Police and hundreds of volunteers in Orlando are searching for a 33-year-old mother who disappeared on the same day that she appeared on a prerecorded episode of the television reality show "The People's Court." Michelle Lee Parker has been missing since the show aired Thursday, Nov. 17.Parker's black Hummer was found in an apartment complex off Vineland Road in west Orlando.
Police said Parker had a history of violence in her relationship with her ex-boyfriend, Dale Smith. But investigators said Smith is not a suspect in the case. In fact, Parker and Smith's 3-year-old twins are currently staying with him since her disappearance.
Hummer, Cell Phone Clues
She also has an 11-year-old child from a previous relationship.
The only clue, other than the abandoned vehicle, is Parker's cell phone. Family members said Parker's brother sent her a text message asking where she was and the reply came back "Waterford." However, investigators said cell tower records indicated that Parker was never near Waterford.
"The People's Court" episode on which Parker and Smith appeared was taped several months ago and investigators believe it was just a coincidence that it aired on the day she disappeared, but they are not ruling anything out at this point.
Dispute Over Engagement Ring
During the episode, Smith sued Parker for the $5,000 engagement ring that she lost when she threw it at him during a fight the couple had on the 9th floor of a hotel. The ring fell into the hotel lobby where an estimated 500 people were gathered for a convention.
Judge Marilyn Milian ruled that Smith and Parker were both responsible for the loss of the ring and ordered Parker to reimburse Smith for $2,500.
Hundreds of volunteers joined the search for Parker on Monday. Parker is 5' 6" with short dark brown hair and brown eyes.
See Also:
Woman Disappears After 'The People's Court' Argument Airs
Search for Michelle Parker Continues
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Photo: Family Photo
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