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    « Snakes and Rats and Spiders, Oh My! | Main | A Crowning Achievement »
    Monday
    Dec192011

    Cautious Observations

    I drove down to Carter Glen Condominiums and Townhomes late Saturday afternoon to poke around Dale Smith II’s neighborhood. When I put his address into my iPad 2 TeleNav GPS Plus app, it only directed me to the entrance of the development. While I had no problem gaining entry, I had no idea where to find his building, so I drove around. Fortunately, I did know the number and it didn’t take long to single it out.

    Of utmost importance to me is to remind everyone that, while Smith is OPD’s only suspect in the disappearance of his ex-fiancée, Michelle Parker, he is innocent until (or if) a jury finds him guilty of a crime. Also, I cannot forget George and Cindy Anthony in one sense because, like Smith, they declined to take a polygraph test, and it really caused great consternation and suspicion. A lot of people decided right then and there that they were somehow involved in the murder of their granddaughter and of helping to dispose of the body, none of which turned out to be true. To this day, some still believe it. When people begin to argue with me, and they can be quite adamant and boisterous, I tell them to call law enforcement and the State Attorney’s Office to fight. Tell them they got it all wrong. Include Jeff Ashton please, because he exonerated them, too, in his book, Imperfect Justice. In Smith’s case, I’m not going to proclaim him innocent of anything, but since he is the only suspect, I want to look into whether he could be capable of being involved in Michelle Parker’s disappearance. Wherever it leads, my job at this point is not to be opinionated to any extreme; it is to present the facts for your consideration.

    First, here are two overhead views of Carter Glen, Phase 2, where Smith resides. In the close-up shot, you can clearly make out his white van sitting in the driveway.

    CLICK ANY IMAGE TO ENLARGE

    It wasn’t until I was ready to leave that I noticed a camera mounted near the entrance gate. I did not see one for exiting the complex. If the Orlando Police Department has a copy of the video showing Michelle pulling into the drive and putting in a code, or if she used an electronic gate opener, that would help to establish when she actually arrived.

    While shooting the above pictures, I spoke with a man who had been walking nearby. I asked him if he was familiar with the case and he said he was, but not all that much. I was curious about the buildings. It was my understanding that the complex was made up of condos and townhouses. Were there any apartments? No, he replied. The two ends, on either side, are town homes with 2 levels. They have a single car garage. The middle two are condos and they share a two car garage. When I asked him what he thought happened to Michelle, he didn’t really have a clue.

    Moments earlier, when I was in front of Dale’s building, there wasn’t much activity, but some children were playing in the driveway of the next building, to the left of his. I wasn’t about to confront them. Driving around, I did observe other people milling about, but for a Saturday afternoon, it was rather quiet. I was trying to see if it would be easy to commit the sort of crime Dale is suspected of, and to be able to escape unnoticed. On the surface, no, it couldn’t be done, but there were other factors at play. For one thing, he lives in a townhome and he has a two car garage, not a single. Secondly, the neighbor directly next to him has a security camera mounted on the small balcony that overlooks the driveway and street. Surely, Dale must have been aware of that camera on the afternoon Michelle dropped off her twins.

    The next image is a still taken from the video shot by the neighbor’s security camera. You can see Michelle’s Hummer as it arrives at 3:18 PM on November 17, the time she was last seen by anyone other than Dale. The photo below that depicts the back of her Hummer with the GLOW decals in place. I took that photo where the vehicle was found abandoned, the next day. The last still shows a Hummer driving in the direction of the exit. It also shows the neighbor’s car in his/her respective driveway. The car has a spoiler that helps identify it. There are a few other observations I’ve made…

    There is no GLOW decal or any other decal on the exiting Hummer. This is the only inconsistency reported by media, and it directly implicates Dale. However, I observed two more things that may help Dale. Or maybe not. Please understand, my only job is to find facts, and nothing more.

    In the first still, the van is not parked on the street. Where was it? In the driveway? In the second still, the van is parked along the street. Why? Where did Michelle park when she arrived? Why was the van moved at all?

    You can speculate all you want about it. You can assume that the Hummer was moved into the garage and the door was shut behind it in order to strip it of anything that directly links it to Michelle, but does anyone really know for sure?

    Take a close look at the Hummer as it drives away. Do you notice anything other than the missing decals? How about the spare tire cover, as seen in the photo of fliers attached to the tree as a reference. This Hummer has no cover. Why? Was it removed, too, along with the decals? Or was it an altogether different vehicle?

