Police Arrest Michael Sparks in Connection with Elderly Couple’s Murder
California police have arrested 62-year-old Michael Sparks, suspecting him of killing elderly couple Stephanie Menard, 73, and Daniel Menard, 79. The couple was reported missing from Olive Dell Ranch, a nudist resort in Redlands, after being last seen at their home.
The Menards were reported missing by a friend last Sunday, and authorities launched an investigation. The couple’s car was found abandoned on August 25, and their small dog, a white Shih Tzu named Cuddles, was also missing. Investigators later received a tip that led them to Sparks, who lived as their neighbor at the resort.
On Thursday, after lengthy negotiations, Sparks was arrested following a search of his property, where police partially bulldozed his home to access a hidden bunker-like concrete structure. They found evidence, including human remains, beneath the house. These remains were sent to the San Bernardino County Coroner’s Office for identification and analysis.
While Sparks did not initially cooperate, he was arrested and taken into custody after negotiating with police. He has been charged with the murders of the Menards. Authorities have yet to disclose a motive for the crime and continue to search for additional evidence.
At the time of his arrest, police had not confirmed whether Sparks had legal representation. The couple and the suspect all resided at Olive Dell Ranch, described on the resort’s website as a family-friendly nudist park and residential RV community. The investigation into the case is ongoing.
