Missing Michelle
Thursday, December 1, 2011 at 10:38PM 
I had to take care of a few things in the Sanford/Lake Mary area today, so I decided to stop by The Barn, a famous country music nightclub known for hosting some of the genre’s best artists. It’s right up the road a spell from where I live, but in the 30-plus years I’ve been here, I’ve never been there. I stopped by to take a couple of photos of the exterior to show you where Michelle Parker works as a bartender. Michelle, in case you are not aware, disappeared without a trace 2 weeks ago, on the day she and her ex-fiancé, Dale Smith II, appeared on a taped episode of The People’s Court. On that day, she dropped off the one-time couple’s 3-year-old twins at his residence and was never seen again. (Michelle also has an 11-year-old son from a previous relationship.) The Orlando Police Department recently named Smith as the only suspect.
When I arrived at The Barn, two men were about to enter the establishment. I decided to walk up to them to explain why I was there. One seemed to be the in-charge, go-to person. I told him who I was and that my only intent was to do whatever I could to get her name out, not that I expected my site to do all that much, but you never know. Every little bit helps. He invited me in and said he would show me Michelle’s bar. This was about 3:30 and the bar doesn’t open for business until 6:00, so the interior wasn’t all that well lit. Certainly, it was enough to see how large it is inside. I told him I’d never set foot in the place, but I’ve always wanted to. We walked past a main bar and I could clearly see that it was big enough to accommodate several bars, and it does. The Website touts seven in all, including one in an upstairs loft that overlooks the dance floor.
I haven’t been hanging around any bars these days, but there’s an aroma that you can only detect inside a place that pours alcoholic beverages. I guess it’s from all of the liquor bottles and spilled drinks over the years. This place had no carpet that I recollect, so there was nothing to soak up the spilled drinks. Still, it was there. We walked all the way across to the other side, and there it was - where Michelle tends bar.
I could sense the anguish and desperation in this man’s heart. As a person in my position, that of a journalist, I asked him a few questions. He told me he couldn’t really say much, and I understood that. This is, after all, an ongoing investigation. He wasn’t really told by law enforcement to remain quiet, he said, but I know it would do no good for him to tell me his true thoughts of what went down. I told him I had read on one of the Orlando Sentinel threads where several people were stating that if it wasn’t her ex-boyfriend, it could surely have been someone who had been stalking her at the bar. Of course, there’s no really good reason or need for anyone to speculate like this. I did say it sure seemed strange that she would disappear on the same day the court segment aired. Yes, he said, and we mentioned another couple of peculiarities, but we left it at that, with neither of us voicing any sort of strong opinion one way or another.
He told me something that really stuck. He said that Michelle is a really good girl. By that, I knew exactly what he meant. She’s got it all. Aside from being very pretty, she’s a great friend, a loving mother, and an all-around caring soul. The girl has no enemies. She’s incredibly popular and none of it makes any sense, but it never does. I’ve never had someone I know go missing, nor have I ever felt that kind of frustration and helplessness. But throughout my years of dating and befriending many bartenders, their bosses always treated them like family. That’s precisely what this man was all about. It’s as if a chunk of his heart has been torn out, and to a person, his staff feels the same way. Everyone loves and misses Michelle.
I asked him if he managed or owned the bar. He told me he owns it. Eric Thims is his name. He’s a very proud man, and he’s doing whatever it takes to bring Michelle home. This is what’s posted on today’s Website:
PLEASE READ AND REPOST!!!!!!!!!!!! WE LOVE YOU MICHELLE!!!!!!!!!!!
Tonight is Thirsty Thursday as always with all you can drink at The Barn in Sanford, but tonight it is about soooo much more than that! We are having a benefit to raise money for Michelle Parker. It will help the continued search efforts for her as well as her children and family.
Tonight we are having a Bartender Handoff where bartenders from all over Central Florida that know or have worked with Michelle in the past will stand in to support Michelle and work in her place. ALL TIPS raised on Michelle’s bar tonight will go directly to her family.
We are asking that anybody who has a Missing Person shirt with Michelles picture on it wears it tonight! We will have national coverage here like the Today Show and others and we want to be sure that Michelle’s face is EVERYWHERE that they turn their cameras!
So come show your support for Michelle with your shirt and checking out all the bartenders rotating through Michelles bar by the DJ booth. They will be happy to make you a drink and your tips will help bring this AMAZING woman home!
We have the following bartenders standing in for her tonight so come show some love!
Michelle’s sister Lauren
Michelle’s best friend Heather (from Manny’s Chophouse, and worked with Michelle at Cowboys)
Erica (from Hooter’s)
Jess (from Hooter’s)
Carrie (from Cowboys)
Brandi (from Lavish Photography, and formerly from The Barn)
April (The Barn)
Carrie (The Barn)
Dracy (The Barn)
Michelle W (The Barn)
Lisa (The Barn)
Erica (The Barn)
Krissi (The Barn)
Liz (The Barn)
John (The Barn)
Crystal (The Barn)
One Bartender from Rodeo’s in Mount Dora
And if any of her other previous co workers would like to join us we would still love to have you!
See you all there, come help us support Michelle!
Tomorrow night, there will be a silent auction. Local firemen will be auctioned off for dinner. So will Eric. Ladies only. Anyone willing to help out, please do. On Saturday, Dec. 10, a big benefit will also be held all day and night. I may try to attend for a few hours. I wish I could do more because this is eating away at me, too. I never met her, but she’s my neighbor and yours, because this happens every single day somewhere around the world, including your own back yard. Now, I do feel like I know her better. Look at all the countless hearts she’s touched.
Watch the Today Show for more on Michelle. Tim Miller from Texas EquuSearch arrived in Orlando today at the behest of Mark NeJame, who is representing Dale Smith.
Dave Knechel | tagged Dale Smith, Eric Thims, Lauren Erickson, Michelle Parker, Missing, Orlando Police Department, Sanford, The Barn, The People's Court, Today Show, Yvonne Stewart | in Dave Knechel, David B. Knechel, David Knechel, John Morgan, Marinade Dave, Marinade Dave Knechel, Mark NeJame, Morgan & Morgan, TES, TexasEquuSearch, Tim Miller, marinadedave | Share Article 
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Reader Comments (48)
Dave thank you so much for covering this and this provides a behind the scenes look we have never had A BIG THANK YOU and please continue to cover.
You are very welcome, Crystal, and thank you. I will now go back to work. But tonight, I must go to bed. Doctor appointment at 8!
Dave ~~It is like Christmas has come early this year seeing one of your posts. It makes it so very real and personal when you go out of your way to bring us pictures and description of The Barn and your conversation with Eric, the owner. I can't recall every seeing a host of bars that big. I am so sorry it has taken on such a sad atmosphere. Michelle was/is a beautiful woman from all accounts.
I started to follow this case a week ago and amassed a lot of the news clips and videos. My post did not attract hardly any traffic but I am sure yours will. I see that your friend, Mark NeJame is representing Dale Smith and Morgan & Morgan is counsel for the Parkers. Matt Morgan was in court yesterday with the Parkers when they had the custody hearing. The judge ruled in Dale's favor so he has the twins back now.
I get timed out in here so will write a bit more later.... thank you for a terrific article...you do have a magic touch.
Hi, Snoopy - I'm somewhat late responding to you and everyone else, and I'm sorry for that.
I hadn't been covering a criminal case since the Anthony affair, so your vote of confidence is really appreciated. It's nice to know I haven't lost my flair for writing. Eric sent me an e-mail after he found the post, and he was very happy with it. Yes, The Barn is big and I have no idea how many people it could hold, but it would be a lot! I think it's very interesting who is recognizing who in this case. At this point, I don't want to take sides other than to say I am very much on Michelle's side and she needs to be found. Justice must come regardless of who is the guilty party.
I do know you were following this one before I did with this post. I had no idea it would be like this, now two weeks later. I will continue covering it, especially after meeting Eric. This is not a good thing and it saddens me. In any event, thank you for saying I have a magic touch. If I do, I sure want to do anything I can to help and I will. All information you can provide is much appreciated, too.
Dave~ ~ I hope this will work for me as I have trouble pasting a link...
Video of Mark NeJames defending Dale Smith....
Mark NeJame defends Dale Smith
Dave, you've shared a piece of your heart along with a story that bears repeating. I am saddened to hear of any young woman who goes missing, having a 21 year old daughter. This is worthy of a greater investigation, and I am hopeful that your blog gets broader attention. I pray Central Florida doesn't suffer another blow after Casey Anthony - it isn't good for the people or the economy. And mostly, it isn't good for the family of those who disappear. There are parents and friends and loved ones whose lives have been turned upside down because of a fool. Let's bring it home, hopefully let's bring them home, and fast!
