ADRIAN, Mich. — Despite a driving snow and cold temperatures, family and friends of Dee Warner gathered outside the Lenawee County Courthouse in Adrian on Sunday for a 'Justice for Dee' rally.
The rally was held to keep Dee Warner's memory in the public consciousness and to raise awareness for the case against Dee's husband Dale, who was arrested on Tuesday for her murder.
"My request to all of you this season is to continue to let her fire and spirit burn, brighter than ever before," said Parker Hardy, Dee Ann Warner's nephew.
Dale Warner was arrested for her murder 2 1/2 years after she was reported missing.
In 2022, one year after her disappearance, the Lenawee County Sheriff's Office, turned the case over to the Michigan State Police.
Sheriff Troy Bevier, who spoke at the rally, says the office just didn't have the resources necessary to properly investigate the case.
"The state police did a fantastic job, and they did have the resources we didn't have. I like to say you do the right thing, for the right reason, at the right time, and that's exactly what we did," said Sheriff Bevier.
Dale Warner is facing a murder charge which holds a life sentence. He has pled not guilty.
According to census data, Tipton, Michigan has just over 2,000 residents - that's half the population of Ottawa Hills.
Tipton residents say they are shocked that a murder like this could happen in their small community.
"You always think it's happening to someone else. When it happens in your community. Lenawee County. Tipton. Adrian, of Lenawee County, are you kidding? Those kind of things don't happen here. But it did happen here and you want to rally and help this family," said Deb Keller, a Hardy family friend.
Dee's brother Gregg Hardy agrees.
"This could happen to anyone, any strata in society, any part of life, this can happen," said Hardy. "Who would have thought it would happen in a, what do I say, a half-horse like in Tipton, Michigan. I mean, no one would ever dream it."
Dale Warner is scheduled to be in court for a bond hearing on Monday.
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