ADRIAN — The Warner trial continued Feb. 17 and 18 in Lenawee County’s 39th Circuit Court, with prosecutors presenting additional witnesses, digital forensic testimony and evidentiary rulings that shaped what the jury could hear. The Warner trial remains in the prosecution’s case-in-chief.
Judge Michael R. Olsaver presided over the proceedings in the case of State of Michigan v. Dale Warner. Warner is charged with open murder and tampering with evidence in connection to the 2021 disappearance of his wife.
On Feb. 17, the jury heard continued testimony from prior witnesses and additional individuals tied to the investigation. According to court records, multiple prosecution exhibits were admitted into evidence, including digital records and investigative materials. Some exhibits were admitted by stipulation, while others were admitted over defense objection.
The court also documented that the jury trial would continue the following morning.
On Feb. 18, a Michigan State Police cell phone records specialist testified about Verizon data connected to the victim’s phone. The analyst explained how cell towers log activity, how sector data reflects general direction of signal use and how network performance records can show interactions between a phone and nearby towers.
The specialist testified that records reviewed covered late March through late April 2021. The analysis focused on activity near the date of the victim’s disappearance. The final recorded internet session on the device occurred shortly after 7 a.m. on April 25, 2021, and closed under normal release conditions, according to testimony.
The witness also described how mapping software is used to plot tower locations and sector orientations and said the analysis undergoes peer review within the Michigan State Police.
Before another witness took the stand Feb. 18, the court held an evidentiary hearing regarding prior acts testimony. Prosecutors sought to introduce certain testimony related to past arguments. Defense attorneys objected, arguing insufficient notice.
Judge Olsaver ruled that specific testimony involving alleged physical conduct would be excluded due to notice concerns. However, he allowed limited testimony regarding observations of physical condition, finding it admissible under existing evidentiary standards.
Court records show several additional prosecution exhibits were admitted Feb. 18 by stipulation of both parties. The jury trial continues at 9 a.m. Feb. 19.
The Warner trial remains ongoing, with prosecutors continuing to present witnesses and digital evidence as they build their timeline of events surrounding April 25, 2021. Proceedings are scheduled to continue this week as the prosecution’s case-in-chief moves forward.