Hi, Dennis - One aspect of the Anthony case was the circus that surrounded it. There wasn't a day that went by where something couldn't be written. I have no idea how many articles I wrote in all, but it waswell into the hundreds. This case is rather different. Thank God there's no missing toddler, but instead, the mother of twin toddlers and an 11-year-old boy. I won't be able to write with the same kind of veracity as what the Anthonys brought to the table because of the nature of it. What we have is a missing person and a strong suspect in her disappearance. No circus mentality. I will cover this one when I can. By that, I mean there's nothing to write on a daily basis until some Michelle is found and a person is charged. Whatever details I can dig up, I will write about. After talking to someone very near and dear to her, I feel their pain. Whatever I can do to help, I will. This is such a sad case. No one deserves this.
Thanks for writing. I really appreciate it. It's great to hear from someone I know from my own hometown.
So good hearing from you! And Snoopy was here too! Gosh, it brings back memories. Would LOVE for you to start another blog! Hope you will consider it!
I am following the Sky Metawaula case now. So sad.
.
Hi, Mary B. - And it's good hearing from you, too! I will continue writing about this case with the same fervor as the Anthony saga, as long as there is something to write about. Trust me, I wish there wasn't. I also have a couple of articles to write that deal with the post-Anthony mess, so now, I will continue to pick up steam by writing more often.
Thank you for letting me know how you feel. I am not familiar with the Sky Metawaula case at all. I will have to take a peek.
Dave, thanks for doing this story and for providing us pictures of where she worked. It is nice to be able to picture different places. I am sure that her boss and her family appreciate your doing this story and for getting her name and picture out there. I hope they are able to raise a large amount of money to help the family. I can't imagine what it must feel like to have a family member or close friend disappear like this. Mr. Thims seems like a really nice guy and boss. I hope they are able to find her soon and bring her home.
It is nice to see you writing again!
Hi, Mary Jo! All the while I was covering the Anthony case, I did my best to bring readers into the story by writing about things the media would leave out. I shot videos so everyone would get a much better idea about what this area is like. With Michelle, it's the same thing. If you can see where she worked and played, and I could talk to the people involved, then you would see a clearer picture. The more you know, the better you can formulate your own opinions considering this case.
My job is to also get the word out. I will do anything I can to help resolve Michelle's case. After talking to her boss, I am genuinely touched. Yes, he is a nice guy and boss.
Thanks! It is nice to be writing again.
Dave~~I want to share with you and your readers some of the information that is out there. The following is not meant to point fingers but to familarize us with some of the players in this case of Missing Michelle.
Michelle Parker: Missing Mom's Fiance Has Domestic Battery Conviction
The ex-fiance of a woman who disappeared after appearing on "The Peoples' Court" was booted out of the Marines after being charged with domestic battery and friends say he would abandon his girlfriend in out of the way places.
The missing woman, Michelle Parker, had a set of twins and a tumultuous relationship with ex-fiance Dale Smith. She was last seen dropping off the twins at Smith's house.
At the time she vanished last Thursday, however, she was excited about a man she had been dating, her friend Angela Launer told ABCNews.com.
"I know he hurt her many times—dropped her off in areas with no shoes. Took off and left her in Georgia by herself," Launer said in an emotional interview marked by tears and sobs.
Launer, 34, described the relationship that played out on national television as "rocky" and "tense."
"He hurt my best friend," she said. "I didn't like him because he made her cry. No one should ever be treated that way."
This week, it was revealed that Parker sought a restraining order from Smith in 2009, but was denied for lack of evidence
Read More Here at Source
Believe me, Snoopy, anything you have to offer, no matter what you find, is greatly appreciated by me and everyone else. Thank you, and please keep it coming.
Dale Smith knocked down a cameraman outside of the courthouse at the custody hearing. The cameraman sustained minor injuries and said he was going to visit his doctor and then will decide if he will lay charges against Smith. Family Services is watching this scenario play out very closely.
Video here
So good to see you back. I love reading your posts. You should have become a journalist alot earlier. You are so good at it. The story about Michelle is so heart-breaking. I just hope they can find her or at least get some answers for the family. We will pray for her children and family. Have a great Christmas Dave and a Happy New Year. This year sure did fly by.