    Clearly, OPD has information we are not privy to. How many people living in Carter Glen own a black Hummer? Or are there visitors? How many black Hummers drove into the complex that day? If it’s not Michelle’s, it had to come from one of the buildings abutting the woods on the west side of the development because there’s no other reason why it would be driven past Dale’s, who lives on a corner lot. Assuming it is Michelle’s, 4:40 PM is a far cry from the time Dale gave police - that he and Michelle both left ten minutes after she arrived, around 3:30. It also negates his statement that he was at his parent’s house at 4:30. From the still, we can’t read the license plate. Most security cameras are not that good. Could law enforcement technicians use software to enhance the tag? All I know is that Dale could not drive the Hummer out of the complex alone. In order to dump it on the other side of town, over 12 miles away someone had to pick him up. Or someone else did it. He had no idea his home would be raided, so why wouldn’t he have driven it off the premises after darkness fell, knowing full well that his neighbor had a security camera that would capture it during the day?

    When I left, and since I was down in the area of Suburban Drive, I took a ride over there, and I’m glad I did. That should be my next post. Meanwhile, let’s not jump to any conclusions. Not yet, anyway. Refusing to take a polygraph test is not an admission of guilt. Ask the state of Florida about George and Cindy’s involvement in Caylee’s death. As far as any other evidence that surfaces regarding this case, most definitely, have at it.

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    Reader Comments (23)

    Dave, this is what you inspire us with, your interest is true and directed justly. I am going to read this again and again because it is intriguing and with interesting facts but I am not so detective oriented as to forget that a young mother is missing and probably murdered, and like you, there are always details that can not just be assumed, even though every trail leads to one person, they will have to be proven. I do have one remark, perhaps you can explain, in several instances you and others write the comment "Dale" having been the last one to have seen her before she went missing." This, to me implicates him alone. This plays a great part in the public's opinion and leads me to believe that Dale has to be the only one responsible, yet, IF someone else did abduct and murder her, that person is the last one to have seen her alive.

    Hi, New Puppy - You are right about that! My interest is real and true, and the only thing I want is justice, whoever is responsible for Michelle's disappearance and the probable (or inevitable) outcome. There are lots of details I try to pay attention to. Take, for instance, the van parked on the side of the road. If it's not parked, the driver was allowing the Hummer driver to take the lead. How do I know? Because the Hummer is in the middle lane. It had to drive around the van. That can only mean the van was parked or it was waiting to be passed by the Hummer. The arriving time stamp is correct, and that validates the departing time. Therefore, if it is, in fact, Michelle's vehicle, then Dale did not leave earlier. He did not arrive at his parent's house at 4:30 as he stated. In all honesty, he may have been in another car, but that doesn't explain why the van was not on the street when Michelle arrived with the twins and it was there later.

    As for Dale being the last person to see Michelle alive, technically, that is only because he admitted seeing her before she disappeared and no one else has come forward to say they saw her in a store, on the road, or anywhere else, for that matter. That means, whether responsible or not, he was the last person to see her unless LE finds someone else. I doubt if anyone like that would volunteer the information, though.

    December 19, 2011 | Registered CommenterNew Puppy

    Dave~~that is some great investigative work. I had to reread and look closely at those pics to get my bearings. Okay, it shows Michelle's Hummer approaching Dale's. It looks like the wheels are starting to make a left turn into Dale's driveway.

    I have a question...did the neighbor's camera pick up Michelle leaving in her Hummer and Dale following close behind in the time slot Dale told LE? What was it approx 10 minutes give or take after her arrival at 3:18pm?

    We see a Hummer leave at 4:40pm. Hmmm, was that Michelle's vehicle? It would be no problem ripping a spare tire cover off after the decals were stripped. If that was the case, maybe they were discarded along with the body.

    Yes, it is possible that Dale may have driven that vehicle to it's destination and, 'yes' someone may have given him a lift back home. A call to his parents to pick him up where the Hummer was ditched. Let's hope somewhere there will be cell phone pings to shed some light on this.

    I am not directly accusing anyone. This is all speculation on my part and judging by the evidence I read and looked at here today.

    BTW, is there the only one entrance and exit to Carter Glen and that is via that gate??

    Hi, Snoopy - I sure did take my time analyzing all of what was before me, and I had to validate it in my own mind. Take a look at the two still images. Study them carefully because the one showing Michelle approaching was still in front of the neighbor's building. Look at the "squarish" patch of grass that separates the two properties. The nearest driveway is the one at the far left side of Dale's building, and as drivers ready themselves to make sharp turns, they swerve ouward first. I'm saying that under the assumption she pulled into the driveway so her little twins did not have to cross the street. If she parked the Hummer on the curb against traffic, she would have exited and gone around via another street, turning left or right. Either one. Personally, I feel she pulled into the driveway, but I have no proof.

    I see a potential problem with the missing spare tire cover. Why was it removed? To throw LE off because Dale knew about the neighbor's camera? I don't get one part of because it makes no sense. If that's what Dale had done, why expose the vehicle at all? Why not go out the other way? Why not wait until dark? In truth, we do not know what, if anything, his neighbors have told LE. Yes, they were all questioned. If the Hummer drove into the garage or it was moved there within a short time, that would help implicate him more than what we, on the surface, have to go with, which isn't much at all.

    When I drove down Goldenrod, I only saw one entrance/exit. There is another one north of the one I went through, but it could be closed. I didn't see one, but then again, my GPS never pointed another one out. Phase 3 is still under construction, as the overhead image shows.

    December 19, 2011 | Registered CommenterSnoopySleuth

    It is also my belief that anyone who refuses to take a polygraph has something to hide. Dave, before you come back at me with a vengence, I know polys are not admissable evidence in a court of law and are not 100% accurate. So why be afraid to take a poly? Lots of innocent people do not pass those tests but that does not make them guilty. You cannot be charged with a crime for not passing a polygraph test so why not take one?

    Polygraphs are just an aid to help Law Enforcement eliminate some suspects. They are not used to clear suspects completely. Some guilty people can pass those tests. I'll betcha Casey could have because she believed her own lies.

    Why isn't Dale out helping to search? She is the mother of his children. Mark NeJame called Tim Miller on Dale's behalf. Tim returned to Texas....I wonder why??

    Now you can attack me but I will not listen to you. I stand firm in my beliefs. The Snoop

    I am a firm believer in one thing. No highly qualified criminal defense attorney would advise a client to take a polygraph test right away. They would first suggest a private test; one not administered by law enforcement. Most people would fail even if they were 100% innocent because of being nervous. Also, control questions are asked. "Did you ever lie to get out of trouble?" How do you answer that one? If you answer truthfully by saying yes, then you are immediately under suspicion as a self-proclaimed liar. You are, therefore, the kind of person who would commit the kind of crime that is under investigation.

    If law enforcement asked me to come in and take a lie detector test because I was one of many suspects, why would I subject myself to that sort of thing if I were innocent? To prove it? You've got to be kidding me. If anything, it would make me look guilty. No one goes into that sort of thing without being intimidated. Are cops in the business of making you feel relaxed and innocent? Do cops come banging at your door if you're not under suspicion? Hell no! Cops do what cops do, and that is to point fingers. If I was under suspicion and asked to submit to one, I would certainly be nervous and I would call an attorney. That attorney would tell me not to do it. There are lots of good reasons why it's not admitted in court. For that matter, yes, Ca Ca would have passed with flying colors, and what would it have done? Exonerated her? Huh? All evidence still pointed at her. Heck, had she taken it, she would have saved the state a lot of money. She never would have stood trial because it exonerated her, right?

    What if (and this HAS happened) a state polygrapher, after administering the test where the suspect passes, tells the person that he failed? What, you believe those testers are always honest? No, the polygrapher outright lied in an effort to convince him that all hope is lost. It would be a lot easier to confess now and the suspect does just that. If the guy admits to anything at all, even a snippet of involvement or knowledge, the test itself will be inadmissible in court, but his confession will be. You see, even the worst of the worst need legal representation. Look at the Anthony case. The State went after the death penalty. What defendent would agree with that? You need a defense attorney and that's it. Whether you're guilty or not, the less evidence you provide the prosecution, the better off you are. It's the system and it's the way it works. A polygraph is a tool to intimidate and incriminate, not exonerate. Suppose George and Cindy took it and failed? Then what? A public hanging?

    December 19, 2011 | Registered CommenterSnoopySleuth

    Dave, this is an awesome post! I love your writing because you are even to both sides and only report the truth. Your pictures are really good too. The way you write makes us feel like we are right there with you. Is it possible that the tire cover could have been taken off for some reason before she went to Dale's and whoever printed the picture of her Hummer on the poster took it before she removed it? He might have known his neighbor had a camera, but there are some people who do crimes without caring if a camera is around.

    Well, thank you, Mary Jo. This is one of those tricky cases because there are no smoking guns like Dale not reporting Michelle missing for a month. I realize things look bad for Dale, and I'm sure there are very good reasons why he is the only suspect, but I've got to be fair. God knows, the public won't be, and it seems to be the norm now that every time, in every case, the police name a suspect, that person is automatically guilty. Hey! I thought that was something for the court to sort out. I thought we learned our lesson with the Anthonys. Anyway, like the Anthony case, I tried to remain as neutral as possible. Let the reader make their own conclusions. That's not to say there aren't situations where a person is downright guilty and it's a forgone conclusion, but in this situation, I don't quite see it that way. Not yet, anyway, and until I do, he gets the benefit of the doubt.

    I do like your notion that the spare tire cover may have been removed at an earlier date. That is definitely something to consider. Thanks for the idea. As for him committing the crime and ignoring the incriminating factors, such as the camera, if he is as smart as he thinks he is, he wouldn't do it that way. He'd outsmart the law, not hand them evidence on a silver platter, and that's why I think there's more to this story than just him. That's why I'm not quite ready to slam the door shut on him. Not yet, anyway.

