A neighbor of a California couple who disappeared last weekend from a nudist resort outside Los Angeles has been charged with murder.
City of Redlands spokesman Carl Baker told reporters Friday that search dogs were searching for the bodies of Stephanie and Daniel Menard at Olive Dell Ranch in Colton following the arrest of 62-year-old Michael Sparks.
“We believe they are deceased and still on the property,” Baker said. “We believe their bodies are on the property.”
Baker added that Sparks was found hiding under a home Thursday night after not responding to police for several hours. According to the Redlands Police Department, officers eventually entered Sparks' home and “suffered significant damage and will need to secure the structure prior to search crews entering.”
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Michael Sparks, 62, is charged with the murders of Daniel Menard, 79, and Stephanie Menard, 73. (Redlands Police Department)
Investigators said the Menards were reported missing by a friend on Sunday and were last seen at their resort home on Saturday.
“The Menards' unlocked vehicle was found in the roadway near their home that same day. Stephanie Menard's purse was found inside the home, along with her and Daniel's cell phones,” the Redlands Police Department said in a statement. “The Menards' small white Shih Tzu, Cuddles, is also missing.”
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According to police, the Menards were last seen on Saturday, August 24. Daniel was 79 and Stephanie was 73, according to the Los Angeles Times. (Redlands Police Department)
Tammy Wilkerson, who KABC identified as a friend of the couple, told the station, “There's no way Stephanie or Dan would walk away from the car.”
“She has her cane, which was at home, her purse, her phone – all things you wouldn't leave at home,” Wilkerson added.
Sparks is currently being charged with murder. The motive for the murder is unclear.
Olive Dell Ranch describes itself on its website as “Southern California's favorite nudist resort for families and couples.”
The Redlands Police Department said the Menards' dog, Cuddles, has never been found. (Redlands Police Department)
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“It's an ideal place to enjoy the nudist/naturist lifestyle, whether for a day trip or overnight stay,” the description adds.
