CADILLAC, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Two high-profile Michigan homicide cases are moving through the courts on very different timelines – one briefly stalled by a juror issue just as deliberations began, and another still battling over key evidence before trial.

Warner trial pauses after juror illness.

The murder trial of Dale Warner, accused of killing his wife Dee Warner, reached the jury phase last week – but deliberations hit a snag when a juror had a medical emergency. After weeks of testimony and closing arguments, the jury was initially sent to deliberate. But proceedings were paused when the court dismissed the jury until next week due to the ill juror.

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Dee Warner disappeared from her Lenawee County home in April 2021. For years, the case remained a mystery until investigators discovered her remains in 2024 inside a sealed fertilizer tank on property owned by her husband.

Prosecutors argue Warner killed his wife to avoid a divorce that could have divided their farm and trucking business. His defense team has countered that the state’s case relies largely on circumstantial evidence.

Once the jury returns, deliberations will resume to determine whether Warner is guilty of murder and evidence tampering. Plans are for court to resume at 9 a.m. on Tuesday.

Rebecca Park case still fighting over evidence.

Meanwhile, a disturbing northern Michigan case is still working its way toward trial. A judge in Wexford County recently ordered a temporary hold on releasing the remains of murder victim Rebecca Park to allow for an independent autopsy requested by the defense. This comes as both sides continue to exchange information as part of the discovery process.

Park, a 22-year-old from Manton who was nearly full-term in her pregnancy, was reported missing in November of 2025 and later found dead. Prosecutors allege that her biological mother, Cortney Bartholomew, and stepfather, Brad Bartholomew, are responsible. Both face multiple charges including murder and torture. A preliminary examination is now scheduled for sometime in May with no exact date given.

The case has drawn significant attention in the state and also nationally due to allegations involving Park’s unborn child, who has never been found.

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For now, one case waits on a jury to resume deliberations, while the other remains locked in early legal battles – leaving both families still waiting for answers.