Florida man killed ex-fiancee hours after their 'People's Court' episode aired, police say

A Florida man has been charged with killing the mother of his children nearly 15 years ago, after his ex-fiancee went missing just hours after their pretaped appearance on “The People’s Court” was broadcast, police said.

Orlando police announced the arrest Wednesday of Dale Smith Jr., 55, on a charge of second-degree murder. The body of 33-year-old Michelle Parker has not been recovered, but all evidence leads to Smith as the person responsible for her death, police said.

Smith's attorney, Rajan Joshi, said during a hearing Thursday afternoon that he didn't believe the state could meet its burden of proof to convict Smith based on the information presented in the criminal complaint. A judge ordered Smith to be held without bond pending a detention hearing, which wasn't immediately scheduled.

Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith, who is not related to Smith, said during the news conference on Wednesday that the case never stopped being a priority. Smith was the last known person to see or hear from Parker before she went missing on Nov. 17, 2011, when she dropped their children off at his home, the chief said.

“Over the past year, we expanded our investigative team looking into this case and took a fresh, focused look at all the evidence,” the police chief said. “We reexamined testimony and conflicting statements made by the suspect and used advances in digital forensics to uncover and analyze additional evidence.”

Police gave few details about what evidence they had against Smith, but Detective Phillip McMican confirmed that police had collected new evidence in the past year, as well as new insights into old evidence thanks to technological advancements.

“Vehicles, electronic devices, phones, computers — we’re able to better interpret that evidence today than what we were able to do back in 2011,” McMican said.

Police continue to search for Parker's body. Her vehicle was found abandoned a day after her disappearance, and her cellphone was later recovered from an Orlando-area lake.

Investigators have not publicly stated a motive for Parker’s murder.

On the day of Parker's disappearance, an episode of “The People's Court” featuring her and Smith was broadcast. Smith had sued Parker, claiming that a $5,000 engagement ring that he bought for her became lost when she threw it at him during an argument. Judge Marilyn Milian ultimately ruled that both parties were responsible for the ring's loss and ordered Parker to pay $2,500 to Smith for half of it.

This undated photo provided by the City of Orlando on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, shows Michelle Parker. (City of Orlando via AP)

This undated booking photo provided by the Orlando Police Department on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, shows Dale Smith Jr. (Orlando Police Department via AP)

In this image taken from video released by the Orlando Police Department, Dale Smith Jr. is taken into custody in Orlando, Fla., on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026. (Orlando Police Department via AP)

In this image taken from video released by the Orlando Police Department, Dale Smith Jr. is taken into custody in Orlando, Fla., on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026. (Orlando Police Department via AP)

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia Eagles have ruled out quarterback Jalen Hurts for Sunday's game against Carolina because of a blood clot in his calf.

The Eagles said in a statement Thursday that Hurts was injured in an Oct. 4 game against the Los Angeles Rams when he took a cleat to his calf area.

“It was a very unique experience, to say the least," Hurts told reporters on Wednesday. "I don’t want to get into the details of kind of leading up to the game and whatnot, but got nicked up in the Rams game.”

Hurts practiced Wednesday and Thursday and informed the medical staff of the injury following Thursday's practice.

The Super Bowl 59 MVP practiced Friday last week before the team left for London to play against Jacksonville.

“Out of an abundance of caution, an ultrasound was performed on Saturday following the team’s flight to London and walkthrough," the Eagles said in a statement. “The ultrasound revealed a superficial blood clot. Our medical staff and doctors in London reviewed the results and concluded that activity and mobility were important and that Jalen could safely play. Doctors recommended a follow-up ultrasound within 72 hours of the game and the return flight to Philadelphia.”

Hurts completed 21 of 40 passes for 220 yards and one touchdown in a 19-17 loss to the Jaguars.

Hurts received treatment Monday and Tuesday this week when he returned to Philadelphia and was a full participant in Wednesday's practice.

Hurts underwent another ultrasound on Wednesday that revealed a “movement in the small blood clot.”

The Eagles said in a statement they would determine the appropriate course of treatment. There was no timetable on when Hurts could return.

The Eagles will likely turn to backup Tanner McKee against the Panthers.

The 28-year-old Hurts has eight touchdowns and three interceptions with 933 yards passing this season for the Eagles. He's led the Eagles to two Super Bowl appearances and earned MVP honors after they beat the Kansas City Chiefs to win the championship in the 2024 season.

The Eagles have been banged up all season and hope running back Saquon Barkley (hamstring), No. 1 wide receiver DeVonta Smith (hamstring) can play Sunday.

As crucial as their absences have been, playing without Hurts would sting the most.

See AP’s full NFL coverage here

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) attends a press conference after an NFL football game against Jacksonville Jaguars in London, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) stands on the field during an NFL football game against Jacksonville Jaguars in London, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)