Michelle Parker update: Dale Smith Jr.'s 46-page arrest report released; here's what we know
Judge unseals arrest affidavit in Michelle Parker case
For today's top stories, FOX 35's John Brown and Marie Edinger join Garrett Wymer after a judge ordered the arrest affidavit for Sale Smith Jr., facing second-degree murder charges in the 2011 disappearance of his ex-fiance Michelle Parker.
ORLANDO, Fla. - The 46-page arrest report for Dale Smith Jr. has been released. He is the ex-fiancé of Michelle Parker, and has been charged with second-degree murder in connection to her 2011 disappearance and presumed death.
An Orange County judge ordered that Smith Jr.'s arrest affidavit be unsealed and released during a court hearing on Monday. Orlando police and state prosecutors had previously argued for the document to remain sealed, expressing concerns about the ongoing investigation, as well as potential impacts on a potential jury pool.
FOX 35's newsroom of journalists and producers are actively going through the report. We will continue to update our story.
Read it: Dale Smith Jr. arrest report
Big picture view:
Editor's note: FOX 35's journalists and producers are actively going through all 46 pages of Dale Smith Jr.'s arrest report. We have included the full document as released, which documents the Orlando Police Department's investigation into Michelle Parker's disappearance and death. Some details may be disturbing or graphic. Viewer discretion is advised.
What's inside the arrest report?
History of domestic violence
- The 46-page report details a history of domestic violence between Dale Smith Jr. and Michelle Parker, which was not reported to law enforcement. It also details alleged domestic violence in previous relationships.
- "The relationship was described as tumultuous, with the suspect oftentimes being violent and controlling toward the victim," the report states.
- In 2001, Dale Smith Jr. was found guilty of domestic violence against his first wife while serving in the military. He was sentenced to 3 years in prison and dishonorably discharged (Page 2-3). His military performance was described as "unsatisfactory bearing and severe mood swings when subjected to minimal stress. The suspect was prescribed anti-depressants due to his inability to effectively handle any level of stress, necessitating removal from his primary duties."
- In a previous relationship, Smith Jr. allegedly choked his ex-fiancé', threatened to kill her, and threatened to kill her father.
Dale Smith Jr. on ‘The People’s Court' episode
- Detectives interviewed Dale Smith Jr. in 2011, after Michelle was reported missing. "I watched it. I DVR'd it and watched it," he reportedly told detectives regarding "The People's Court" TV episode.
New photos
- Detectives took photos of scratches and abrasions found on Dale Smith Jr.'s face, arm, and back, which are believed to be defensive wounds from Michelle Parker. Scratches were found on Dale Smith Jr.'s mouth and lower lip, left arm and wrist, back, and elbows, the report said.
Missing text messages
- Dale Smith Jr. and Michelle Parker exchanged more than 1,000 text messages between October 1 and November 17, 2011, the report said.
- In those texts, Parker threatened to remove Dale Smith Jr.'s visitation rights.
What happened to Michelle Parker? Here's what detectives believe.
"It is believed the suspect killed the victim in his house after days of offensive messages, declining sex for cash, the embarrassing People's Court episode airing, and threatening to restrict his access to his children. It is believed the suspect choked the victim to death, likely resulting in the scratches and abrasions observed on him while the victim fought back. He was known for this
behavior, admitted he was sexually frustrated, the victim was never seen again, and there were no signs of a crime scene found at his home the same day."
Michelle Parker's disappearance
Michelle Parker has been missing since Nov. 17, 2011, after she dropped her children off at Dale Smith Jr.'s house. She and Dale Smith Jr. shared two children – twins. Parker has another child from a previous relationship.
Police said Parker was reported missing after she did not show up for work to a bar in Sanford.
She disappeared on the same day that an episode of "The People's Court" featuring both Parker and Dale Smith Jr. aired across the country. Smith Jr. sued Parker for $5,000 over their engagement ring, which he claimed was thrown over a hotel balcony and lost following a breakup and fight between the two.
What we know about Dale Smith Jr.
Dale Smith Jr. was arrested on Oct. 14 under suspicion of second-degree murder in the disappearance and death of Michelle Parker.
Smith has long been considered a person of interest/suspect in Parker's disappearance, but had not been arrested or formally charged in her disappearance or death – until Oct. 14.
Police said Smith Jr. was the last known person to see Parker alive. Orlando police said advancements in digital forensics helped investigators reexamine data and old evidence in the case, leading to Smith's arrest.
Smith has maintained his innocence and denied any involvement in Parker's disappearance.
The Source: This story uses information gathered from the 46-page arrest affidavit for Dale Smith. Jr., which was released on Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 27, as well as additional information from the Orlando Police Department, State prosecutors, and the Orange County Clerk of Court.