Days after a couple went missing from a house at a nudist community in California, police said they believe the couple is dead and they will continue to search under the suspect’s house for evidence. Human remains were discovered in the search but it hasn’t been verified whether the remains belong to the couple, police said.
The Redlands Police Department arrested Michael Sparks, 62, Thursday night in connection with the disappearance of Dan Menard, 79, and Stephanie Menard, 73, from the Olive Dell Ranch.
Sparks was arrested for murder and booked at West Valley Detention Center.
Police launched a search for the couple’s bodies after the suspect was taken into custody and they said they had reason to believe the remains were on the suspect’s property.
A cadaver dog was deployed to the property, guiding investigators to the area where the suspect was taken into custody, indicating there was at least one body there, according to RPD.
On Aug. 25, 2024, Stephanie Menard, her husband Daniel Menard, and their dog Cuddles were reported missing to the Redlands Police Department by a friend.
Courtesy of Redlands Police Department/Facebook
Police entered the suspect’s house on Friday, and a specialized team was able to enter the area under the home where murder suspect Michael Sparks was found Thursday, according to the Redland Police Department.
Police found a concrete space under the house about 5 feet deep which goes to the back of the property, which is a mobile home, Carl Baker, the pubic information officer for RPD, said.
RPD, fire personnel, forensics personnel and member of the San Bernardino County Coroner’s Office began removing bags of evidence from the space.
Coroner’s officials confirmed the evidence included human remains, according to RPD. The remains will be examined by the coroner’s office, RPD said.
First responders are shown at the scene in Redlands, Ca., on Aug. 31, 2024.
KABC
Law enforcement offices are shown on the scene in Redlands, Calif. on Aug. 31, 2024.
KABC
After investigators began to remove evidence, the space showed signs of potential collapse so all personnel were removed, RPD said.
Heavy equipment is being brought in Saturday morning to remove debris and ensure the safety of the area before evidence retrieval continues, RPD said.
While attempting to arrest the suspect, police used armored vehicles to take apart the front of the house. Significant damage was dealt to the suspect’s home when police breached it, according to police.
In this photo released by the Redlands Police Department, Michael Royce Sparks is shown.
Redlands Police Department
Before using equipment, police attempted to contact the suspect “for a great deal of time” and broke a window and entered with a drone, but they were not able to get it around in the house, Baker said.
“We had reason to believe the suspect was barricaded and armed and we wanted to protect the safety of our officers, that’s why the front of the house was removed,” Baker told reporters Friday.
“In fact, the suspect was barricaded and he was armed with a rifle,” Baker said.
In a shocking turn of events, a neighbor has been arrested in connection with the murder of a missing couple from a nudist ranch. The disappearance of the couple had baffled authorities and the community for months, but recent developments have shed light on their fate.
The couple, who were regular visitors to the nudist ranch located in a secluded area, were reported missing by friends and family after they failed to return home from their weekend getaway. Despite extensive searches and investigations, there was no sign of the couple or any clues to their whereabouts.
However, a breakthrough came when human remains were discovered on the property of a neighboring resident. The remains were later identified as belonging to the missing couple, confirming their tragic fate. The neighbor, whose identity has not been disclosed by authorities, was arrested and charged with their murder.
The news of the arrest has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community surrounding the nudist ranch. Many residents expressed disbelief that someone living in such close proximity could be capable of such a heinous crime.
Authorities have not released any details about a possible motive for the murder, but they have assured the public that they are working diligently to uncover the truth and bring justice to the victims and their loved ones.
The tragic case serves as a reminder of the dangers that can lurk in even the most peaceful and seemingly idyllic communities. It also highlights the importance of remaining vigilant and looking out for one another, especially in times of distress or uncertainty.
As the investigation into the murder of the missing couple continues, the community is left grappling with the shock and sadness of such a senseless tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families during this difficult time.
