LENAWEE COUNTY, Mich. – Jury selection began Tuesday in the murder trial of Dale Warner, who is accused of killing his wife, Dee Warner, in Lenawee County.
The case has drawn national attention since Dee Warner vanished from her Franklin Township home on April 25, 2021. Michigan State Police discovered her remains in August 2024, hidden inside a sealed anhydrous ammonia tank on Dale Warner’s property.
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Before jury selection began, Warner declined a last-minute plea deal from the prosecution that would have reduced his charge to second-degree murder.
The high-profile nature of the case is expected to make the jury selection process challenging. It’s currently scheduled for two weeks.
Potential jurors are being questioned individually about their exposure to media coverage and their ability to remain impartial.
“Do you believe he is presumed innocent until proven guilty?” attorneys asked one potential juror during questioning.
“I do,” the person responded.
“Do you still feel like he is guilty sitting here?”
“I do,” the potential juror admitted.
The defense team previously raised concerns about “stealth jurors” — individuals who might conceal bias to secure a place on the jury.
Previous Coverage: Timeline of everything we know about the Dee Warner murder trial and investigation
While their request to move the trial to another county was denied, the judge granted both prosecution and defense teams 18 preemptive challenges to remove potential jurors without stating a reason.
Hundreds of potential jurors are expected to be summoned over the next two weeks. They face extensive questioning, including their knowledge of the case through media or family connections, any pre-formed opinions, potential conflicts with attorneys or witnesses, and their ability to serve for the duration of the trial.
The case has deeply affected the local community, with some potential jurors being questioned about their connection to a “Justice for Dee” Facebook page.
The trial has also imposed restrictions on witnesses, including Dee Warner’s brother Gregg Hardy, who is barred from the courtroom due to his status as a potential witness.
Opening statements are scheduled to begin on Feb. 10.