    December 19, 2011 | Registered CommenterMary Jo

    I shouldn't but I will. Snoopy generally the fact that someone fails a polygraph riles the guilty in broad public opinion. We, or I'll say most people know one is not admissable in court but still it has a bearing in our minds. I think it is the same, if they don't take one a suspect is thought guilty, if they do take one and fail a suspect is thought guilty. The better thing is if a suspect takes one and passes it CAN ease the thought SOMEWHAT that there may be someone else. Of course you did say all that too. I really think someone like Dave could solve a case better than LE, because his interest is to dig for the truth without having to prove to anyone, as does the prosecuting interest. I did see somewhere that Tim Miller came and am surprised to hear he left. I too think this man, DS should be searching more and volunteering more information to find the mother of the children. It appears he is dwelling on himself with no interest in what has happened to Michelle or the bearing it has on the children. Did I read that he was asking for donations to give the children a Christmas as he spent monies going to somewhere? I did not know Mark NeJame was a defense attorney. Dave, and I believe that in his making a media debut of Dale not having time to travel the distance you just may prove him wrong with information you gather that figures out how he certainly could have had the time? I do believe that one case affects another, the Anthony and this one is so close together, that if DS did commit a crime against Michelle he may have studied very closely just what worked well for Casey that she was acquitted and use much of the tactic for himself, however the whole scenario incorporates very different people, there will be no Baez or Mason, and Ashton has retired. I just wish Michelle would appear unharmed. Also Dave, do you know how the cost to the State of Florida for this case might compare with that of CA.

    I don't know about doing a better investigation than LE because of my fairness. They have all sorts of forensic tests at their fingertips. I can just touch the surface and it's only what is already there. I don't believe Dale studied the Anthony case because the two will never be close. If he is charged, it's because of solid police work and there will never be the likes of the Anthony Tsunami again. That was a perfect storm. This one will be more cut and dried. The cost won't approach State v. CA. Oh yes, Mark NeJame is a criminal defense attorney, and if his client is charged with murder, he is obligated to chip away at the state's evidence. Part of that is to advise his client to refuse a polygraph test - one less piece of evidence to chip away. Even if dale is innocent, his attorney is not going to hand his client over on a silver platter.

    I have no idea why some people actually believe that refusing a polygraph is a blatant admission of guilt.

    December 19, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterNew Puppy

    Dave~~sorry that was a lot of typing on your part but you never convinced me one iota. Everyone in this Universe is not crooked for goodness sake. I read about a polygrapher just recently who asked the one being tested if they wanted a pill to relax them. The ones that accepted his offer were molested once they flaked out. Are all polygraphers perverts? Of course not.

    If I was asked if I ever lied to get out of trouble. I would answer, "yes" and it would be the truth. I don't think that answer would elevate my blood pressure or pulse.

    Alright then, let me hire my own polygrapher. Let's just see if LE accepts that one. If not, why not?

    December 19, 2011 | Registered CommenterSnoopySleuth

    I am not a fan of WFTV but here is a video that I had never watched before...

    Dale and his parent leaving the court house

    Wheeeeeoooo! That's a perfect example of trial by media. Guilty as charged, the whole shebang! Hey, wait! They haven't been charged with anything yet. Oh yes they have! In the court of public opinion. Except, in this country, the defendant does not have to prove his innocence. The prosecution must prove his guilt, and if I did nothing wrong, I am not going to go out of my way to give anyone a polygraph. For what reason? Public opinion? Prove that I did it. A person's guilt or innocence does not hinge on an inadmissible test.

    December 19, 2011 | Registered CommenterSnoopySleuth

    To ask his parents those kind of questions questions? Kathy Belich has no respect whatsoever. I have no qualms anymore about stating I can not stand her and her manner of covering for that media. Some think she is right in there and is great, in my unsolicited opinion she is the rudest, ever.I wonder how she would like her parents to be treated that way. I believe she carries her head too high about herself and one day there will be a crack in the cement and she will stumble. Sorry for you Dave, I don't usually come to such a state of mind but watching the above video just got to me, and I don't mind saying so, but I am really glad it is here to see.

    Boy, New Puppy, I couldn't agree with you more. What kind of responsible person is going to ask questions like that? Where's Michelle? Did you kill her? Where did you hide the body? Right there, Belich has deemed him a murderer of his children's mother. Why bother going to trial? I'm sorry, but this sort of thing incites mobs. Hang 'im!

    Truth in journalism? You think some of them would have learned their lesson by now, especially after what we just went through. It's worse.

    December 19, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterNew Puppy

    Dave~~Of course, LE is going to use their own 'highly trained' polygraphers. If LE let you use your own polygrapher, then they would let you write out a sworn statement, not under oath, send it via snail mail and declare it a legal document and accept it into evidence.

    Dave, you see things one way and I see them differently. It is not a matter of who is wrong or who is right. This all makes for a good vibrant discussion.

