Dateline NBC Dateline NBC

The Day Dee Disappeared

Aug 4, 2026 · 41m

Summary

This Dateline episode investigates the 2021 disappearance of Michigan farmer Dee Warner, whose husband Dale became the prime suspect after her body was found hidden in a welded tank on their property. Despite initial claims that she left voluntarily, investigators uncovered digital clues and surveillance footage suggesting Dale murdered her to prevent a costly divorce. After a trial relying on circumstantial evidence, Dale Warner was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to up to 70 years in prison.

Topics discussed

Intro and Capital One Bank Guy ad Dateline intro: The mysterious disappearance of Dee Warner Dee Warner's life and the morning she vanished Initial police investigation and Dale's calm demeanor Dee's personality, business empire, and family dynamics Theories of suicide, foul play, and the suspicious employee Investigation deepens: Todd Nurick and the affair suspect Family's search for justice and growing suspicion of Dale Greg publicly accuses Dale; Dale arrested for murder Discovery of Dee's body in a propane tank Prosecution's case: Motive, cover-up, and digital evidence Defense arguments and the guilty verdict Sentencing, family's reaction, and Dee's legacy
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