The suspect was interviewed more than once, and since then has taken part in depositions related to this case. And very specific questions were asked of him numerous times over the years where he gave different answers to those same questions,  Detective Phillip McMican said at a news conference Wednesday.

McMican said advancements in technology helped reveal new information from years-old evidence relating to cars, electronic devices, phones and computers.

 We were able to better interpret that evidence today than what we were able to do back in 2011,  he said. Digital forensics revealed more detailed location data and communications between devices used then, he said.

New evidence was also found in the last year, McMican said.

Asked whether the suspect was surprised when police arrived, the detective said,  Yes. 

Parker's mother, Yvonne Stewart, was told in person about Dale Smith's arrest.

 It's like the happiest day because she deserves this,  Stewart told NBC affiliate WESH of Orlando.

She said she held on to hope throughout the years.

 I just knew that one day everything dark would come into the light,  she said.  And it's been hard, let me tell you. It's not easy to lose a child this way. And her children didn't deserve to lose a mother this way. 

Parker's eldest child is now 26 and her twins are 18, WESH reported.

A former peer of Parker's also praised the arrest.

 I cried a lot today and I am beyond happy to see him in hand cuffs! I knew the day she went missing that it was his fault,  Jennifer Bryant-Antilla, who attended Aveda Institute of Orlando with Parker, told NBC News on Wednesday.

State Attorney Monique H. Worrell, who represents the Ninth Judicial Circuit, said the charge could be upgraded to first-degree murder if evidence supports it.

Emmy Beck-Aden contributed.