    I am the same person who did not want a private lynching of Cindy and George. I am also the one who says a person is innocent until proven guilty. I have never said Dale is guilty. How the hell would I know, I wasn't there and watched him kill Mitchell?

    The Snoop- who does not sugar coat. I have to watch my sugar now. So there!!

    You see, Snoopy, I agree a polygraph is not an answer. If the result was left behind closed doors, it would only matter to the people it should only matter to. In the meantime, the media and public turn into a lynch mob and things only get worse. Even people that pass a polygraph are not given a free pass by LE or the public, and surely, Ca Ca would have passed with flying colors. That, in and of itself, shows that a lie detector test proves nothing at all, and because of that, it's useless. I, for one, would refuse to take one, regardless of my guilt or innocence.

    How many grapes did you eat today? Be honest.

    December 19, 2011 | Registered CommenterSnoopySleuth

    At no time did I, The Snoop, declare that, " if a person refused a polygraph, it is an admission of guilt."

    Dave, and I quote you ...I have no idea why some people actually believe that refusing a polygraph is a blatant admission of guilt.

    BTW, I recall there is a three year anniversary, of some sort, coming on Dec 25th. At the rate we are going, we may not make it. LOL

    I said some people, not one person! I doth protest!

    December 19, 2011 | Registered CommenterSnoopySleuth

    This is the polygrapher that I mentioned above. I believe he is in your area and has a 'private' practice.
    Maybe I should have said a privates practice....

    Polygrapher drugs and gropes female client

    What a pervo. He's a year younger than me, but he looks older as far as I'm concerned.

    December 19, 2011 | Registered CommenterSnoopySleuth

    Dave~ ~okay, first off, LE does not inform the client if they passed the polygraph. I am unsure if the results can be kept under seal or must they be revealed due to the Sunshine Law ?? We would have to see the read out that looks like an EKG and be able to understand it.

    Hey, in the WFTV video, I did notice Bob Kealing and Tony Pipitone but they are not as forward as Kathi. Did she really expect Dale's father to answer her question with the cameras rolling? Guess I am stuck with you, Dave, and your mild mannerism, except when it comes to the Snoop.

    I ate 8 grapes to help neutralize 3 Quality Street Chocolates....

    The whole idea makes me suspicious of LE and their intentions. I know that if I did nothing wrong at all and I am asked to submit to a polygraph, I would suddenly become nervous from just finding out I was a suspect. And I would get upset over it. It's one thing to ask someone in person if they know anything about a crime because their car may have been seen in the neighborhood, but to have to go through something as intimidating as that? It's not something I would look forward to and in my opinion, the effort would do nothing for me. Oh well, that's enough of that.

    I know those beat reporters are only doing their jobs, but there's a limit to what they should do and it's based on principles. As long as I've been involved in speech communications, which was my college major, there's a running joke about beat reporters offering sympathy as they're trying to interview a mother who just learned she lost 3 children in a fire. "I'm sorry about your loss." "Thank you." "How do you feel about losing your children to such a tragedy?" I mean, what nerve! Who could do such a thing?

    How about this in a newscast? "Coming right up, thirty-three children plunge to their death when a school bus rolls down a mountainside in Jaurez, Mexico, and Meagan shows you how to bake a perfect pumpkin pie!"

    Some of them will never learn.

    Quality Street Chocolates.... never heard of it, but I bet I'd like to.

    December 19, 2011 | Registered CommenterSnoopySleuth

    There are a few things that make me agree with LE in their suspicion of him as the only suspect. First, he has a history of domestic violence, not only against Michelle but also toward his now-deceased ex-wife. Second, he has motive. He was in a custody battle over their children. Court records show that he was not paying his child support at the time he filed the lawsuit over the ring. He managed to come up with the $300+ dollars to pay the court filing fee to sue her for the ring but couldn't manage to pay his child support during that same timeframe. That tells me he was intentionally withholding payment rather than not having the money to do so. He was going to make her pay one way or another. Also, if you watched the People's Court episode between them, they alleged different facts when it came to visitation of the children. She alleged he was refusing to see them, and he alleged she was denying his visitation rights. They were having big issues. He came away not so happy with the outcome of the case. Circle back around to his history toward domestic violence, and I, too, tend to agree with LE. I wonder if the vehicle came up on any of those red light cameras strewn throughout Orlando. The quality on those tends to be a bit better than a private security camera if I recall correctly.

    Hello there, Karime2thestars! Great to see you! Oh, I would be the last person to say Dale Smith II should not be a suspect. He should be, and rightfully so, for all of the reasons you mentioned, and probably then some. It's one of those 'it couldn't have happened to a nicer guy' type scenarios. He's a punk and God's gift to women, but in order to be fair, I would not call him a murderer or anything close at this point. As for red light cameras, only running through a red light activates them, but you can bet your bottom dollar that OPD went around to plenty of businesses along the path of his place, his parents, and the spot where the Hummer was abandoned, in search of video footage that might shed light on who the driver was and where it was at what time. Police do tremendous work, and I have nothing but the utmost respect for them in what they do. I just don't like polygraphs, but it's not dfor any reason having to do with me or anything I ever did. They just aren't trustworthy.