Hi, Cindy! Trust me, I wish I would have started writing a long time ago. Well, I did, sort of, but not about issues in the news regarding criminal activity. Oh, I wrote an occasional story on current events, but mostly it had to do with human interest stories and humor.
Yes, this story about Michelle is very heartbreaking. The only thing I can say about it now is that the longer I have to write, the longer Michelle's case will remain unresolved. In my heart, it would end happily today. That is my greatest wish.
I will have a great Christmas, and I hope you do, too, along with a very happy new year. This year sure did fly by. I notice that the older I get. Thank you very much.
I have real hopes that LE knows exactly what's up and probably have a lot more cards in their hands than presently being shown.
This People's Court appearance was the second one for him, it came out in the NG show. Well, he's getting attention now....
Hi, Karen! One thing about this case is that it's being investigated by the Orlando police department instead of OCSO, although the longer it remains unsolved, the more we will see agencies join in, like the Metro bureau of Investigation, the FBI, and, of course, OCSO. Now, I can see the Sanford Police Department and the Seminole County Sheriff's Office included.
I had no idea Smith was on The People's Court more than once. That's very interesting. Thanks for letting me know, and if there's anything else you wish to add, please do so. I'm open to everything.
Although the search will continue for Michelle in this ongoing investigation, the Command Center is closing and possibly being moved to a new location. Tim Miller is heading back to Texas after being in Orlando less than 24 hours. You can see a Video and Read more ...
Here at WESH
This is indeed a sad story and another blemish on the Orlando area...I can't imagine what the community there is ha going through...I thank you Dave for wanting to help in any way you can...Youve been a big influence in your "neighborhood" and I'm certain you will continue to care for your community and keep this story fresh...I hope it doesn't turn into another "Duckett" tragedy, though I don't think Michelle is still around the area...Somebody somewhere knows something about this...It will just take a while to get to the bottom of it...By the way, do you think the similar resemblance to Casey might have led to foul play??? One never knows, with all the kooks out there..
It's good to see you back in the saddle again, pardner...Don't over do...
Hi, Estee! Yes, this is another sad story from the Orlando area. Of course, it doesn't help that Orlando has been in the spotlight since the Anthony story unfolded.
Thank you for recognizing me as an influence in the community. I want to help in any way I can and there's no self-aggrandizing reason behind it. My only interest is for the safe return of Michelle, although the light is fading more each day. In my opinion, there has to be a second person involved because her Hummer was moved to an area far from where she was last seen. Whoever moved it did not just walk away and take a bus or cab to return to their original location. I don't know what all OPD knows, but as long as it's an open investigation, it's exempt from the open government law that gave us an abundance of info in the Anthony case. Perhaps, someone came forward who saw the vehicle in transit. I don't know, but I sure hope they know more than they are saying.
There are plenty of kooks out there, that's for sure, but I don't think the Anthony case and this one have anything in common other than both being in the central Florida area. Besides, in my opinion, Michelle is much prettier and she was, by all accounts, a wonderful and loving mother - the exact opposite of you know who.
You know, it's good to be back in the saddle, but I wish it were for something more positive. These cases are never a good thing, but I will continue as long as I can. I think it's evident that I am more of a local writer than anywhere else. Here, I can really immerse myself by talking to the people involved and going to the locations. No, I will not overdo it. One of my doctors told me it can take six weeks to recover from surgery. It's only been a little over two weeks since I had mine.
The search for missing Orlando mom Michelle Parker has moved to a retention pond off Rose Boulevard, where her ex-fiance's father lives. The Orange County Sheriff's Office Dive Team arrived around noon Friday.
Search moves to retention pond
Typical of Dave, he touches the inner core with his posts, really brought Michelle closer to my heart. a story can be a story and a good one but when written by you Dave, there is something special left with us that makes us ache for those who have met harm and are lost to their families. You bring those close to the victim near to us too, where we can feel what they feel. It's all because you yourself are so touched by the anguish of others. Hope you are feeling good and nice to see you back on paper.
