Man Appeared on 'The People's Court' with Ex Charged With Murder

Dale Smith Jr., 55, was arrested Wednesday at his business and charged with second-degree murder in the 2011 disappearance of Michelle Parker. Parker, 33, was last seen on Nov. 17, 2011, after dropping off her and Smith's twin children at his home.

"While Michelle has not yet been located, all evidence leads to Dale Smith Jr. as the person responsible for Michelle's murder," Orlando police said in a statement. Police Chief Eric Smith stated during a press briefing that advances in digital forensics and technology were crucial in reopening and ultimately closing the case. "The things we couldn't do 15 years ago that we can do now allowed us to close this case," he said.

Parker had appeared in a pre-taped episode of the reality court show "The People's Court" with Smith over a dispute concerning her engagement ring. The episode aired shortly after her disappearance. In the show, Parker described Smith as "pretty malicious and vindictive" and stated he was "a mean person, especially when he's been drinking." The judge in the episode ruled that Parker owed Smith $2,500 for her half of the ring.

Investigators re-examined testimony and conflicting statements made by Smith over the years, along with new evidence uncovered through digital forensics. Orlando Police Detective Phillip McMican noted that Smith provided different answers to the same questions when questioned numerous times throughout the investigation.

Smith has maintained his innocence, and his attorney, Rajan Joshi, stated that Smith was cooperative with law enforcement when first questioned and voluntarily provided an interview without legal representation. Joshi indicated that the defense is focused on filing a motion for bond.

Parker's car was discovered the day after she was last seen, with the decal for her tanning business scraped off the window. Her cellphone was later found in a lake south of Orlando. The arrest warrant and affidavit in Smith's case have been sealed.

Parker, a mother of three, was reported missing shortly after her appearance on the television show. Smith, who had previously been named a suspect, remains held without bond following his initial court appearance. The State Attorney's office indicated the second-degree murder charge could be upgraded if further evidence supports it.