Unsealed documents detail threats before disappearance of Florida mother Michelle Parker

Unsealed court documents released on October 27, 2026, show that the ex-fiancé of missing Florida mother Michelle Parker expressed wishes for her death shortly before she vanished. According to the New York Post and WKMG, records detail a deteriorating relationship between 33-year-old Parker and her ex-fiancé, Dale Smith Jr., leading up to her 2011 disappearance. [1][2]

The New York Post reported that text messages outlined in a 46-page arrest affidavit show Smith told a friend he hoped someone would kill Parker. Smith also allegedly offered the friend $2,000 for a night of sex just days before Parker disappeared. WKMG reported that court records indicate Parker was likely choked to death by Smith after an episode of The People's Court aired in 2011. [1][2]

The New York Post also reported that another former fiancée of Smith made allegations to detectives earlier this year. The former fiancée claimed that Smith routinely choked her with his bare hands or a belt until she lost consciousness during arguments and sex, and that he threatened to make her disappear. [1]