    December 19, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterKarime2thestars

    Hi Dave

    The first thing I noticed about Michelle's Hummer is its beautiful low profile tyres, an after market extra. Most people when buying fancy wheels purchase a spare so that they are universal on the vehicle and in case of a flat tyre etc. The spare tyre seen on the exiting Hummer is factory standard. So either only 4 wheels were bought to bling up Michelle's car or the Hummer in the photo that's exiting is not the same vehicle. Removing the GLOW decal and tyre cover to reveal a factory standard wheel would somewhat disguise the car. Or it simply isn't her car seen exiting.

    Great job once again. I admire your fairness, amongst other things.

    Hello there, Tiffany!

    I think the police have combed that entire complex in search of other black Hummers. I'm sure they are looking at other videos of tenants, if available, including the one that's mounted atop the entrance gate.

    You sure know a thing or two about Hummer bling. More than me, anyway, but then again, growing up, I was an MGB-GT type of guy. And Mustangs. Oh, my MGs had to have wire wheels.

    I get all tingly inside when you tell me you admire my fairness. Amongst other things. Thank you.

    December 19, 2011 | Registered CommenterTiffany

    1) Case 1990-CF-001851-A-O, SMITH, DALE WAYNE II, DOB 06/28/1971 Charge Date 02/20/1990 Circuit Criminal Divisions – Felony Criminal Felony

    Closed BURGLARY

    2). Case 1990-MM-004768-A-O, SMITH, DALE WAYNE, DOB 06/28/1971, Charge Date 03/26/1990 Orlando Adams, Martha C, Misdemeanor

    Closed TRESPASS SCHOOL GROUNDS REFUSE TO LEAVE

    3). Case 1992-MM-003836-A-O, SMITH, DALE WAYNE, II DOB 06/28/1971, Charge Date 03/18/1992 Orlando Allen, Faye L , Misdemeanor

    Closed CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE OFFENSE

    4). Case 1992-CF-006085-B-O, SMITH, DALE WAYNE DOB 06/28/1971, Charge Date 06/30/1992 Div 16 Schreiber, Margaret H, Criminal Felony

    Closed AGGRAVATED BATTERY

    5). Case 1996-CF-013903-A-O, SMITH, DALE WAYNE DOB 06/28/1971, charge date 11/15/1996 Div 16 Schreiber, Margaret H, Criminal Felony
    Closed BATTERY

    December 19, 2011 | Registered CommenterSnoopySleuth

    Hey Dave!
    hmmmm I wonder if Dale S. has trouble sleeping at night. I pray that swift justice will be served as soon as the killer/abducter is identified.

    OFF TOPIC:
    I think we have another Ca Ca on our hands! Very much alike! Her name is JODI ARIAS. Dr. Drew and Pat Brown talked about her tonight. She's BAD like CaCa, about the same age as CaCa too. Hope u will google her name, and then decide to blog about her. It should be very, very interesting.

    Mary B.
    p.s. You sure do have a pretty sister....

    Hi, Mary B. - Even if Dale didn't do anything to Michelle, he still wouldn't have any problems sleeping at night. Unless, that is, his twins keep him awake.

    I took a quick look at the Jodi Arias case and it does sound interesting. I see where some are calling her another Ca Ca, too. I'll tell you what, I will keep tabs on it, but whether I can dig deeply enough is another question. I don't have the same resources to explore outside crimes like I do here in Orlando. It sure does look interesting, though.

    You know, people often ask what happened to me after they see my sister. I'll tell her what you wrote. Thanks.

    December 20, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterMary B.

    Great post Dave & yes your sister is very pretty! As to taking a polygraph I dont know if they mean much. However if I were innocent I would be waiting for the doors to open to take one and clear myself. if my atty told me not to I would take a private poly first in order to practice and show my atty the truth. But I would take one. I also understand not taking a poly. Taking one if I knew LE thought I was guilty would be scary. ps...excuse typo's, I cant see what I wrote very well, I have contacts in today.
    The Anthonys were going to take a poly until their son told them not to. I think he knew his sister was guilty and the only hope ca ca had was to divert the truth.

    Hello, cali patti! I have never been asked to take a polygraph, so I don't know 100% how I would respond. I would react to the request, though. I would question why I was a supect at all, so I would become defensive right from the start. That could be a problem if I decided to take it because, of course, my state of emotion would be elevated. That might not bide well for me, despite being innocent of any crime. Personally, I just don't belive in them. If they are not allowed in court, what does that tell me about their reliability? A lot. Another thing I find problematic; why must the police advertise all over the place that someone refused a polygraph? Is it to purposely make someone look bad? To seem guilty in the eyes of the public? That's too bad.

