never been found.

According to a newly unsealed arrest warrant affidavit, authorities believe Smith choked Parker to death. Detectives noted scratches and abrasions on Smith during an interview the day after Parker's disappearance, which they now believe were defensive wounds inflicted by Parker.

Investigators reexamined testimony, conflicting statements, and used advanced digital forensics to uncover new evidence, Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith stated. A homicide analyst reviewed cellular data from 2011 and found information that had not been previously analyzed. This data provided more precise location and user information, including messages, for both Smith's and Parker's phones.

In the weeks before her disappearance, Parker sent Smith numerous text messages, including one on Nov. 3, 2011, stating, "My kids are better off with u n their life." On Nov. 10, she allegedly texted, "Thought about your offer....& will have to decline. I'd rather have a personal legal loan, than feel like a whore," referring to an alleged offer from Smith for sex in exchange for time with their children. Smith denied this, stating he only wanted to spend time with their children.

The day before Parker vanished, she texted Smith, "Ur so------- impossible! Everything is about YOU your still so ------- selfish!" according to the affidavit.

Smith and Parker had taped an episode of 'The People's Court' in June 2011, which aired on Nov. 17, 2011, at 2 p.m. In the episode, Smith was seeking $5,000 for a lost engagement ring that Parker had allegedly thrown at him during an argument. The show's judge ruled that Parker owed Smith $2,500 for her half of the ring. The affidavit noted that Smith had previously sued an ex-fiancée over an engagement ring, and that woman told police Smith had threatened to make her disappear.

During his initial interview, Smith told police he did not know what happened to Parker, believing she was "laying low" after the TV appearance and was embarrassed. However, his phone records indicated he did not communicate with her after Nov. 17, 2011. In the seven weeks prior to her disappearance, they had exchanged over 1,000 text messages and 21 calls.

Investigators allege that Smith lied to police about the timeline of Parker's visit on Nov. 17, 2011. Cell phone data indicates Parker arrived at Smith's house at 3:18 p.m. and remained for over an hour, with no further recorded phone activity. Surveillance video and cellular records suggest Smith deleted messages from Parker's phone until 4:27 p.m. and then discarded it in Lake Conway, where it was later recovered. He also allegedly lied about when he left his home and the route he took with the twins.

Smith has pleaded not guilty and maintains his innocence, according to his attorney, Rajan Joshi. Smith was being held without bond following his arrest. A judge has since issued an order limiting public statements about the case from both the prosecution and defense.