Missing Mom Michelle Parker

Michelle Parker Hair War Fundraiser

Florida mom Michelle Parker, 33, has been missing since Thursday, November 18th shortly after her appearance on “The People’s Court” television show aired.

Her sudden and unexplained disappearance has been the focus of national headlines and talk shows.

The reason for the media interest in Parker is the fact she was battling ex-fiance Dale Smith over a $5,000 engagement ring.  After hearing both sides, People’s Court Judge Marilyn Milian ordered Parker to pay Smith $2,500.   Smith was also the father of Parker’s 3-year old twins.

Just a few hours after the episode aired, Parker dropped her 3-year-old twins off at Smith’s condo for scheduled visitation. Parker’s 2008 black Hummer H3 was found the following day in a parking lot on the west side of Orlando.

Decals for Parker’s Glow mobile tanning business had been removed from the windows, police said.

Police initially said that Smith was cooperating and was not considered a suspect, but during a press conference on Monday Orlando Police Chief Paul Rooney named Smith as the primary suspect in Parker’s disappearance. Rooney did not elaborate on why Smith was considered a suspect, but detectives have said he has refused to take a polygraph test.

The family of Michelle Parker are determined to keep her case alive in the news.  More than a month since Michelle Parker disappeared and right before Christmas, the Parker  family continues to spread the word about Michelle.  They are also raising money for her the care of her twins as well as to continue the search.

A local Orlando, Florida establishment, Graffiti Junktion, worked with the Parker family to organize Hair Wars.  The goal of the competition and fundraiser was to help promote ongoing awareness for Michelle.  And to raise money of course.  One of the club’s bartenders used to work with Michelle and wanted to organize the event to help Parker’s family.

Lauren Erickson, Michelle Parker’s younger sister said “Us being a family of hair stylists, its cool.”  She said “They have platform artists doing hair art”.  Top stylists battled all night turning hair styles into art.

The family says benefit events like Hair Wars keep Michelle’s face out in the public and give them hope.  “Anytime we come across a first its difficult, I remember the first dish I made she liked and she wasn’t there, it was hard, now it will be the first christmas without her,” said Erickson at the event.

The family is hoping and praying for a Christmas miracle.  Lauren Erickson was wearing her sister’s earring to honor her.  She explained “My mom bought them for us last year, I lost mine and my mom brought these over for me today, so I have my little jingle Michelle balls on.”

The Orlando Police Department is continuing to search for Michelle.  They’re still doing searches, getting search warrants and digging through information.   Erickson said “It was really good to see all those people in an office doing everything they can with boxes of information that they’re going through.”

If you have information regarding Michelle Parker, call Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS.