Police have arrested a man in connection with a couple who went missing from a nudist community in California. Police are now confident the couple is dead.
The couple’s neighbor, 62-year-old Michael Sparks, was arrested for murder late Thursday, days after the couple were reported missing, according to the Redlands Police Department. Police had been trying to locate Sparks on Thursday, breaching a home and conducting a search using remote video equipment to find him.
Sparks was found underneath his home and he surrendered after lengthy negotiations, according to Redland Police. He has been booked at West Valley Detention Center.
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
Stephanie Menard, 73, and Daniel Menard, 79, were reported missing on Sunday, according to police. During a press briefing on Thursday, the Redlands Police Department said foul play was suspected after being tipped off by a source in the couple’s neighborhood.
Police are in the process of searching for the couple’s bodies, which they believe are on the suspect’s property. Search teams, including cadaver dogs, are on the property.
The couple’s dog, a white shih tzu named Cuddles, has also not been found.
A source told police on Thursday that a person involved in their disappearance was on the property as they were conducting interviews, leading police to lock down the property and eventually arrest Sparks.
Police used an armored vehicle with a hydraulic battering ram to tear down a home on Keissel Road as they searched for missing couple, Stephanie Menard, 73, and her husband, Daniel, 79 in Redlands, Calif.
KABC
Police used an armored vehicle with a hydraulic battering ram to tear down a home on Keissel Road as they searched for missing couple, Stephanie Menard, 73, and her husband, Daniel, 79 in Redlands, Calif.
KABC
Significant damage was dealt to the suspect’s home when police breached it, but they plan on searching the home as soon as it is safe to enter.
Police used an armored vehicle with a hydraulic battering ram to tear down a home on Keissel Road as they searched for missing couple, Stephanie Menard, 73, and her husband, Daniel, 79 in Redlands, Calif.
KABC
Police fire into a house as they look for missing couple, Stephanie Menard, 73, and her husband, Daniel, 79 in Redlands, Calif.
KABC
The couple was last seen at their residence on Olive Dell Ranch — a family nudist resort — at around 10 a.m. local time on Saturday. Their unlocked vehicle was found down the road from the residence that day, according to police.
Stephanie Menard’s purse was found inside their residence along with both of their cellphones, according to police.
Authorities have announced a major breakthrough in the case of the disappearance of a couple from a California nudist community. A suspect has been arrested in connection to their disappearance, bringing hope to the community and closure to the families of the missing individuals.
The couple, who were well-known members of the nudist community, went missing over a month ago under mysterious circumstances. Their disappearance sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community, leaving many residents on edge and fearful for their safety.
After weeks of investigation and tireless efforts by law enforcement agencies, a suspect has finally been apprehended. The individual, whose identity has not been disclosed at this time, is believed to have played a significant role in the disappearance of the couple.
While details surrounding the arrest are still emerging, authorities have assured the public that they are confident in their case against the suspect. The arrest brings a sense of relief to the community, as residents can now rest assured that justice will be served for the missing couple.
The disappearance of the couple has had a profound impact on the nudist community, highlighting the vulnerability of its members and the importance of maintaining a safe and secure environment for all residents. The arrest serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and cooperation within the community to ensure the safety of its members.
As the investigation continues and more details come to light, residents of the nudist community are hopeful that the truth will be revealed and justice will be served for the missing couple. The arrest marks a significant step forward in bringing closure to this tragic case and providing answers to the families and friends of the missing individuals.
In conclusion, the arrest made in connection to the disappearance of the couple from the California nudist community is a significant development in the case. It brings hope to the community and serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a safe and secure environment for all residents. As the investigation progresses, residents are hopeful that justice will be served and the truth will be revealed.