Hi, New Puppy... I think you know me! For sure, I could feel the anguish and fear in Eric's voice, and I try to reflect that in my writing. Certainly, he became highly instrumental in my decision to pick up this case. Interestingly, my Anthony coverage began the same way. I was just going down to Jay Blanchard Park to take pictures of Leonard Padilla and the dive team. I had an opportunity to chat with everyone and not just to take pictures. The same thing here. Had the owner of The Barn not been there at the precise time as my arrival, I may not have had the opportunity to write anything beyond what was on the news. So, here I am, and once again, it's not good news to report. I hope and pray this ends on a much happier note, but it's looking slimmer and slimmer with each passing day. Thank you for addressing what you think about my writing style. I do try to include the raw emotions, and it reflects my feelings about everything, too. I do care and I'm glad it shows. I am feeling better, and it's nice to be writing again.
Good post Dave. Seems like Smith might be a good match for Casey. That just keeps popping in my head.
Thank you, Newbie! It's great to see you. Yes indeed, Smith and you know who would have made a perfect couple. Wouldn't it be ironic if it's discovered that, in real life, they knew each other. What a notion! I can definitely see why it pops in your head.
This is such an important and good thing you've done Dave. It's touching to read of what the Bar owner is doing also. This case is even getting media attention over here so I'm hopeful everything that can possibly be done is being done. Even you writing the way you have about Michelle in present tense whilst she is missing is to be commended. It is very hurtful for the families of missing loved ones to hear of their loved one referred to as if they are already gone, or on the opposite end of the spectrum, to be treated with complacency as if the person has simply run off and will be back. When our Michelle went missing it was 24 hours before the police could act (as per our laws and procedures) and I will never forget the incredulous reaction from my boss at the time, as if I was over dramatising her disappearance and she was probably a wayward teen who'd run away. I wanted and needed to be out searching for her, to try to minimalise the helplessness I was experiencing. It's incredibly difficult to leave something so important in the hands of the authorities and get through the day without doing something proactive. In hindsight or if I was ever faced with that situation again then I would quit my job if I had to. It haunted me for years afterwards that Michelles body lay out there for days before being found. Time hampered the forensics and determining the actual cause of death. Justice is also a very important facet of the healing process so I hope that this case is resolved swiftly and effectively. And I'm especially glad you are writing about it because I know it will be written about factually, sensitively and fairly. You are a good man Dave.
Hi, Tiffany - I think it's important, too. I'm glad I was afforded the opportunity to meet and speak with the bar owner because he really conveyed how much Michelle is loved by all who know her. I am surprised that it is etting media attention where you live. I guess that being in the same town that begat the Anthony mess had something to do with it. Two pretty, young women at opposite ends of the spectrum. Both with highly unlikeable suspects. Both where someone went missing. You know, I made an effort to write about Michelle in the present tense. I know the odds are not looking in her favor, but I will remain optimistic until I know otherwise. In this case, past tense limits the outcome to one thing and that's too depressing at the moment.
I was unaware of your Michelle and I'm VERY sorry for you and your family. I think the 24-hour rule applies almost everywhere. It's the same here and, yes, that is extremely frustrating for the families of the missing. You must have been in agony and I cannot begin to fathom the anguish and pain you were feeling at the time, not to mention the helplessness and the frustration of the initial lack of concern by law enforcement. I am truly sorry.
It's a real shame that by the time your Michelle was found, the forensic evidence had diminished. That's what happened with Caylee. Had she been found earlier, her mother would have been convicted. I'll bet it left you haunted for years, and it's something that, while time may help fade the tears, it's something that will forever be a part of you. I hope you got the justice you so much needed. I hope this Michelle gets hers, as well. That does help with the healing process.
Thank you for writing about this. It took courage to open up about it. Yes, I will write about her with dignity and respect,and as you wrote, factually, sensitively and fairly. Thank you for saying I am a good man. That makes me feel very good. Please know that, from everything you've written, you are a wonderful person and a loving mother. I'm very proud to know you.
Good Post and good to hear from you again....Missed reading your blog.
Thank you, katydid, and it's just as good to hear from you again. Hopefully, my posts will be more frequent from now on and you won't have to miss me again. I hope, anyway.
One more interesting thing. Dale Smith’s 2nd wife died of a “brain injury.”
Here’s the Obit: SHANNON KATHLEEN COLLINS-SMITH, 26, Rose Boulevard, Orlando, died Tuesday, April 10, of a brain injury. Mrs. Collins-Smith was a personal trainer at the Orlando Regional Wellness Center. Born in Springfield, Mass., she moved to Central Florida in 2000. She was Roman Catholic. Survivors: husband, Dale Smith; parents, John, Diane, both of Winnabow, N.C.; brothers, Jeffrey, Matthews, both of Wilmington, N.C.; grandfather, Dante Ferioli, Boiling Spring Lakes, N.C. A Community Home and Cremation Service-Pine Castle Chapel, Orlando.