    Thanks, I will tell my sister what you said.

    December 21, 2011 | Unregistered Commentercali patti

    Hey, Y'all. I've been as busy as a one-armed paper hanger, but I do want to comment on a coupla things...

    First, weird, Dave, what you said above about being a communications major and asking a hypothetical parent how they feel about their kids dying in a fire. That is EXACTLY the scenario presented to we Freshmen at MY Broadcast Journalism classes, and I ended up changing my major in due course. Sometimes, as you know, talking heads just feel obliged to throw something untoward Out There, and a relative or POI slips up and reacts and something does come out of it. I wouldn't do it myself, but I get why it's done.

    What do we know about that Other Hummer and it's owner?

    If this wasn't premeditated and was a basically spontaneous act all kinds of stupid mistakes were probably made.... But, no body, no crime (yet).

    About Jodi Arias- she is one amazing piece of work- she comports herself as though she's Miss America (who just happens to be sitting in jail for Murder)- in other words, JUST LIKE caca, flirting with the detectives, fluffing her hair, batting her lashes. Reminds me too of the Diane Downs case. She is a bona fide looloo bird, with ever changing stories, each one wilder than the last. She can't even stop herself and I pity her poor lawyers.

    Hi, Karen - Lucky you. I haven't hung wallpaper in years, but I always liked doing it. It almost seems like a lost art in today's age.

    It's funny that you were told that in one of your journalism classes. I don't know whether I heard it in school or from all of the media people I've known throughout the years, but I do know I added the second part because I've seen that sort of thing in real life. It's as if there is no respect for anyone or anything. Let's just spit the news out with no sense or sensibility whatsoever instead of segueing from story to story like a seamless dress. Yes, a lot of them are nothing more than talking heads, but one of the things I learned during the trial was how many of them really did care about justice. Of course, most of them didn't allow their emotions to get in the way of their work, so they were better than that.

    I, personally, know nothing about the other Hummer, but the men I spoke to said it had been gone for awhile, as in past tense, while Michelle's was more recent. Some people are saying that Dale snapped in anger and it was a spur of the moment attack. I don't really adhere to that train of thought because this seems like it was plotted in advance, or how does one explain why no evidence was left behind? No real, solid evidence, anyway. Other than the phone, what do we have to substantiate a knee-jerk reaction? Mainly, how could someone dispose of a body in such rapid time as to not leave a trace? And there had to be an accomplice, in my opinion. Anyway, something tells me this case will be going cold soon, so there won't be much to report. I do hope I'm wrong, though, for the sake of her family.

    I'll have to take a serious look at Jody Arias. God knows I have a lot of experience writing about nut cases.

    Thanks!

    December 22, 2011 | Registered CommenterKaren C.

    Yo, Dave, I absolutely understand having a defensive reaction to LE if they were in my face or trying to be sneaky. I never felt they were that good at being sneaky and all LE did was tick me off. No I have never been in trouble but I was questioned several times in my driveway as to neighbors or who was a friend of one of my sons. I can tell you I did not act graciously every time. I was not only offended but thought LE was stupid in trying to lie to an person, me, they were seeking aid from. Never was it a terrible crime so my reaction might be nicer if I was a suspect or maybe not. You are right in saying most of us really do not know what our reaction would be, even though most people think they do. I am guessing my first reaction would be hostile that I would try to control.
    Just chattering.

    And you know, cali patti, I'll bet you the farm that the badges were none too friendly to Smith right from the git go. Being hostile is a two way street, and a lot of people don't get it. When Sgt. Allen called me, he was most gracious, but I wasn't a suspect. He needed my help on something and I gladly did it. When I went to the sheriff's office to write a statement, I was treated like royalty. Had I been a suspect in anything, I don't think I would have been handled that way, but then again, look at Smith. He seems to have a big chip on his shoulders, so I doubt he was very cooperative to begin with. I'm merely guessing, though, but he's certainly had runins with the law in the past.

    P.S. Chatter all you want!

    December 22, 2011 | Unregistered Commentercali patti

    OK, I admit, cars don't impress me at all. The only thing I expect from a car is that it run, with proper maintenance, of course. So don't laugh when I ask, are we sure the white van parked in Dale's driveway is the same van parked, or pulled over, on the side of the road? Each photo shows a different side of the van, so for me, and most likely only me, I can't really tell if it's one and the same. With the white van on the street, the entire back end is all white, no detail of the bumper, tail lights and most importantly, no back windows are shown. Is that because it's from a video, it's blurred??

    The other thing I noticed on the Hummer leaving....it appears to have some sort of a red decal on the right side of the spare tire, which is not shown on the back of MP's, in the reward poster. Or is that just the tail light reflected over towards the middle? Again, is that because of the video?

