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Police Name Ex As Suspect In Parker's Disappearance

Police have officially named Michelle Parker's ex-fiancee, Dale Smith Jr, as the primary suspect in the woman's disappearance.

WESH.com

Police have officially named Michelle Parker's ex-fiancee, Dale Smith Jr, as the primary suspect in the woman's disappearance.

Orlando Police Chief Paul Rooney made the announcement Monday afternoon at a news conference.

"We had to look at every aspect in the case before we could come out publicly and state that Mr. Smith is our primary focus," Rooney said.

"This is a sad day, but I think it was inevitable," Parker's mother, Yvonne Stewart, said.

Stewart said Smith declined to take a polygraph test.

Police said they have no plans to arrest Smith at this point.

When Parker initially went missing, police said Parker and Smith had a history of violence.

Police said earlier Monday that they found nothing of significance in a raid over the weekend connected to Parker's disappearance.

On Saturday night, the Orlando Police Department raided Smith's parents' home. Smith is Parker's ex-fiancee, with whom she appeared on an episode of "The People's Court" the day she was last seen. Police believe he was the last person to see Parker alive.

Smith is also the father of Parker's twins. Police told WESH 2 News on Monday that the children were residing with Smith's family.

The Florida Department of Children and Families released a statement saying that officials with their department are working with OPD to ensure the safety and well-being of the children.

"A child protection investigation was initiated after allegations of past domestic violence were reported to the agency through the abuse hotline," DCF said in a statement. "This report was generated after the mother was reported missing to authorities."

DCF officials said they've conducted several face-to-face visits with the children, including one on Monday.

"We will continue to do everything in our power to ensure their safety and care during their mother’s absence," DCF said.

Neighbors said the search was an intense scene as SWAT team members and undercover police swarmed the house with guns.

WESH 2 News attempted to speak to the residents inside the home after the raid, but a man inside shouted obscenities through a door that was allegedly kicked in by investigators.

"For them to use tear gas on that, they had to have a good tip or lead," Brad Parker, Michelle Parker's father said.

Parker's family is trying to remain hopeful about her return. Her father said he's seeking answers from Smith.

"The first couple of days, a lot of people really thought it was him. I'm keeping an open mind. I don't know who it is. Maybe Dale should come out here and support. I don't know if he's scared," Brad Parker said.

Meanwhile, a $50,000 reward to help find the missing mother of three who disappeared 11 days ago is now off the table.

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