Murder, Missing, and Financial Troubles: A Tragic Case of a Lenawee County Family

On Thursday, during the preliminary examination of Dale Warner, a Lenawee County man accused of killing his wife Dee Warner, the focus shifted to their business finances. Dee disappeared in April of 2021 and the judge will use the information from the preliminary hearing to decide if the case will proceed to trial. The first day of the pre-trial focused on the relationship between Dale and Dee, while Thursday’s testimony delved into their businesses, finances, and what Dee’s son witnessed while managing the books for the business.

Zack Bock, Dee’s son, spent most of Thursday on the stand providing insight into their financial situation. He testified that some of their businesses including their farming operation were facing significant losses and money had to be shifted between businesses to meet payroll. Despite extensive cross-examination by defense attorneys, Bock maintained that he had no knowledge of his mother’s disappearance in April of 2021.

While Dee’s body was never found, prosecutors have brought forth murder charges against her husband. In a text message sent the day before she went missing, Dee expressed her intention to transfer ownership of certain businesses solely in her name to her son which meant he would become the sole owner of these trucking businesses in question. This ongoing investigation involves not only the disappearance of Dee Warner but also its financial intricacies. The case will continue with more testimony on Friday and June 6 is set as next scheduled date if proceedings are not concluded yet.