Man Arrested at California Nudist Resort in Connection with Couple’s Murder

Post by: Raman Preet

In a disturbing development in California, police have arrested a man suspected of murdering an elderly couple who went missing from a nudist resort. Stephanie Menard, 73, and Daniel Menard, 79, were reported missing last Sunday by a friend after their last known sighting at Olive Dell Ranch, a nudist resort in Redlands, located approximately 65 miles (104 kilometers) east of Los Angeles.

The arrest of Michael Sparks, 62, a neighbor of the Menards, came later in the week. Sparks was apprehended after a thorough investigation that led to the discovery of human remains at his residence. On Friday, police confirmed that these remains were found at Sparks' home and have been sent to the San Bernardino County Coroner’s Office for examination.

Sparks was taken into custody on Thursday following “lengthy negotiations” and a search operation that included partially bulldozing his home. During this search, authorities uncovered a bunker-like concrete structure beneath the property, where Sparks was reportedly hiding. Bags of evidence, including human remains, were recovered from under the home, according to a Facebook post by the Redlands Police Department.

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The search for additional evidence continued into the weekend. Police first became aware of the Menards’ disappearance on August 25, when the couple's car was discovered unlocked and abandoned down the road from their home. Their small white Shih Tzu, Cuddles, was also missing.

The investigation initially focused on finding the missing couple but shifted toward Michael Sparks after receiving a tip that he might be involved. Police attempted to make contact with Sparks over several hours, but he did not respond. Consequently, a police armored vehicle was used to breach his property, and a search was conducted using remote video equipment. Sparks was eventually found hiding under his home and was arrested later that evening.

During a news conference on Friday, police revealed that Sparks had been uncooperative but “surrendered voluntarily” after negotiations. Authorities have yet to determine a motive for the alleged murders.

Michael Sparks has been charged with the murders of Stephanie and Daniel Menard and is currently being held at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga, California. It remains unclear whether he has legal representation.

Olive Dell Ranch, the nudist resort where the Menards and Sparks resided, is described on its website as a residential RV park and a family-friendly nudist community.

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