A Florida man has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder in the presumed death of his former fiancée, Michelle Parker, who vanished on November 17, 2011. The arrest of Dale Smith Jr., 55, occurred nearly 15 years after Parker disappeared, shortly after a pre-taped episode of the reality court show "The People's Court" aired, featuring a dispute between the couple.

Parker, then 33, was last seen on the day the episode aired, after she reportedly went to Smith's home to drop off their 3-year-old twins. She was reported missing that night when she failed to show up for work or return home. Her body has never been found, and authorities presume her dead.

According to a newly unsealed arrest warrant affidavit, authorities allege Smith choked Parker to death. The affidavit details that the day after Parker's disappearance, Smith was photographed with scratches and abrasions on his face and body, which detectives now believe were defensive wounds inflicted by Parker. At the time, these injuries were not thoroughly investigated by law enforcement.

The "People's Court" episode that aired on the day of Parker's disappearance reportedly focused on a contentious argument regarding an engagement ring. The affidavit also indicates that Parker had recently expressed concerns to her mother about Smith's threats and her desire to restrict his access to their children.

Orlando Police Chief Eric Smith stated that investigators re-examined testimony, conflicting statements from the suspect, and utilized advanced digital forensics to uncover additional evidence, leading to the recent arrest. Smith was named the sole suspect in Parker's disappearance in November 2011.

The affidavit further outlines a history of domestic violence between Parker and Smith, though none of it was officially documented by law enforcement. Friends and family reportedly described their relationship as volatile, with Smith often exhibiting controlling and violent behavior towards Parker. Smith was previously found guilty of domestic violence against his wife in 2001.

Smith has pleaded not guilty to the second-degree murder charge, and his attorney maintains his innocence. The unsealed 46-page arrest warrant affidavit was released Tuesday following an order by an Orange County judge.

Parker's disappearance in 2011 generated significant media attention, and the recent arrest brings a potential, albeit delayed, resolution to a case that has remained unsolved for over a decade. The investigation into Parker's presumed death and the circumstances surrounding her final hours continues.