The Brief
- The Orange County Medical Examiner is reviewing the 2001 death of Shannon Collins-Smith, the former wife of Dale Smith Jr.
- Collins-Smith’s death was ruled accidental, but former investigators say new questions warrant a closer look.
- Smith is charged with second-degree murder in the 2011 disappearance of his former fiancée, Michelle Parker, and has pleaded not guilty.
ORLANDO, Fla. – The Orange County Medical Examiner’s Office is reviewing the 2001 death of Shannon Collins-Smith, the former wife of Dale Smith Jr., who is charged in connection with the 2011 disappearance of his former fiancée, Michelle Parker.
The review comes more than 25 years after Collins-Smith died at a house party. Her death was originally ruled accidental, with investigators reporting that MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, was found in her system.
History of domestic violence
The backstory:
Collins-Smith was married to Smith before he became engaged to Parker, who disappeared in 2011. Smith is charged with second-degree murder in connection with Parker’s disappearance. Her body has never been found. Smith has pleaded not guilty.…