The Brief Michelle Parker, an Orlando mother of three, disappeared on Nov. 17, 2011, after reportedly dropping her kids off at her ex-fiance's home. She disappeared on the same day that her appearance with her ex-fiancé on The People's Court aired across the country. The two were in dispute over an engagement ring. Police announced the arrest of Dale Smith Jr., Parker's ex-fiancé, on a charge of second-degree murder, nearly 15 years after she disappeared.



The Orlando Police Department has made an arrest in connection to the disappearance of Michelle Parker, an Orlando mom who went missing on Nov. 17, 2011 - nearly 15 years ago.

Michelle Parker's ex-fiancé' arrested in her disappearance, death

What we know:

Dale Smith Jr., Parker's ex-fiancé, was arrested early Wednesday morning under suspicion of second-degree murder in Parker's presumed death, the Orlando Police Department said. Smith had long been considered a suspect in Parker's disappearance. However, until now, he had not been arrested or charged.

Police said Smith Jr. was the last person to see or hear from Parker in 2011, when she dropped their kids off at his house.

He had declined being involved in her disappearance.

Chief: New evidence, advances in digital forensics led to arrest

What they're saying:

Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith said advances in digital forensics and a review of the case helped lead to Smith Jr.'s arrest.

 Smith was the last known person to see or hear from Michelle on Nov. 17, 2011, after she dropped their children off at his home. Over the past year, we've expanded our investigative team looking into this case and took a fresh-focused look at all of the evidence. We re-examined testimony and conflicting statements made by the suspect and used advances in digital forensics to uncover and analyze additional evidence. This case never stopped being a priority. Our detectives kept working. They kept asking questions. They kept examining the evidence,  he said.

New evidence found within the last year

One of the lead detectives also spoke during the press conference. He said new evidence had been col
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