Source
In the days since Parker vanished, Smith's troublesome past has been highlighted in the media. He was involved in a group fight in downtown Orlando that left one man dead. He spent time in prison after he was court-martialed and dishonorably discharged from the U.S. Marine Corps. Parker filed a petition for a domestic-violence injunction against him.
Read the entire article and watch a short video...
Here at Orlando Sentinel
Snoopy-
Parker was in the pokey when she died. The other event is way more worrying....
Tiffany-
Somehow I have managed to not be aware of what happened to your daughter, and the fact that you of all people have a special insight to what Michelle's mother has been going through. I didn't "put it together", if you have shared any of this before with us here. I'm a parent and I can't even imagine. I know that that's what keeps Tim Miller going, the fact his own daughter had been Out There and he felt if enough people had been involved she would've been found earlier.
Thank You for keeping Michelles name out in public. I hope and pray she is brought home soon.
My pleasure, samian, although it's never really a pleasure to ever have to report on something like this. Thanks for commenting. Believe me, I wish as much as you that she will be brought home soon. Alive.
Karen C~~I think you meant Smith was in jail at the time of his wife's accident. I noticed that too. I never came across the year of her death, just the day and month. I noticed the obit is very plain and brief with no embellishing. Hopefully I can figure out some of these dates when he was booted out of the marines etc. I think our boy Dale cannot control his temper as was displayed when he shouldered the cameraman and knocked him to the ground.
Tiffany(Australia)~~I also did not know about your daughter. I am so so sorry. My heart goes out to you as I cannot fathom the pain you have suffered. Hugs my dear friend.
I'm so sorry everyone, I should have been clearer. I referred to Michelle as Our Michelle so as not to cause confusion between her and Michelle Parker. Not to infer that she was my daughter. My daughter is thankfully alive and well. Michelle was like my other little sister, same age as my biological sister and she became an honorary member of our family from age 5. We all adored her. I don't remember a family holiday or occasion of significance she wasn't with us. Or any day actually, lol, she was always with us. She disappeared after attending a friend's birthday party. Her rape / murder remains unsolved until hopefully some advancements in DNA someday. 4 long days she was missing. It felt like 4 years. To say I was frantic during that time is a massive understatement. I could barely function. That's why I don't understand Casey Anthony's behavior
after Caylee went missing. No one that loved our Michelle went out and partied, nor played up to
the cameras. It was certainly the last thing I felt like doing. I didn't know about Tim Miller. That's so sad. What a wonderful thing he does though for others as a result of his own tragedy.
Thank you, I am doing much better these days, I'm fortunate to have my own beautiful children to think about now and the coroner's inquest that marked the 10th anniversary of Michelle's murder left me with renewed hope that someday justice will be done. Meantime I am keeping Michelle Parker's family in my prayers, hopefully there'll be a resolution for them soon.
No problem, Tiffany. It was just a minor misunderstanding and it wasn't as if you were trying to mislead anyone. I must admit, I was a bit puzzled, but no harm done. Thank you for coming back in to straighten everything out. Believe me, there's been plenty of untrue stories floating around the Internet lately, and yours is not one of them. You are a very upstanding and honest person, and I know that for a fact!
Dale Smith and Michelle Parker appeared on Family Court. It was taped back in June and was aired on the day Michelle went missing. For those of you who never watched the program, I will put the links in here for the entire show..
Peoples Court-Part One
Part Two
Part Three
To Mary B~ ~ Mary, I have been following the Sky Metalwala case and keeping it updated at my blog. The investigators are still working on the case but I am afraid to say that it looks like it may become a cold case. With a mother who is lawyered up, refusing to take a polygraph and Sky's whereabouts still unknown, things are not proceeding as we had hope for. You can go here to read the latest.
Sky Metalwala
Yes, name confusion, Snoops! I've been dealing with a boatload of family issues of my own, that I guess aren't all that bad actually but have my head spinning nonetheless!
Karen C~~I understand completely, honey. Here is a big hug all the way from Canada. xo
Cheers for the Post an tour of her place of employment..Dave its so sad that the Twins an her eleven year old son and her Family an loved ones have to deal with this .....I cant see a happy ending to this mystery unfourtuanately Hope Im wrong........
I sure hope you're wrong, too, ecossie, but it's not looking very good right now, sad to say. Thanks for reading and commenting, though. Here, we've got young twins desperately missing their mommy, and an 11-year-old who spends his days crying out for his mother. I feel so bad about the whole thing, and it's breaking my heart. I wish I could do something more, but there's nothing to ease that pain.
Hi Dave and others, I worked in a restaurant with piano bar attached for 8 years. We all worked hard and cared about each other even harder. It seems in that type of business people become very close and stay close. I feel for all of Michele's friends. I know they will never give up looking and watching that ex-boyfriend. It is so sad.
Just thought... Is it possible with how the Ca Ca case turned out it has led to the idea that people can get away with murder by keeping the body hid and not talking?
Hi, cali patti - I spent a good part of my life in the restaurant business and we were close. Bars, I think, can be more so because you have to look out for yourselves, especially women. Men are constantly hitting on them. The Barn is devastated. I'd bet the farm they are pointing all of their fingers at the ex-fiance.
As for getting away with murder on account of Ca Ca? I don't think so. Every case is different, and so are the motives. Anyone who's willing to kill will do so regardless of and exclusive of any other murder unless, of course, it's a copycat murderer. In this case, it's not, but still, it takes a different breed of person to kill. I couldn't do it. Also, anyone willing to do that is going to do whatever it takes to get away with the murder, and that includes hiding the body if necessary.
Orlando, Florida-Deputies started out the day searching for Michelle Parker in a canal off John Young Parkway and Oakridge Road.
"No one should be missing a member of their family. I feel like helping as much as I can." Even though the family took the weekend off to rest, volunteers like Dylan Dunlap showed up at the Barn, the site of the future command center in Seminole County, "Its been tiring but I’m gonna keep going till we find something."
"It hit home to us, the day that it was announced." Tonight support will be pouring in at Cooter Browns.
The command center will be set up at The Barn by Monday and I will take a ride up there. If there's anything I can do to help, I will.
When Equusearch President Tim Miller stepped off a plane in Orlando this past Thursday to assist with the Michelle Parker case, he was slapped with a subpoena to appear for a deposition in the Equusearch civil case
Tim Miller gets a subpoena
Poor guy. This is one lawsuit I hope the plaintiff wins. Thanks for the info and link, Snoopy.
I'm back Dave, teasing. The comment about the relationship between ca ca and recent murders, your correct the reasons are numerous and unrelated to her case. What I see is how once the murder has happened or the person goes mising, the suspects after initial statement go silent. It seems to me people have learned to be silent. I could be wrong but It seems in the past many persons of interest talked & talked trying to prove their innocence. To me it appears like they all go silent now. I could be wrong.
ps... can't see screen well today, excuse typos
It's about time, cali patti! Yup, there's no correlation between Anthony and this one. While the M.O. of murderers can be strikingly similar, they are not the same. One has nothing to do with the other. John F. and Robert Kennedy were both shot to death. Similar? Yes, but the two killers had nothing to do with one another. Oswald and Sirhan didn't know each other. As for silence, I've yet to find a killer who would come right out and chat his way into an open confession. Coincidence? No, it's common sense. Of course they keep their mouths shut. Anyway, thank you. You're correct, and it's great seeing you, but, SHHHHH... let's keep that quiet.
Father of missing woman Michelle Parker suspects her ex-fiance Dale Smith Jr.
SANFORD, Florida (WKMG) - The father of Michelle Parker, a mother of three missing for more than two weeks, suspects her ex-fiancé has something to do with her disappearance.
"And, this goes to Dale. You're number one. You can't run and you can't hide. And, we're coming after you," said Brad Parker, Michelle's father, referring to Dale Smith, Jr.
"I know he did it. We just gotta prove it," he added.
The Orlando Police Department last week officially named Smith, 40, as a suspect in Parker's disappearance.
Read more here at ....
Source
I hope I have an opportunity to ssit down and talk with him.
Mom of suspect in Michelle Parker case questioned
Local attorney Richard Hornsby told News 13 he accompanied Dale's mother Tamara Smith and advised her. He said she answered any and all questions and continues to cooperate with law enforcement. He said she is concerned for her grandchildren, her son and wants Parker found
Read More Here
Dave~~Nate Mitchell, Michelle's new boyfriend said she texted him after she dropped the twins off at Dale's.
