Brother says suit is about truth, not money, as civil and criminal proceedings move forward

ADRIAN — A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed against Dale Warner, the man accused of murdering his wife, Dee Warner, in April 2021. The suit, filed Monday in Lenawee County Circuit Court, aims to recover funds from Dee’s estate for her children and block Dale from accessing assets while he awaits trial.

Todd Flood, the attorney who filed on behalf of Dee’s family, announced the civil action during a press conference, calling the day “monumental” in the family’s long fight for justice.

Flood detailed that Dee’s remains were discovered in a sealed fertilizer container on property owned by Dale Warner — evidence he called “an avalanche” that supported criminal charges. Dale has been charged with open murder and is currently in jail. A criminal trial is set for September.

The civil case seeks $100 million in damages, though Flood noted the exact value of Dale’s holdings remains uncertain. “We know it’s over seven figures,” he said, emphasizing the family’s intent to recover funds rightfully belonging to Dee’s children.

Greg Hardy, Dee’s brother, said the civil lawsuit has been a long time coming — and that he was the one who brought Flood onto the legal team over two years ago specifically to pursue this option.

“I’ve been in favor of a wrongful death suit against Dale Warner for well over two years,” Hardy told WLEN News. “This is not about the money. I don’t stand to receive anything from the estate. For me, it’s always been about truth, evidence, and accountability.”

Flood confirmed in the press conference that Dee’s estate funds are currently frozen to prevent any spending by Dale or his associates and hinted that additional defendants may be added to the lawsuit soon.

When asked about Jaron — Dale’s son — whose charges have been dropped, Flood said, “I’m confident that those charges will probably come back. Just because they were dismissed prior to a preliminary exam, there is no jeopardy that’s attached. So let’s make it clear; that doesn’t mean he is out in the free and clear.”

While Flood said the focus now is on civil proceedings, he remains confident in the criminal case, which has already been bound over for trial.