ORLANDO, Fla. – Eight years ago Sunday, Orlando mother Michelle Parker went missing after appearing on a reality TV show. She still has not been found.
Parker was last seen on Nov. 17, 2011 after an episode of “The People’s Court” featuring her and her ex-fiance, Dale Smith Jr., in a dispute over a missing engagement ring aired. Records show Smith is the only person of interest in the case but has never been charged.
Parker was 33 years old at the time.
The missing woman’s father took to Facebook on Friday to reflect on everything that’s happened in the eight years since his daughter disappeared.
“I cannot explain the awful heartache I have felt so often in thinking of her and not being able to see her ever again. It truly breaks my heart and hurts so much more when each year comes around again from when she first went missing,” Brad Parker Sr. wrote.
He said he hopes to one day get closure.
“Still I want answers as to what happened to Daddy’s little girl and I find myself grateful for media coverage, when offered, to bring her story back into light and remind the public that she is still missing. Someone out there knows something that can help this family find peace and resolution to our suffering,” the post read.
News 6 spoke to Parker's father on Sunday, eight years to the day she went missing.
"Eight years too long. I mean one day, two days, a year. It's too long. And now it's eight years and it's uncalled for," Brad Parker said.
Since her disappearance, several searches have been performed in retention ponds and other areas in Orange and Brevard counties.
Rumors about Parker being found swirled online as recently as recently as October 2018 but her family quickly took to social media to label them as untrue.
Parker's step-mother, Gayle Parker, said it's confusing anytime remains are found. They're holding onto hope Michelle is still alive, but they also want answers.
"You get to a point where you just want to know the reality and move forward and make this go to a resting point," Gayle Parker said.
Parker’s family has also pushed for visitation rights so they can see Parker’s twins.
Parker's father said they are not aware of any new tips in Michelle's disappearance, but they're hoping with the new Orlando police chief and a new lead detective on the case they could finally get closure.
"That encouraged a whole new set of eyes, new directions, and new thoughts. And that's what any case after a while needs is somebody else to look at it," Gayle Parker said.
Parker’s mother, Yvonne Stewart, was an advocate for legislation that allows grandparents visitation rights in certain situations, including if both parents are dead or missing, or if one of the parents is dead and the other parent is a convicted felon.
The law was signed in 2015 and Stewart quickly filed a petition that was ultimately denied. Smith has custody of the children.
Parker's family is hoping after all of these years somebody will speak up and give investigators the information they need to find Michelle. But until they, they said they won't stop looking for her.
"I'm Michelle's voice because Michelle is not here. And Michelle is telling me to speak out and find her and I'm doing it. It hurts, but I'm strong and for my grandkids," Brad Parker said.
Anyone with information concerning Parker’s whereabouts is asked to call Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477).