He's the man who says he recently started dating the girl of his dreams.
“She's a gorgeous girl, her personality, she's funny, she's a blast to be around, you can see the support with everybody that comes out, everybody loves Michelle,” said Mitchell.
He was in contact with her Thursday after she dropped off her twin 3-year-olds at her ex-fiancé's home.
“Around 3:15, she texted me a song came on the radio and I was thinking about you, then I replied back with a smiley face and a heart,” said Mitchell, adding that when he texted her later, he got no response.
Source-Read More
Michelle Parker's cell phone found
OPD: Parker's Phone In 'Remarkably Good' Condition
Police released a photo of the iPhone after it had been recovered. Police will not say when or where the phone was found.
Orlando police are doing forensic testing on the cellphone in hopes of finding more clues in the case.
Police say Parker's family identified the phone as hers. In addition, they confirmed the match using the phone's serial number
Read more here and watch video....
WESH
Thanks for the info and link, Snoopy. I'm using my funky backup computer for now, so I'm not always online. In other words, I could use your help until I'm back in shape.
Dave~~your wish is my command, sir!
Reality set in for Yvonne Stewart, mother of Michelle Parker, when her daughter's cell phone was found. Here are some excerpts from the write up at Orlando Sentinel...
It's become a lot more real to me that someone has done something terrible to my child," Stewart said during a short, emotional statement. "I cannot even begin to tell you how much pain my heart is in today. I want to find my daughter."
Until then, Stewart had remained outwardly hopeful and positive that her 33-year-old daughter would be found alive.
A law-enforcement source told the Orlando Sentinel Thursday that the phone was found in water under a bridge that crosses over Lake Conway. It's not clear when divers located the phone, but a technology expert said the discovery could be a "treasure trove" of information for investigators.
Orlando police said the phone was in "remarkably good condition" and several photos were retrieved during a forensic examination.
The location where the cell phone was found is about half-way between Smith's condominium and the nine-mile route to his parent's home. Police have not charged Smith
Read more here at...
Source
Dave~~if you scroll down the page of the link I just provided, there is a video of Yvonne Stewart. On that same video it shows the bridge at Belle Isle. It is said that divers found the cell phone under that bridge.
Interesting that it turned out to be the wrong bridge.
I saw that video, Snoopy. How sad. It looks like I have a new place to go look at, unfortunately.
Dave~ ~here is Bob Kealing out at the Belle Isle bridge where they found the phone... Stop the video at 1:14- very interesting!
WESH
Snoopy - I set up some maps in Photoshop and Illustrator. I will post them, and then, I may take a ride down to the areas in question. Thanks for that link to Bob's video. I want to see it now.
I am interested if the dogs have been brought in since she did leave the twins off, or that was where she was headed why dogs can not give some direction as to which direction she went from and particularly what they may determine from the car she was driving which direction would they indicate after she left her car or was taken from it. Maybe I don't understand what dogs can do other than follow scent, that's the point. I haven't thought someone has to be deceased for them to do that. Would be nice at least once in awhile that more of the missing would just walk in somewhere, alive!
Dave, I am wondering if the very same LE personalities that worked the Anthony case are working this one. Do you know?
Hi, New Puppy! My guess would be that once she got into a vehicle, the scent would end in the spot where it was parked. I don't think dogs can smell inside a vehicle with closed doors and windows, but I could be wrong. The victim need not be dead, though. Dogs can distinguish between Michelle's scent and, let's say, Dale's, when neither one was, or is, dead.
On the LE personnel, that's an excellent question! No, for the most part, the investigators are different. OCSO handled the Anthony case and this one is going through OPD, the Orlando Police Department, but that's not to say there won't be any overlapping between the two agencies, because there will. So far, OPD is handling all of the media questions, so that says who is in charge. Thanks for asking, by the way. I like to be able to answer whenever I can. In other words, I like questions.
Oh yes, one more thing... Since Orlando also falls within the same jurisdiction - the Ninth District - we may see some of the same State Attorneys if anyone is ever prosecuted.
ETA:
Maybe the 'tip' police were given about the phones location came out during the interviews with Smiths parents?
Parker's family visits with twins