    When searching for a better photo of the back of MP's Hummer, I came across this article. Does LE mean this is not Michelle's Hummer at all, coming or going?? Or, just concealing facts?

    "Reporter Tony Pipitone shared video that had been shot by a neighbor of Parker’s former fiance. Pipitone said the video apparently showed a timeline for Parker’s Hummer on Thursday, the day she vanished.

    Except that Orlando police say it didn’t. Sgt. Jim Young wrote Wednesday morning: “Facts are that the Hummer video is not that of Michelle Parker’s vehicle and was ruled out early on in the investigation by detectives. That station has recanted their story.”

    Michelle Parker: WKMG clarifies report; police say station recanted

    I'm not sure what to think at this point, Lindy. We have the comings and goings of this person and that, and the comings and goings of that person and this, so I don't really know what is and what isn't. I tried to piece together a post from the way I saw it. Do I know the white van is Smith's? No, not in all certainty, but it is parked in the only spot available that's closest to his own townhome. And he most certainly was home. In this sort of situation, it seems to me that the Hummer was parked in the driveway or it would have been parked where the white van was. There was space to park either one to the west of his driveway and that is a possibility. I tried to show what it might be, but it might not be, as well. The problem with the neighbor's security camera is that it's not Hollywood caliber. On top of that, the sun was lower on the horizon at that time and it lit up the back of the white van. The red on the right back side of the Hummer could be a tail light, too. All in all, this is a mess and I don't think anything is going to break for some time, so we may be sitting around for awhile.

    Good to see you back!

    December 22, 2011 | Registered CommenterLindy

    This case gets more confusing as time goes by and the more in depth we try to look into it. At this point, I will say that the only thing I know for sure is that Michelle has been missing since Nov. 17th and that her cell phone has been recovered. Even with Dale being named the primary suspect in her disappearance, no arrest has been made to date. I would think that most of the forensic testing on the Hummer and the phone are back, phone records gone over and a good portion of street camera images have been looked at. LE must be trying to make an airtight case for an arrest to occur, and they aren't there yet. Michelle needs to be found and I can only think that this is what LE is waiting on. Casey changed the way LE does everything now, it seems. I agree with you Dave, we most likely will be waiting for sometime.....just hope it's not forever. :(

    Hi, Lindy - I agree with your assessment. There just may not be enough evidence at this point; not nearly enough to make an arrest. If the police were after me like they are after Dale, I'd be a nervous wreck. I mean, imagine knowing that you're suspected of murder, and you're being tailed everywhere you go. No, I wouldn't like it and it would be a form of torture. It may be a long time before this case unfurls, so I think it's safe to say that there will be no resolve before the end of the world. It will be a cold winter in Michelle's Family's world, sad to say.

    December 23, 2011 | Registered CommenterLindy

    Dave~ ~what is it day 47 now? I don't believe Michelle's body will ever be recovered. I can't see the murderer leaving her remains in a wooded area not when there are alligators that will hide all the evidence. I don't know how LE will find enough evidence to lay a charge and make it stick. If that was the case, it would have happened by now. JMO

    Family gathers for another fundraiser-23/12/11

    I'm afraid I have to agree with you, Snoopy. With each passing day, finding Michelle grows thinner and thinner.

    December 23, 2011 | Registered CommenterSnoopySleuth

    Sorry but those are not the same white vans, if you look the white van at the top has horizontal door handles the white van at the bottom vertical ones. Also the white van at the top has red break lights that "line" the outer edges of the hind part of the van, the other van even with the reflection that whites out its back you can see if there was red tail lights going up it would be another sort of reflection, however its good work you got this video out there for people to study the discrepancies. Whose to say if the accused didn't change his white van since after the incident? Also the white van at the top has like a horizontal airfoil type rack across it near the front windshield, the white van on the bottom has no rack in that spot because if it did we would not be able to see the silhouette of the white car's rear tire overexposed in the background. Also why cant we see the the black pole on the black parallelogram that is so prominent in the two black humvee pictures in the top picture of the condo? Lastly the white van has tinted out windows so does the hummer so we can not see into them, so i think perhaps if you could compare the level of tint on the white van with teh blackhummer it may be comparable as you know its hard to get a good tint job and in many states of course a tint job is illegal. in fact this is other evidence those two white vans are not the same since the white van at the top didn't have tinted windows. So follow what bling said that hummer is the key to all this who modified it and how. Anyway good luck

    Excellent work! Great observations! Generally, I'm fairlydetailed in my work and writing, but you got me here. At the same time, I put forth this work for all to see, read, and decipher. I definitely don't think I know everything and that's why it's great when people like you come along to help put the pieces of the puzzles in a proper perspective. You really did a service, and for that, I thank you. Please feel free to add more of your thoughts based on your observations and what common sense tells you. I'm ALL for it! Thanks, too, for wishing me good luck. I'll keep plugging away.

    January 20, 2012 | Unregistered CommenterJust looking now at it

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