Shocking Arrest: Man Accused of Killing Elderly Couple at California Nudist Resort!
A man has been charged with murder in connection with the deaths of a California couple who were last seen at their nudist resort. San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson announced the charges in a news conference on Tuesday.
Michael Royce Sparks, 62, faces two counts of murder related to the deaths of Daniel and Stephanie Menard, aged 79 and 73. The Menards had been missing since August 24 from their home at the Olive Dell Ranch resort in San Bernardino County. Police found human remains underneath Sparks’ house after his arrest last week, which followed a tense standoff.
Authorities believe these remains belong to the Menards, who were Sparks’ neighbors. “We know they’re dead, and we know there’s two victims,” Anderson stated, explaining the basis for the charges.
Sparks is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday and is currently being held without bail. No information yet is available on Sparks’ legal representation or family.
Redlands Police Chief Rachel Tolber revealed that a relative of Sparks played a crucial role in his capture. Before Sparks’ arrest, a family member informed the police that he was involved in the Menards’ disappearance. This relative also mentioned that Sparks had confessed to killing the couple and was threatening suicide.
Tolbert noted that the initial call from Sparks’ family was instrumental in directing the investigation toward him. Officials have not provided a motive for the killings, and Anderson indicated that the murders did not appear to be premeditated.
The Menards were reported missing after a friend noticed their absence from a regular Sunday church service. Their dog, Cuddles, a white Shih Tzu, is still missing.
Irene Engkraf, who contacted the police about the Menards, reported seeing their car abandoned nearby. When she used a spare key to enter their home, she found Stephanie’s purse and both of their phones, prompting her to alert authorities.
A tip from Sparks’ family led police to lockdown the resort, as it was suspected that Sparks could be armed and barricaded. Officers used a battering ram and drone to search his property.
They eventually located Sparks hiding in a concrete space beneath his mobile home, which was about five feet deep. To reach him, officers had to remove part of the house’s front wall.
When Sparks was found, he was armed and attempted to harm himself with a gun that misfired. After extensive negotiations, Sparks surrendered to the authorities.
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The day after his arrest, firefighters and cadaver dogs discovered human remains under Sparks’ home. The search was challenging due to the condition of the property, which required heavy equipment to clear debris and ensure safety. Tolber has not shared additional details about the remains but assured that there is no indication of other victims.